CancerCompass message board discussion started by RiSikors on 1/5/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19400,0.htm Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ In June 2007 while being treated for Oral Lichen Plantis (autoimmune disease) I asked for a biopsy of a hard painful sore on my tongue. It came back malignant. I was then scheduled for consult with a ENT specialist who scheduled me for surgery. The tumor was removed in July 2007. I was told that the radiation couldn't proceed until all of my dental work was complete as the radiation would cause any bad teeth or gum disease to complicate therapy. I was very upset about this because I felt the cancer should be the first priority. In the end, I had to get a certificate from the dentist that the dental was complete. Before radiation, I received a PET scan which involved a radio active injection mixed with glucose. The science of this test is that any cancer cell or damaged or healing cells in my body is growing faster than all the rest of the normal cells and would readily grab onto the glucose mixture that was now circulating in the blood stream. This test was to show where and what amounts of cancer cells remained after surgery and if metastisis (spreading) had occurred. When the test was analyzed it showed only the location on my tongue where the tumor was removed. I did finally begin the radiation treatments. Six weeks of 30 treatments. Beginning in the first of Sept and ending at the end of Oct. For the next two weeks I was really, really sick. Couldn't eat much and couldn't stay awake more than a couple of hours at a time. I had a follow up examination in Nov (one month after therapy). The Dr. said everything looked good and he was recommending a CT scan of my mouth area in 6 months. The radiation irritated or damaged my thyroid gland and I have to take medication until the cells heal. About a month ago my tongue and lower neck began to swell up real bad again. I have been prescribed steroids and antihistamine until I can be seen by the ENT Dr. to find out about the relapse. I was told that it could take up to 6 months to recover from the radiation therapy. A week after my therapy ended, I discovered many exema sores over my legs and arms. The skin on my lower face and chin looked really scary. It's much better now but still not like it was. Today is Jan. 5th 2008.When we find out we have cancer the next question is how bad, right? These are the things I've been told. Usually oral, tongue cancer isn't detected until the glands of the neck start swelling and get tender. That's why it's so difficult to treat because early detection is past. But it's still very treatable none the less. The higher on the neck involved nodes are located, the less likely of wide spread of disease. The middle to end of tongue tumor location, the less likely of gland involvement. What I went though in the last 6 months was pretty bad but I made it. If I have a recurrance I will do it again. There will be a cancer cure soon. It's about getting from here to there. I've talked to so many cancer survivors with much worse cases than mine. There is a cure in the future. Meanwhile, today was a great day and I'm pretty sure I'll be here tomorrow. I'm very greatful for that....just for now. My best impression to share with anyone having a hard time is try putting the fear behind. Not easy, I know but it sure can mess up the time we have here however long that is.God Bless Rita RiSikors Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT