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← Return to HPV 16 neck journey…
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First off please know that it may be a rough journey, but YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! My journey started October of 2023 with what I thought was a swollen gland on the left side of my neck. First trip to regular doctor, then to ENT for biopsy and it came back cancer, SCC caused by HPV 16+. It was in the base of my tongue and several lymph nodes but only stage 1.
Met with Doctors at Mayo in Rochester and they recommended 35 radiation sessions and 7 chemo sessions. Good news out of a bad situation is the treatments had a pretty good record of a cure. That was the most important part for me to remember to be able to get through the treatments, therapies, and side effects.
I had a great team on my side and they certainly helped me get through this. On your journey if you have any concerns at all let your team members know so they can help you.
What ever you have to go through just remember to play your long game and focus on getting this behind you and getting better.
I kept a daily journal that makes interesting reading now, more so as proof of how tough you can be when going through the roughest parts of treatment and realize I CAN DO THIS!!!
Here is wishing you the best outcome!
I just had my 2 year post treatment PET scan and so far I am cancer free!
Replies to "First off please know that it may be a rough journey, but YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!..."
@tractormike Hello and welcome to the head and neck cancer group. Some people join out of curiosity. You joined the hard way. Your insight and input is very much welcome.
I had this fun ride twenty five years ago. Back then the success rate was a bit sketchy. I knew of two people who didn't make it past one year. Now things are much improved with everything from diagnosis, better focused radiation, new drugs, better Chemo, and a lot more experienced clinics dealing with this cancer. In fact, during my time, the discovery of the HPV connection came out in the medical journals during my radiation weeks. This changed treatments radically.
Glad to hear you are over the two year hump. Likely all will be good going forward. I will let you know when the worry about cancer return subsides. I'm still waiting on that day. Again welcome and good healing.
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@tractormike congratulations on a clear scan! Your post is an inspiration to others and the journal is a great idea. I love your positive attitude. I know it will help others.