When Were You Diagnosed with Throat Cancer?
I was diagnosed September 3rd,2008
What Symptoms Did You Have Before Being Diagnosed?
I had a small lump on the left side of my neck,with ear infections.
Which Tests Did You Undergo?
Cat-scan was inconclusive so I had a needle biopsy which was negative. My Doctor suggested I have the lump removed and during surgery the Pathology report came back as squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue. It was stage 4.
How Has Treatment Affected Your Day-To-Day Life?
I had Chemo and 35 days of Radiation. Due to the treatment I had to be fed thru a feeding tube inserted in my stomach. I lost appx.55lbs. To keep my weight up I had six cans of Ensure Plus each day.
After treatment, and having six Dilatations to open my Esophagus due to radiation burn, I am able to swallow again. I can eat almost anything as long as I drink liquids along with the solid food. I also had speech therapy to learn how to move my tongue again,since it was pretty dormant for awhile!!!I have gained weight and went from 104lbs. to now a healthy 134!!! As a former Flight Attendant,one of the major changes was not being able to eat for awhile which I throughly enjoyed. My husband was a great caregiver during this time and friends made up our social circle.
Advice
- My advice is to get the feeding tube in before treatment begins.It will make it easier when you aren't feeling to swift after it starts. Take the anti-nausea pills they give you as well as Xanex before you are radiated!!
- You WILL get through this! I am doing great and I walk our dog and swim and even eat POPCORN again!!!!! Also my faith has increased and prayer DOES WORK!!!!!!
