Brian's Profile Page

Biography

I am 51 years old and I have been in the safety business for about 25 years. I help companies control their workplace accidents and try to keep them in compliance with OSHA.

Cancer Symptoms

I thought I had a cold and a minor soar throat. Went into my doctor who thought I had tonsillitis and gave me two weeks of antibiotics. I took them and they didn’t help. He referred me to an ENT who took one look in my mouth, sat down, and told me it was cancer. He took biopsies of the tonsil which confirmed that it was cancer. He then referred me to the Porter Cancer Clinic and my surgeon. The rest is history…

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Surgery was done December 27th. Removal of right tonsil and neck dissection removed 34 lymph nodes which 3 were were positive. There are some slight issues with my shoulder and arm not having full range of motion but this is being worked out through physical therapy. 7 weeks post surgery and the swallowing is totally back. Had to have 5 teeth removed prior to radiation treatment though and that was a minor setback.

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

I begin radiation February 20, 2012 for 6 weeks.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Begin Erbitux treatments February 13 2012 for 11 weeks.

Clinical Trials

I am participating in the Erbitux clinical trial.

Comments:

Brian, My diagnosis was very similar to yours. Although he didn’t say those exact words I knew he already knew. I had a FNB and it came back negative. ENT then did a surgical biopsie. Thank God he didn’t rely on FNB. My question is why didn’t our GP rcognize it as cancer??

Posted on March 3, 2012 at 7:26:33 AM by Nanice

The very good news is that you have an excellent chance of a cure. HPV-related SCCs respond to treatment much better and have less chance of recurrence than SCCs due to other causes. Cure rate numbers for your type are over 90%

Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:44:09 PM by Private User

I am so sorry you had to join the ‘tonsil club’. Welcome to the blog. We are here for you whether you need advice, need to vent, or just want to ‘talk’.
On December 15th, I will be cancer free for one year!
My advice to you, which for me is hind sight, says when you start radiation, keep you neck and mouth moving. Open and close your mouth even if you can’t talk at some point or eat. Move you neck front – chin to chest – and back – several times a day. They will stiffen but that could make life easier for you when you have start trying to get them back to normal.
Also make sure you get enough nutrition and water.
Hugs and prayers, Sandyjo

Posted on December 12, 2011 at 5:15:18 PM by Sandyjo

Thanks for your comment on my blog – I’m newly diagnosed, to. I’m sorry you’re on this journey -but glad to have someone who is new to this like I am to talk to.

Posted on December 12, 2011 at 3:11:18 PM by Onecraftymother