1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Tumor Lymph node neck still there

Posted by vickie1320 @vickie1320, Aug 30, 2023

Hi, my husband is recovering from radiation & chemo, last treatment a week ago.

I am very concerned about the tumor on his neck because it is still there. It decreased in size from the radiation but it is not gone.

Has anyone had experience with this? He meets with the h&n surgeon in 3 weeks.

Again, thanks you all for the support ❤️

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Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Aug 31, 2023

How do we know the tumor is still there? A PET scan will show scar tissue very similar to cancer tumor for months. If you (he) detects a lump that in itself also is not necessarily anything. The body takes time to heal and get rid of bad tissue bit by bit. The radiation doesn't make the tumor magically disappear, it merely kills the cancer cells. I know he is anxious and certainly anything not right seems like the worst case may be possible, but chances are it is all part of healing. The surgeon seems to not be alarmed if the schedule is for three weeks out. I know the time seems forever. I can pretty much guarantee for the next several years anything that feels out of sorts will be cause for sleepless nights and will later prove to be nothing at all, or at least we hope that's the case. Please try to reassure your husband that it will most likely be alright, that he is healing, and perhaps some birthday cake might be needed for this second chance at life.
Bless you for looking out for him. That makes you an angel on earth just like my wife. I know I wouldn't be here if not for her.

REPLY
1 reply
vickie1320 | @vickie1320 | Sep 1, 2023
In reply to @hrhwilliam "How do we know the tumor is still there? A PET scan will show scar tissue..." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

How do we know the tumor is still there? A PET scan will show scar tissue very similar to cancer tumor for months. If you (he) detects a lump that in itself also is not necessarily anything. The body takes time to heal and get rid of bad tissue bit by bit. The radiation doesn't make the tumor magically disappear, it merely kills the cancer cells. I know he is anxious and certainly anything not right seems like the worst case may be possible, but chances are it is all part of healing. The surgeon seems to not be alarmed if the schedule is for three weeks out. I know the time seems forever. I can pretty much guarantee for the next several years anything that feels out of sorts will be cause for sleepless nights and will later prove to be nothing at all, or at least we hope that's the case. Please try to reassure your husband that it will most likely be alright, that he is healing, and perhaps some birthday cake might be needed for this second chance at life.
Bless you for looking out for him. That makes you an angel on earth just like my wife. I know I wouldn't be here if not for her.

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Thank you William for your support and kind words. I’m not going to worry anymore❤️

REPLY
davehutsell | @davehutsell | Sep 2, 2023

William is right. I had the very similar experiences. Your husband is on the mend. Day by day.

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