rmsj717's Journey with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Cavity ...

Although there is a metastasis of a left neck lymph node, it was caught early and I have never been a smoker so the prognosis is very good. I will begin radiation treatments next week and have them Monday through Friday for 7 weeks. I will begin chemotherapy with Carboplatin every Friday. My radiologist and his nurse recommend a feeding tube. My chemotherapy oncologist and I feel it won't be necessary. I am about 40 lbs. overweight and think I can manage to get enough calories to sustain my health. I plan to put a variety of foods in the blender and liquify them so they can be taken in through a straw. I'm going to try a few things this weekend before my treatment begins next week.

I had never heard of tongue cancer and it was completely unexpected.

The first radiation treatment was a bit uncomfortable because I didn't know how long it would last. First there were a couple of X-rays and the radiologist checked to see that the angles were correct. Just as I was thinking, take deep breaths, take deep breaths, it was over. I've since had two more treatments, and they are over quickly so it isn't a problem at all. I haven't had any side effects yet, but I was told they appear around the second week. So far, all is well.

The drug I get is carboplatin, and I have it every Friday. I have radiation 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. I've completed 3 weeks of treatment with 4 weeks to go. When I woke up this morning (Sat.) I felt like my throat was on fire. I can see that I'll be on a liquid diet much sooner than I expected. My throat also feels like it is swollen and I have to take small amounts of food or liquid at a time. Since I'm not even half way through my treatment, I imagine it is going to get quite grim before it's over. The pain med doesn't help much.

It has been 5 weeks since I finished chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Eating is still difficult. I have so little saliva that food sticks in my throat. Sometimes I get a catch or itch in my throat and then gag. I still have to take Roxicet two or three times a day, but seems to ease my throat so I can eat. I've lost a total of 20 lbs., but I had that much to lose without a problem. I continue to use Boost and Ensure to get nutrition, but eat "real food" too. The healing process is very slow but I am gradually feeling less fatigued and can work full time (in an office) now.

I had dry, round, flaking spots on and around my lips. My oncologist sent me to a dermatologist. My mouth and lips are so dry I was licking my lips without realizing it. A prescription cortisone ointment is clearing it up.