Squamous Carcinoma Cell Cancer In Right Tonsil

Hi all,

 I have been reading some of your messages and am getting both relieved and horrified at the same time.  I had my right tonsil and extensive margins removed March 23.  They found the stage 2 cancer  in right tonsil only and will be sending me for a Pet scan to look at an enlarged lymph node on the left side of my neck.  The Oncologist did not like how much weight I lost during the surgery.  I only weigh 115 lbs and am 5' 6 1/2".  I have gained 2 lbs, was 113 lbs.  I think he is afraid of what the radiation might do.  I agrred to have a PEG tube put in before.  Frankly, I am really afraid of all of this.  I keep getting nauseous just thinking about it.  Wish I could be more positive!  I am even reading "A New Earth" by Eckard Toole.  Seems to work for awhile, and then I just feel like doomsday!  Any advice on how to get through all this?  I have my first appointment with the radiologist this week.  Thanks!

 Sincerely,

Marilyn 

 Hi Marilyn,

I hope  I can help.  I was diagnosed w/squamous cell carcinoma Stage4tonsil on 10-11-07,while still breastfeedling my 11 month old son.  Of course I had to stop breastfeeding,which was traumatic on top of everything else.  I was advised to have all my teeth pulled, which I did, insert a peg tube, which I did..  I then started chemo and radiation therapy.Three doses of hihgpowered chemo and about 36 treatments of radiation  everyday.  I fininshed radiation on 1-14-08.  I now weigh 111 lbs, where my normal weight is about 130-140,and have been eating nothing but liquid nutrution.  For the last two months, I have begun trying to swallow again, which is kind of different. I'm doing okay,but they are going to schedule me for a  swallowing test and probably speech therapy just to get me swallowing better. There is so much more I want to say to you, but I will leave you with this: This was a very hard road, and it is still continuing, but my faith in God, my conversations with Jesus, and him carrying me is what got me through...with the exceptional help of my kids and amazing friends....but there will be times when you won't want to talk to anyone or see anyone,so rely on your faith....You will be good....Of course you are going to freak out..initially, but it will all come out ok..

Just know that there are other people out here who have gone through similar experiences...and knowing that and reading these blogs helped me tremendously not to overreact...and to know someone knew how I was feeling...

Good Luck...Hope to hear from you soon and I will pray for you  

Cheryll

On 5/4/2008 Girlcat36 wrote:

Hi, I am eleven months out from 35 rad treatments, and 3 high doses of Cisplatin for stage 2 tonsil cancer. I chronicalled my treatment and recovery on a website. PM me if you want the link or have any other questions! I would be glad to help you!

Yes,  PLEASE do send me your website! I am so glad that you kept notes on your journey, which must of been tough. This will help many people going on the road that you have tread.

 I should be hearing back on the results of the PET scan soon and start treatment this month.  As it is, I have had thrush from day 1 after surgery.  Not fun.  

 Respectively,

 Marilyn