Skip to Content

Hello All, I'm a 47 year old female, in the best physical [...]

Posted by Fourlaffs @fourlaffs, Feb 26, 2014

Hello All,

I'm a 47 year old female, in the best physical shape in my life. It wasn't always that way. I've worked hard and lost 162lbs naturally, I workout daily, eat clean, I do not smoke, take drugs, and drink occasionally.

On Feb 20th 2013, my life forever changed. I was diagnosed with stage 4 hpv squamous cell carcinoma head neck. The tumour was on the base of my tongue. It grew quickly and rapidly. I had 35 rounds of radiation and 3 rounds of cisplatin chemo. I finished treatment in June and went back to work in Sept, 2013 but notice I was struggling, I can't put my finger on why, I just wasn't feeling myself.

In Dec-Jan 2014 I was really in a bad place, no matter how hard I pushed myself I was just feeling off. I kept telling all of my medical team I felt a lump in the side of my neck. Long story short. 1 year to the day, On Feb 20th 2014, I had a radical neck dissection. My cancer returned. I'm at a total loss, as to why? Is this normal? What's next? Has anyone out there had this happen to them? I'm finding it difficult to remain positive.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head and Neck Cancers group.

Jeff K. | @erthwlkr | Feb 27, 2014

Fourlaffs -

You did all the right things and did nothing wrong. It's unfortunate but cancer is this odd brew of genetics, inside environment, and outside influences. If anything, with your health oriented lifestyle you've give yourself some advantages when it comes to engaging with treatment and recovery. That's a positive.

Recurrences happen - cancer cells have ways of remaining dormant and even maskign themselves from the immune system when they become active. Which is why survivors like us need to be extra diligent when it comes to our health - any odd pain, or lump, headache, etc needs to be brought to the attention of the docs. And you need to insist on it being paid attention to. You did that, they found a problem in your lymph glands, they did the surgery. That's a positive.

As far as fatigue, remember that you've been beaten up by cheme and radiation. Recovery can last for months. It takes at least 6 months to a year to reach something resembling normal. As for me, after I was treated (6 weeks radiation, 2 rounds of chem), I didn't go back to work for 8 months. And even then I started slowly doing half days. I continued to recover both appetite, weight, and energy until I plateaued out finally at about the three year mark. It takes time - we're never really told that.

Keep in mind that cancer and its treatment has both a physical impact and emotional impact. It's a frightening diagnosis. And we've never been this sick for this long to this depth. That in itself can be exhausting.

An antidepressant isn't a bad idea. I'd also suggest talk thereapy - join a support group nearby so you can air your grievances and find some common ground with others who have experienced what you've experienced. It's a place you can be honest - that's more difficult in the non-cancer world.

I'd also suggest you contact SPOHNC - Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancer. They have a matching system where they will take your diagnosis and treatment and match you up with another survivor who has gone thru the same journey. You don't have to be a member - it's a free service.And it can be incredbly helpful not only to discuss but also ask questions and gain some experienced insights. That's something the clinical side of the cancer business doesn't really offer. SPOHNC is also a national organization with chapters throughout the US if you want to meet both survivors and caregivers.

It's a process - my advice is always stay flexible and adapt as best you can. Don't become cancer - your'e more than that and you have much to offer. Take it a day at a time right now and as someone suggested, even an hour at a time if you have to. You've been given the time - now you just have to use it...

Onward we all go!

- Jeff

REPLY
1 reply
megm | @megm | Feb 27, 2014

Thanks @erthwlkr, great post and great info!

REPLY
Fourlaffs | @fourlaffs | Feb 28, 2014
In reply to @erthwlkr "Fourlaffs - You did all the right things and did nothing wrong. It's unfortunate but cancer..." + (show)
@erthwlkr

Fourlaffs -

You did all the right things and did nothing wrong. It's unfortunate but cancer is this odd brew of genetics, inside environment, and outside influences. If anything, with your health oriented lifestyle you've give yourself some advantages when it comes to engaging with treatment and recovery. That's a positive.

Recurrences happen - cancer cells have ways of remaining dormant and even maskign themselves from the immune system when they become active. Which is why survivors like us need to be extra diligent when it comes to our health - any odd pain, or lump, headache, etc needs to be brought to the attention of the docs. And you need to insist on it being paid attention to. You did that, they found a problem in your lymph glands, they did the surgery. That's a positive.

As far as fatigue, remember that you've been beaten up by cheme and radiation. Recovery can last for months. It takes at least 6 months to a year to reach something resembling normal. As for me, after I was treated (6 weeks radiation, 2 rounds of chem), I didn't go back to work for 8 months. And even then I started slowly doing half days. I continued to recover both appetite, weight, and energy until I plateaued out finally at about the three year mark. It takes time - we're never really told that.

Keep in mind that cancer and its treatment has both a physical impact and emotional impact. It's a frightening diagnosis. And we've never been this sick for this long to this depth. That in itself can be exhausting.

An antidepressant isn't a bad idea. I'd also suggest talk thereapy - join a support group nearby so you can air your grievances and find some common ground with others who have experienced what you've experienced. It's a place you can be honest - that's more difficult in the non-cancer world.

I'd also suggest you contact SPOHNC - Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancer. They have a matching system where they will take your diagnosis and treatment and match you up with another survivor who has gone thru the same journey. You don't have to be a member - it's a free service.And it can be incredbly helpful not only to discuss but also ask questions and gain some experienced insights. That's something the clinical side of the cancer business doesn't really offer. SPOHNC is also a national organization with chapters throughout the US if you want to meet both survivors and caregivers.

It's a process - my advice is always stay flexible and adapt as best you can. Don't become cancer - your'e more than that and you have much to offer. Take it a day at a time right now and as someone suggested, even an hour at a time if you have to. You've been given the time - now you just have to use it...

Onward we all go!

- Jeff

Jump to this post

Jeff thank you! I love your comment "Don't become Cancer." That really struck a cord with me.

I totally needed the feedback and outreach from this group. I feel like I've been on this path by myself for too long.

I spent yesterday sleeping all day/nt. Woke up today feeling a little better.

I'm going to find SPOHNC. Thanks again for the link.

I go Monday for my pathology and next steps. I'll drop back in and update.

Thanks everyone
xx

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.

version 3.3.6.2.8.8
Page loaded in 0.091 seconds