Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 13, 2017

Welcome to the Head and Neck Cancer group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are living with head and neck cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share experiences from diagnosis through treatment and coping with symptoms and recovery challenges.

As you know, head and neck cancer is the general term for a broad group of cancers that begin in the head and neck region. This include oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer, salivary gland cancer, squamous cell neck cancer or ameloblastoma.

Let’s get to know one another. Why not start by introducing yourself? What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with?

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

lyndal | @lyndal | 3 days ago

I had oral cancer in gums and bone. Had surgery May 23. Transplant skin and bone from leg into mouth.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | 2 days ago

In reply to @lyndal "I had oral cancer in gums and bone. Had surgery May 23. Transplant skin and bone..." + (show)

Welcome to Connect @lyndal. My father had that same surgery back in the early 90s when it was considered a new procedure. He recovered well from it, but it was a tough time. Others on this link have also had that surgery if you check through the list. Do you have a stomach tube for nutrition or are you able to take liquids and soft diet orally? I don't remember how long my dad had his stomach tube after surgery. Will you have any followup radiation or chemo?
I have metastatic squamous cell carcinoma but from ear canal origin, not oral. For 12 years I have had treatment at Mayo Clinic Rochester MN and feel blessed to be alive today. My last met was treated with a newer immunotherapy drug infusions for two years and has been controlled for 3 years now. There are new treatments now that were not available 30 years ago for my dad.
How is your recovery going?

lyndal | @lyndal | 2 days ago

In reply to @sepdvm "Welcome to Connect @lyndal. My father had that same surgery back in the early 90s when..." + (show)

Hi Sue, my surgery was May 23. Had a trach and tube feed in nose. Was in the hospital for 10 days and they removed both before I went home. No feed tube now. I am able to drink liquids and soft diet, but the skin flap on left side of mouth is huge and not comfortable. They removed my teeth on lower jaw and put in a titanium plate. That isn't comfortable either. Pluse no sensation as they cut into nerve, but some is slowly coming back. Will be starting 5 weeks of radiation on July 2. Had a follow up appointment today and doctor said the flap should go down a lot after radiation. In the meantime it's uncomfortable and annoying, but I guess I have to be patient. And am truly grateful for a new chance at life. I am 69. Thank you for your welcome to group. I live in Canada.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 13 hours ago

In reply to @ewilde "Hi Barry, I am in Florida also. I had both tonsils removed, a portion of my..." + (show)

Welcome, @ewilde. How are your eating issues now?

lilypilly | @lilypilly | 11 hours ago

Hi Allison is my name. I was diagnosed with basenif tongue and lymph node cancer. I just celebrated my 60th birthday and recently retired. So this is a real curve ball on my future. I would appreciate any support this group can offer. Thank you