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What is the survival rate for 65 yr Male w/ squamous cell carcinoma
My husband was diagnosed in November of 2022 with left tongue squamous cell carcinoma. He had a partial glossectomy. He was doing great then in last of March he had a lump on his neck and had a PET scan and they discovered the following:
There is a
2.2 cm hypermetabolic lesion in the. left lateral neck at the level of C1-C2 on
image 59 with SUV 5.9. Exact measurement of the lesion is difficult due to
continuity with the surrounding musculature. No additional cervical sites of
increased FDG activity. Postsurgical changes of prior left neck dissection are
noted.
Now we are waiting to find out if they are going to do a surgical biopsy or radiation. What should I be asking and or advocating for my husband. We have been told to try ivermectin as a treatment for cancer, is this a viable solution?
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I went through radiation and chemo about 18 months ago. I too live alone. Am 72 and have my dog living with me. I drove myself to every appointment, to the grocery store and to other appointments. My goal was to eat 6 small meals a day and not lose too much weight. When someone offers to bring you food, accept it even if you can’t eat it. My freezer was full of soup. Load up on gelatin, ice cream and applesauce or anything that you can swallow easily. Attitude goes a long way with this. I had two operations. First was to remove tonsils and do six biopsies in my throat. Second was TORS and lymph node dissection. 18 removed with two cancerous. Ask for the magic mouthwash and stay ahead of the pain. It won’t be your best year but you will get through it.
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3 Reactions@bupster first; remember that everyone is different and treatments affect everyone differently. As for me, I had too much cancer for surgery so I was hit as hard as they could because they said they had one chance to kill it and if they failed the outcome was not good.
I had 35 radiation and 3 rounds of Cisplatin.
Prior to treatments I had to do the following:
Have oral surgeon examine my teeth; he extracted my wisdom teeth, two molars with crowns and two molars with fillings. Then I had to sit idle for 21 days of healing then oral surgeon gave the okay for next steps, which was the following:
1. File for SSDI
2. Meet with general surgeon
3. Surgery to install feeding tube and injection port
4. Get fitted for radiation mask
5. Barium swallow study
6. Tour of treatment areas and instructions as to using the feeding tube.
7. Assigned to nutrition person and instructed as to what I needed to purchase
8. Begin treatment
Radiation was 5 days per week and chemotherapy was once every other week (I think)for 3 rounds and fluids every day during treatment and for several months post treatment.
I was not able to eat by mouth for nearly a year in which I was totally dependent upon the feeding tube.
During all of this time I was on several medications for pain(which included fentanyl), nausea, anxiety etc.
I was able to get off the pain medication much earlier than the care team expected…they made me so tired that I was sleeping all the time.
I had a few PETCT Scans throughout this time as well as weekly scoping.
My dentist fitted me with a fluoride tray so I could treat my teeth daily.
I’m 8 1/2 years out now but I suffer from many after affects: chronic migraine, chronic fatigue, tinnitus from Cisplatin, joint pain, brain fog, dry mouth, tight jaw, swallowing problems, I also think I suffer from PTSD but I have never spoken to anyone about it. Having to go on SSDI was a very difficult thing for me to deal with because I have worked since I was very young.
Anyway, I’m grateful to be ALIVE!
Hope this answered your question.
MOJO
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1 ReactionI hope you feel well enough to do all those things, @bupster. Especially spend some time outside with your dog! I made it a priority to walk with our new dog every day, because nothing makes you feel better than nature. I had half of my face paralyzed from the surgery a month before this treatment started. The tumor involved the facial nerve so a section was removed and then reattached. My appearance kept me at home more than anything else. I was very tired toward the second half of treatment and had to start napping during the day. If you have the energy than you can continue all your activities. I suspect you will be tired, though, at your age. I went through this at 58 and had a lot more energy then. I would look into having a driver if your treatment center is not close by. Having food or prepared meals delivered at the beginning would help you until eating becomes too difficult. Take advantage of anyone who has offered to give you a hand in the past. Now you will appreciate the help. I don't know what I would have done without my recently retired husband/driver/caregiver.
Stock up on some good books for reading. Continue all your daily routines as long as you have the energy. On the days that you don't, listen to your body and rest. Just work hard to take in adequate nutrition and hydration. You feel a lot worse when you are dehydrated. Ask your medical team about community groups who offer support during cancer treatment. Contact them now and don't wait until you are feeling unwell. Good luck on this unwanted journey you are heading into.
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4 ReactionsThank you for your help and advise, it is truly appreciated
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