Dragon1313's Journey with Invasive, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Survivor: Head & Neck/Throat Cancer > Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer > Squamous Cell Carcinoma > Invasive
Patient Info: Finished active treatment less than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: over 11 years ago, Male, Age: 68, Stage IV
Get Full Access Today It’s EASY and FREE!
Things you can do
More Questions
Find us on Facebook
Experience Icon Descriptions
Procedure: Drag this icon to show a procedure.
Radiation: Drag this icon to show a specific radiation therapy experience.
Drug Therapy: Drag this icon to show a specific drug therapy experience.
Clinical Trial: Drag this icon to show a clinical trial experience.
Side Effect: Drag this icon to show experience with a specific side effect.
Oh No: Drag this icon to show when something bad happened (e.g., cancer’s back, lost job).
Celebration: Drag this icon to show when something good happened (e.g., last treatment, hair is back).
Loss: Drag this icon to show a time of loss (e.g., lost hair, lost loved one).
Decision Point: Drag this icon to show a time when you had to make a tough decision.
Other Care: Draft this icon to show a time when you needed other care (e.g., hospice, psychotherapy).
Loading...
Cancer has spread/Metastasized
Oh No
Squamous cell carcinoma had spread to lymph node below jawbone. Except for enlarged node, no other physical symptoms.
Second opinion.
Decision Point
After visiting local oncology offices, I opted for a second opinion. I sought that opinion at the Winship Cancer facility in Atlanta. After a visit to see Dr. William Grist, I received the best news to date. Even though the stage four diagnosis was confirmed, I was informed that the cause of my non-smoking throat cancer was a development from HPV virus, and to date the cure rate was 100%. Dr. Grist prescribed chemo and radiation treatments (somewhat less dramatic than local offices), and local offices carried out his advised approach.
Hearing loss, compromised thyroid, dryness of mouth.
Side Effects
My advise prior to chemo or radiation, have a complete physical, blood work including TSH levels, a baseline hearing test, and a dental checkup. Throat radiation may cause thyroid malfunction and dry mouth might occur causing dental problems (note, there are Rx's that may help preserve salivary glands). Some chemo medicines may cause hearing loss (report to doctor immediately if hearing changes, doses may be reduced).