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Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 22 hours ago | Replies (503)
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@adriennef

Hello all! I am so excited for this new space for head and neck cancer survivors and caregivers. I'm hopeful that we might support each other as we journey.

I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma ten years ago, at age 24. My dentist found an ulcer under my tongue that looked suspicious. The biopsy was positive. I have had five additional diagnoses/recurrences since then: right neck nodes, floor of mouth, mandible, soft palate, and left neck nodes. I have undergone many different surgeries, chemotherapy (erbitux, cisplatin, taxol, carboplatin), radiation (IMRT and proton-beam), and immunotherapy (PD-L1 inhibitor). I am currently one year cancer-free!

I've learned a lot over the past ten years, and I am hopeful that I might support others as they face diagnoses. I am looking forward to connecting through Mayo Connect!

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Replies to "Hello all! I am so excited for this new space for head and neck cancer survivors..."
Maureen, Alumna Mentor | @alpaca | Nov 13, 2017

You have been through so much, Adrienne. I'll be very interested to hear about the immunotherapy which is just coming into play here in New Zealand. I'm at the other end of the age spectrum but we have lots in common. It's such a difficult cancer that we need the support and understanding of our peers.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Dec 26, 2020

I hope you are continuing to do well. I have had metastatic squamous cell carcinoma for 8.5 years. Multiple surgeries , radiation, and Erbitux have controlled it up to now. Looking at a PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitor. I am wondering how that went for you?

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nmstauffer8 | @nmstauffer8 | Feb 7, 2021

Hi Adrienne, My fiance was diagnosed with squamous keratinizing carcinoma just one week ago. I am on here to help support him by researching from other survivors.

We are getting ready for more meetings this week. They recommended radiation, chemo and surgery and believe it will be 80-85% success rate. We have lots to learn but I have also ready about proton therapy and immunotherapy. Do you have any suggestions around these alternative options?

Thanks in advance!

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