Throat Cancer Support Group

is what I wish my doctor would have done instead of telling me I had throat cancer last Friday.

Like most of us, Im scared, pissed off and determined to beat this. I'm 64 years old and in general good health. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, spent 25 years in the U.S. Army, 3 combat tours in Vietnam, and made 214 parachute jumps. I'm a survivor and plan to survive this. I have a loving wife, a supportive family and an excellent team at Johns Hopkins helping me.

I haven't yet begun treatment, but I know I have a rough road ahead. Monday a PET scan, May 19th a biopsy, submandibular gland relocation (salivary gland so radiation doesn't kill it), and PEG procedure (still trying to figure out how to stuff a Big Mac through a feeding tube).

Radiation 5 days a week, combined with chemo one day per week. Yuk.

Lord willing, I plan to work as often as I can; I'm a commercial real estate broker so my hours are flexible.

I am looking forward to sharing on this site and providing support to others when needed. I welcome any comments, observations or just a "Hi, I'm here for you" from any of you.

BrooklynGuy

I see that you had submandibular gland relocation. I was treated for stage 3 tonsilar cancer Jan - Mar 2011 and have damage to my salivary glands. I wasn't aware of gland relocation surgery. Could you tell me more about it.

As for my treatment, I had 35 rational treatments (Mon - Frid) over 35 weeks with weekly chemo. Had a feeding tube, but was able to take Carnation Very High Calorie Breakfast drink orally thoughout the treatment and didn't have to use the feeding tube. Howver, 8 months after end of treatment, I'm still not able to eat regular food and am subsisting on the Carnation formula because of lack of saliva and heavy mucous. I'm still hopeful that saliva glands will improve to the point that I can take regular food. However it appears I could have avoided this after effect if I'd had the gland relocation. Therefore would appreciate knowing morfe about it.

I failed to mention that the treatments were successful. The tumor on my tonsil and the 2 smaller tumors in my neck near thne lymph glands are gone and my last 2 PET/CT scans were all clear.

I finished radiation Therapy the 16th of June 2011, my onc was careful to radiate below my salivary glands so they were not affected by the treatments. I was also extremely lucky to have the the new Tomo machine at the facility where I was being treated. I followed their rules carefully on taking care of the skin on my neck during treatment. My last scan came back pretty good. They are hoping the small bit left will be taken care of by my immune system. I also had a feeding tube, you will be glad to have it, although I pushed through the pain and ate as normal as possible during treatment, I just made sure the foods I ate were soft and easy to swallow. My voice went away about 3 weeks into treatment and I have been working hard to get it back to normal.

hello, when my husband was diagagnosed with stage four squamous cell carsinoma of the throat we were so scared and unsure of what we would be facing it was a godsend to find a forum like this one to help guide our journey. although each experience is unique to the individuals involved, it is so cathartic to hear what others have gone throughas far as treatments emotions, tips etc. tho the prognosis was grim for my husband, he is an 6 yr cancer free survivor! there is hope, and if i can enlighten you on whats ahead, and it is rough, i will be glad to share our journey with you. keep a positive attitude and god bless!

hello, i am also in the squamous cell carsinoma support group. my story is there if you would like to check it out. can you tell me his story? i'd sure be interested in hearing about it. is he still able to talk? etc. gosh, it sure is good to hear from someone.