Latest Tonsils Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/oral-cancer/tonsils-cancer/1,0,119,25,47.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Today is Thursday, July 17.  I start on monday with my first dose of chemo (Cissplatin), a dose of Erbitux and then my first dose of radiation.  There will be seven weeks of radiation, monday-Friday with two treatments every Thursday.  I had my loading dose of Erbitux last Tuesday and get a maintainence dose every Monday.  The team here seems very dedicated and have everything well planned out pretty well.  I am going through the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY.  Since I have never experienced this before, I sure hope this is a good plan they have set up for me.  Any thing i should know ?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26180,0.htm markarja Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT My partner is currently well into his treatment for stage IV tonsil cancer and has gone through 9 weeks of chemo and is on his sixth week of seven weeks of radiation.  He is fighting a constant battle between managing the pain and the nausea that the pain meds cause. So far, we've gone through 3 types of pain meds (morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl) and 3 anti-nausea (compazine, zofran, and reglin).  Although the pain meds cause him almost constant nausea that is barely controlled, the real sticking point is that the phlem that builds up in his throat is so thick that it gags him and causes him to throw up.  This happens about once a day on his current oxycodone with compazine and zofran.  the fentanyl was much worse and the morphine wound him up so bad that he didn't sleep of 36 hours.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26077,0.htm Tobias Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone -I have been lurking for about 5 weeks since my husband first heard the initial diagnosis of tonsil cancer.  After two biopsies, things are finally starting to become clear.  We don't have all the details yet, but the guess is T2a N2 and the rest to be discovered.  You have been my life raft already.  By reading all of your posts, I have known what to do, despite a very lacadaisical and disorganized ENT.  for instance my husband has had weeks of dental work to do, and without all of you I would not have known we needed to do that first, and treatment would have been delayed even further. THANK YOU!Anyhow, we have final met with the radiation Dr.  Have appts. for his PeT and CAT scan on Wed.  We still need to meet with the medical oncologist. With this limited info, it looks like he will have 20 sessions of M-F radiation treatments on his right tonsil and nodes, then 8 sessions of 2 times a day.  The medical oncologist will tell us how much chemo.We own a very small business, and my husband has always been very physical. By what we've read, he might be able to keep that up for the first two weeks, but after that it will probably be too much for him. Being laid up is going to be difficult for him, so I am trying to think of what he can do, weeks 3 -? so he can remain a part of everything. Do you think on average, he would still be able to work on his laptop in bed.  He loves working on our website and making videos - perhaps this would be a way he could pass the time.  Do you all think this is a reasonable goal? Any help you all can give in helping us understand how this journey will progress is greatly appreciated. Best, Lee Anne        http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,26052,0.htm LeeAnneFlies Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3 or 4 weeks since husband has finished up his chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Keeps complaining of heavy mucus. Sounds awful! Keeps trying to cough it up. Tryed to give him expectorant,,that dr suggested, but he won't take it. Say's it hurts to swallow. He's on a feeding tube. Dr told him to try and start eating something now. Lot's of pain. Any ideas? Help,frustrated wife http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25900,0.htm michael55 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  Just recently diagnosed with tonsil cancer.  Starting treatment soon with radiation/chemo.  Possibly able to participate in study with Erbitux but not too sure about a couple of the side effects.  Is it worth taking this drug?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25798,0.htm markarja Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had radiation treatment 2.5 years ago for right tonsil cancer.  I still have pain in the throat, sometimes worse than other times.  Has anyone else had this problem? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25156,0.htm Kwanyin Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT does taste return and if so, how soon? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24694,0.htm mmmr08 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband recently had his right tonsil removed and diagnosed with cancer from the tonsil that spread to his lymph nodes. The cancer was in the tonsil and some on the outside which required removing some of the muscle tissue from the inside of his throat. He is scheduled for chemo and radiation within the next week/two. Can anyone give me advise on questions I should be asking, what I should be anticipating, information I should reading, etc. This came as such a shock and continues to shock us daily. My husband is riding a roller coaster as far as his moods go and I think a lot of that has to do with some statistics he has hard about this being a cancer that is 50% survival rate within a 5 year period.Any input/advise would be so greatly appreciated. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24390,0.htm Virginia Sailfish Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Husband says everything tastes like cardboard or windex.I have everything ! Feel like my kitchen has become a labratory. Not to mention how full my garbage can has become with the rejected experiments. Must be something that he can get down. HELP! Trying to avoid the feeding tube.Crazy Cook http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24158,0.htm michael55 Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I am getting conflicting doctor opinions on the feeding tube.  I will begin treatment in a couple weeks for radiation only on my right side of the neck and tonsil area for 15 to 20 minutes.  The Radiation Oncologist really doesn't think I will need the feeding tube.  He said 2 of his patients are having a lot of problems with theirs, and my left throat will not be affected with radiation.  I am thin, but always have been thin, 5'6" normally weighing 120 Ibs., now weigh 113 after surgery and lack of exercise.   Have you been ok without the feeding tube? Thank you for your input. -Marilyn  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23828,0.htm dock2bay Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I had tonsil cancer surgery and left neck regional neck disection at age 52 3 weeks ago. (stage 3) I have had geographic toungue (fungus on tongue) for 6 years.  I feel I was vitamin D/calcium deficient and so after the cancer surgery I started taking 4,000 iu of D and 1200 mg of calcium and a multivitamin each day and my geographic toungue went away.  I work inside and don't get much sun light (source of vitamin D).Question:  Did anyone else with tonsil cancer feel it is due to low vitamin D and calcium?  Question:  In research I found it could be partially due to oral sex (with my wife).  80 percent of adults have the HPV-16 virus that is associated with non-smoker cancer (I don't smoke), and the cancer is a rare complication of having the virus.  Maybe the rare complication is when you have low vitamin D/calcium.  Does this scenario fit anyone else?   4 times more men get tonsil cancer than women. thanks and may God heal our cancers! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23721,0.htm kancer Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,, I'm new here and I was looking for other survivors of cancer of the tonsil.  I still have a lot of after effect or radiation damage that I have to deal with every day.  I'm on a permanent feeding tube since 2001 because my oesophagus is permanently shut.  the GI DOC tried to do a scope a couple of years ago but couldn't get in.  But the feeding tube is only one of my problems from radiation damage.  anyway,  I don't want to scare people who are just starting.   Cancer treatment has greatly improved since '93.  Write me if there is another long-term survivor or if you need advice. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23598,0.htm laurena Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT just diagnosed with tonsil cancer stage4. they think it spread =( she has to do chemo/rad. 5x a week for 7 weeks! and a feeding tube! im so scared. my occupation is being a caregiver to the elderly and i take care of ppl w.cancer and that have feeding tubes. i just could never imagin my MOM! shes 46. been a smoker her whole life. drank too. not healthy. what do i do? how do i deal without going crazy? i have visions in my head of how sick she'll be. i cant see her go through this. i cant. please someone out there dealing or been through the same - please talk to me, im in desperate need. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23586,0.htm Rachel88 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My fiance had one cancerous tonsil removed; no other throat/tongue/etc. involvement, but the lymph node in his neck is very large, and it took months of different doctors to finally diagnose correctly. He is in a fine hospital in Galveston, and I am in Philadelphia, and cannot be with him on a daily basis for his treatment (long story).He begins radiation on Monday 5/4, with chemo as well. The doctors have told him to expect a possible feeding tube and a "rough time." But nobody actually SAYS what he will be facing. What is it really like? What are the side effects and symptoms? I am crazed at the thought that I cannot be there with him every minute.Can somebody please tell me the truth of what is facing him? I can take it--not knowing is worse.My prayers to everyone on these boards, you have already helped so much.Calyndula http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23541,0.htm calyndula Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband finally had his last rad treatment last Monday.  He was losing a pound a day for the last 2 weeks.  During all the surgeries and treatment he has lost probably 30 pounds all together.  I have been concerned about it, but he gets very testy if I say anything.  He has been very lucky because he can still eat -- yea, no feeding tube.  His neck was severly burned, but after they silvadine cream it is looking much, much better.  He is now on the road to complete recovery.  The doctor said within 2 week he should feel appreciably better.  He was going to go back to work on May 3, (he is a nurse) but the doctor said no that that would be too soon.  We have had a lot of "together" time and sometimes it got very close, but we made it through and did not harm one another (te hee).  I just thank God that everything came out as well as it did-- it could have been a very serious situation (as it was it was very serious).  I wish all of you good luck in your treatments.  I will be checking back to view the messages and reply if I think my input will help. Oh and by the way, we have had about all the mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, sauces, gravies, and soups we think we can stand.  He cannot really taste anything, but he said the protein shakes still taste the same -- crummy!  Hopefully his tastebuds will return one of these days. Good Luck to All! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23151,0.htm sula11 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi I turned 45 the day after i was diagnosed. I have 3/4" tumor on left tonsil, 4-5 lymph nodes same side, and on very large infected lymph on rt. side. surgeon has decided them to large and wants to start radiation and chemo right away, before surgery. I'm wondering about a second opinion option but i want to don't wnt to wait any longer to get treatment under way. any suggestions from anyone would be helpful to me.thanks, young wm.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23141,0.htm youngwm Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi my name is TonyI was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of my left tonsil September 2007, I had neck dissection surgery first with 30 lymph nodes removed but only 1 with cancer. In late October I started radiotherpy with 35 treatments and went through it relatively well compared to a lot of other people but it was still no walk in the park, lost weight etc but I feel really good now.I had a CT scan 1 week ago and the report came back with a suspicious thickening behind the tongue and next monday I go into hospital for the day and my specialist will use a scope and biospy will be taken.I suspect the radiation did not kill the tumour or it has spread to some other part of my throat, I asked my specialist what was next if it did not kill the tumour he said most likely more radiation and probably chemo this time.A bit nervous and worried but will post outcome of biospy next weekRegards Tony http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23068,0.htm tonyva Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone, Seems like the last messages on this type of cancer are from 2007. How are your recoveries going?My husband has cancer in the left tonsil, stage two. He just finished 6 weeks of radiation and 3 rounds of chemo with cicplatin. Last dose of both was two days ago. Doctors said radiation is aimed only at the left side, so his salivary glands on the right will be saved. Right now his mouth is in bad shape. Radiation oncologist said "looks like a hand granade went off in there". He's very bothered by the thick saliva. He has a PEG tube that's used for all feeding and most hydration. He does sip on water throughout the day.I like to know what to expect in the weeks and months to come. How soon after last treatment did you go back to work? Any advice would be great! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22689,0.htm Zeebra Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT   Hi, I am another unlucky in Viet Nam Survivor. I have or had cancer in my right tonsil . Went through 39 radiation treatments and I forget how many chemo. I now have to go for hyperbaric chamber sessions for a month to try and heal an ulcer on my voice box and a bare jaw bone thats infected, thanks to radiation. There is a 50/50 chance that cancer is still involved, and the doctors say if there is one cell of cancer it will go like wildfire. My other choices were live like this, can't swallow, live on a feeding tube like I am doing now. Have an operation and remove my voice box and half my jaw bone and the good Lord only knows what else. Would like to know if any one else has gone through this? I was in Chu-Lai from' 65 to' 66 and other places from DaNang on up. I filed and of course got shot down for Agent Orange. I am not giving up because I can't  under stand how cancer can travel all the way to your prostrate, Lungs and whatever and skip over your tonsils! Well I would like any and all responces to keep my sanity.   Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22561,0.htm Bojoni Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Husband has been diagnosised with cancer of the right tonsil last month., has had to chemo treatments, preparing for radiation. In search of alternative treatments, perhaps herbal, homeopathic. Any ideas? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22469,0.htm michael55 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband has had only 2 chemotherapy treatments so far for his tonsil cancer. Now they are preparing for radiation. Can you have chemo and radiation therapy at the same time? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22468,0.htm michael55 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone,I am new to this so please bear with me. Last Tuesday my husband, who has never been sick a day of his life) has been diagnosed with  tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.  Within the last two weeks a large mass became visable on the left side of his throat. The ENT did a fine needle aspiration biopsy and followed by a PET scan, which showed the tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with regional scattering around to the right side of his neck. The Dr. told us he wanted to A.S.A.P. do sugery this week, followed by approximately six-weeks of radiation.  Now , today Tuesday a week later we finally heard from his nurse that they have scheduled surgery in two weeks on a Friday!......The doctor who is to assist him is out of town this week and so therefore, next week it is.  The nurse said the Dr. was very busy, and I have had some very good reports on him, but my concern is what he initially told us, and now surgery is scheduled in TWO weeks!.  My husband called the Dr. at home last night at his home and asked him to call him last night or today, beacuse he wants to discuss this situation. I guess where I am going with this is, considering his diagonsis, should we consider a cancer Dr. in Dallas or stay where we are, and just really how serious is this?  The Dr. lead us to belive it was very serious. Now, I have forgotten to mention that the PET scan showd no metases to his larynx, thyroid, lungs, or liver.  What should we think/do/ ask? I am just so upset.  We do have a large support base ...family and our churche, also other area churches, plus people from California to Florida praying for us.  We live in a town of about 28,000 people and have a large cancer center here, because for some reason, we have a large ratio of cancer in our county.Please, someone respond quicklu. Thank you so much and blessings to everyone on this board. Like said ealier, I have never had to do this before and I need people's input that are here and have been here. Linda http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22315,0.htm Lindalb Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for the tips on the diet, I was diagniosed with SCC of the right tonsil in Jan 08, had the tonsillectomy and radical neck dissection....and Start my Amophostine and radiation the first of april....I started laying away glutamine and protien, for shakes and smoothies...pudding and other soft low salt and no acid foods.... http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22284,0.htm BradnOhio Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband just got done with his second round of chemo . Has a home pump which is cool. He dose'nt have to stay in hospital for chemo. My question is ,He's hungry but he feels full from chemo I guess. Plus he says nothing tastes good. all his farvorites taste yek! I'l going crazy trying to make him something he'll eat. Last night almost threw a plate of food at him! Any ideas?Thanks,Frustrated Cook http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22237,0.htm michael55 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'm a male, 55 years old. Non smoker Drink beer once in a while, abt 1 or 2 a month.I found a lump on the left side of my neck in January this year.  They removed my left lymph node which was found to be Stage III cancer.  The ENT said that cancer does not start in your lymph node so he would have to start looking for the primary source.  He referred me to a DR at the Eastern Virginia Medical College.  I was scheduled to have them perform a biopsy/removal of my tonsils.It was found that my left tonsil was cancer.  Plan of action is to have radiation/chemo treatments as soon as I get cleared from the dentist.My boss went on a rant about doing this type of treatment but in the end my wife and I have decided to go with the treatments.  Mind you I am a little scared about the ill effects of the treatment. God will see me through.  Any helpful suggestions would be tremedous.  Thanks and I wish this was one club I was not part of.Also does anyone out there know if this could be a possible effect from Vietnam War Agent Orange? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22135,0.htm bbedw23502 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT