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Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Sep 21 5:27pm | Replies (538)Comment receiving replies
Hi Erika, my story is similar. I had a bump on my neck which was eventually diagnosed as HPV+ SCC. The lymph nodes were at level 2. I also had no obvious primary but the tonsils drain to that area of the lymph nodes so a biopsy of my left tonsil confirmed a small primary tumor there. This was in December 2022. Since then I’ve had two surgeries and am now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. I was also told the prognosis is very good for HPV+ cancer as it responds to treatments better than HPV- cancers. There is a blood test called NavDX that detects HPV+ tumor cells in your blood. Ask your doctors about it. I had a positive score before surgery and after surgery the tests detected no circulating tumor cells at all. I’m receiving radiation and chemo to make sure no microscopic cancer cells spread anywhere else. It’s a long process and I recommend finding a comprehensive cancer center to be treated at. They will coordinate your care and all your treatments. God bless you and stay positive as you will beat this.
Replies to "Hi Erika, my story is similar. I had a bump on my neck which was eventually..."
Thank you for replying. I had my tonsils removed in march of 21. When they diagnosed me with this they took a look back at my pathology report for tonsils, and it was clear. before this surgery i had 3 large lumps in my neck. The removed one fully and i do believe the other 2 are in there still. I will ask my doctors about what you suggest, ty. I am just hoping that the cancer hasnt spread to my cervix, or maybe it came from there, i have no idea. Im thinking my radiology appointment is going to talk about my treatment options. And i really hope i find out more answers. I have to wait until 4-10 for those appointments and the wait is driving me insane.
Again, ty for replying and I wish you the best of luck with your treatment plan. I will send good vibes your way as I dont believe in a higher power. Thank you.
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Hi! My bf had a similar diagnosis and surgery as well. He also had a negative result with the blood test. His doctors seem to be on the fence about any further treatment. I’m curious as to what benefits the radiation and chemo treatments provide. Did the doctors give you a choice to undergo further treatment just to be sure? Did they talk about percentages etc?