woodcat's Journey with Head & Neck/Throat Cancer
Spouse/Partner: Head & Neck/Throat Cancer
Patient Info: Currently in active treatment (initial surgery, receiving chemo rounds/radiation), Diagnosed: over 8 years ago, Male, Age: 69, Stage III
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Radiation: Drag this icon to show a specific radiation therapy experience.
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Diagnosed
Oh No
initial trouble swallowing, felt like food was getting caught at the base of esophagus. Hiccups also while eating. CT scan showed thickening. Endoscopy showed tumor - invading about 2/3's of the esophagus. Further endoscopy with ultra sound showed stage 3 with lymph node activity in abdomen and chest cavity.
Chemotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
This person has yet to add any details about this experience.
External radiation
Radiation
The radiation burns were fairly severe but recommended cream Miaderm helped tremendously along with constantly keeping the burn moistened with Lubraderm cream and Bag Balm. Appointment with dermatologist coming up - check for skin cancers. Radiation treatment was 5 days/week for 5 weeks. Radiation group in Watertown, NY were tremendous!
Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)
Side Effects
Weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, chemo brain Chemo duration was once per week for 5 weeks.
Told that surgery was not an option and that there was no cure! Shocked!
Decision Point
Having a chemo port put in tomorrow and will start maintenance chemo on 11/29/2012 - every 2 weeks for probably the rest of his life.