Newly diagnosed and scared: How did you cope?

I am a bit over 8 years out from stage IV and I’m 62 now.
Though I have many disabling side effects I’m still alive!
Make sure you’re open with your care team about your stress, I kept my personal feelings to myself and I really shouldn’t have.
If you develop Tinnitus after your first round of Cisplatin tell your care team …I didn’t say anything and now I’m battling tinnitus and chronic migraines for over 8 years now.
I can pm you with a complete run down if you like?
Keep the faith and fight the good fight!

MOJO

I know the routine is not fun and it will most likely get worse before it gets better. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel! Have faith in the process. I’m living testimony that it works! You’ll get your life back! Lean on friends, family, and whatever you believe in to get you through (in my case faith in God).

Hi. I am going through a similar protocol for thyroid cancer, left behind on my trachea. 6 weeks radiation. 1 day a week, chemo. I am in week 2. So far ok.
Thankful we have a way to kill cancer.

Meh indeed. In the coming weeks it may be a little more bothersome. On a scale of one to Adele, in the coming weeks you might be approaching the Adele sadness level. But fear not, we gotcha. Whine if you want to. Scream if you need to. Look forward to Spring.

Meh. Getting used to the routine and the side effects. One day at a time! (5 more infusions and 31 more radiation treatments) but who's counting? 😀

How are you doing so far? I’ll be keeping you in my prayers tonight. Kick cancer’s ass!!!!!!!

@stephenrfleury Thanks so much for sharing. Very good "non-advice" advice. Some I'd heard, much I hadn't. Peace be with you.

@jkhagen1.I have posted this a number of times, but folks seem to feel it is of value. So here it is again.

I had SCC on the base of my tongue and a couple of lymph nodes in the fall of 2020. I had chemo and proton radiation, since have had multiple cleans scans.

I wrote a blog during my experience (non-revenue generating) if you would like to review it, the link/URL is below. My wife, Suzy, wrote a wonderfully insightful post called lists and non-advice advice.
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2021/01/05/lists-and-non-advice-advice/
You can read the entire blog at:
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2020/10/29/part-1-the-beginning/

@4dogsrental, if you would like me to change your username, send me a note using this form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

Hi Julie,

The Mayo Head & Neck Support Group (which meets once a month) and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) were helpful support groups during my journey. It was nice to share with others who understood my situation during my treatments and recovery.

Best of Luck!
Eric