How can I be a supportive caregiver? HPV Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Posted by chapmanswife @chapmanswife, Mar 2, 2017

Hi my husband is just in the diagnosis stage of what two doctors believe is HPV 16 Squamous Cell Carcinoma. His biopsy was reviewed then sent to the Mayo clinic for further review. Now we wait... but while we wait.. how does everyone deal with friends and family who mean well, but are hurtful when they tell me to " buck up" and get through this! I feel like I am doing the very best I can right now to not completely lose my mind. Waiting is complete torture!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 22, 2017

@chapmanswife Hello Sandy, I've been thinking about you and your husband. I hope you are doing well and getting some answers. Teresa

nonita | @nonita | May 25, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @chapmanswife, Just thought I would check in. How are you and your husband doing?" + (show)

Collen could you please tell me why there are no posts after April 2017. Is this group finished?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 26, 2019

In reply to @nonita "Collen could you please tell me why there are no posts after April 2017. Is this..." + (show)

Hi @nonita, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
Sometimes discussions go dormant for a time. However, by posting your questions here the discussion can be reanimated. While we wait for others to re-join the conversation, why don't you tell me a bit more about you? Have you or someone you care for been diagnosed with HPV Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

jimssister | @jimssister | Jul 2, 2019

In reply to @chapmanswife "Thank you! We have been told its in the right lymph node in his neck, but..." + (show)

My brother has tonsil Squamous cell cancer also. He is doing well. We are in the process of being evaluated to see about lymph node dissection. He had his tonsil removed a little over a month ago. he did Ok with it. I helped him with pain management and eating, which was a challenge. This is a very difficult thing to face.

jimssister | @jimssister | Jul 2, 2019

In reply to @nonita "Collen could you please tell me why there are no posts after April 2017. Is this..." + (show)

Nonita, I hope you are still involved in the group. I just joined. I am support for my brother who is stage 2 tonsillar squamous cell. Post surgery. Awaiting eval for lymph node dissection.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 29, 2019

Hi all,
On Friday, August 2 at 9 a.m. CT, we doing a virtual Q&A with Dr. Eric Moore, head and neck surgeon, and Dr. Daniel Ma, radiation oncology, about the rising tide of HPV associated head and neck cancers. See more information and signup here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-hpv-associated-head-and-neck-cancer/

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 29, 2019

In reply to @jimssister "My brother has tonsil Squamous cell cancer also. He is doing well. We are in the..." + (show)

@jimssister How is your brother doing?

Maureen, Alumna Mentor | @alpaca | Jul 29, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi all, On Friday, August 2 at 9 a.m. CT, we doing a virtual Q&A with..." + (show)

That sounds very interesting, Colleen. They are talking here about an increase that is "acclerating". It is indeed a rising tide. Fortunately the treatments are curative but also very gruelling. And we need to raise awareness and advocate for early detection.