Diagnosis

4 replies
40 subscribers
176 views

From my first GP appointment to my post MDT clinical oncology appointment it has only been 8 weeks. It's been going by very fast and has been a bit overwhelming at times. But I am happy with the diagnosis of T2 N0 M0. Also being at the lower end of T2 has really improved my mood generally. I am now in the small limbo period where I know I will be doing 5.5 weeks radiotherapy with IV and tablet chemotherapy (Mytomycin and capecitabine), but do not have an exact start date yet. They did advise I will need another MRI and CT scan before starting my treatments in about 3-4 weeks. The chemo nurse will be ringing me tomorrow with a bit of an update about how my treatment planning is going, and i've been given a small folder of things to read. Also I was very releaved to find out I won't need a stoma. This was something I was quite worried about as the surgeon who did my biopsy kept saying the SCC was "big" and he was worried... Either way I am happy no stoma (for now at least I don't want to jinx it aha).

All the tips and tricks from this forum have kept me occupied, and its been a great excuse for some retail therapy. All I need to find now is a nice soft bath towel and I'm (probably?) ready as can be. The only question I have left is if I can keep all my facial piercings in whilst I go through all this? I have a few tongue piercings and have seen mention of sore mouth and ulcers. I don't know if its better to just take them all out now or maybe wait and see if any areas react. Anyway I hope everyone here is having a good day and staying strong.

Jaycee12 1 month ago

Hi HonkingGoose welcome to the forum. It seems like you are raring to go and seem prepared. Regarding the piercings and possible sore mouth. My experience was after the first few weeks I did get a couple of small ulcers but I did also just use a very soft child’s toothbrush and mild toothpaste and flossing. It calmed down quite quickly. I hope you hear about your start date soon and on your way to getting rid of this blighter.

Julie

MrsBadass 1 month ago

Hey HonkingGoose

This forum has been a great source of support and advice for myself and I hope you find the same.

I really used to suffer with mouth ulcers but so far, and I'm about to start week 5 of treatment, I only got one mouth ulcer in the second week - which lasted about a week.

If the piercings don't cause you any irritation now - I can't see why you wouldn't be able to leave them in for radiotherapy but you would need to remove for the MRI scan.

Good luck

Ali

Nikki65 1 month ago

Hi HonkingGoose , it’s great to hear you’re using this time to prepare as well as you can for your treatment, this also helps keep your mind occupied in the interim. I had a couple of mouth ulcers during the first week or so due to the mitomycin infusion on day 1 of treatment, the oral capecitabine didn’t cause me any issues at all other than my hair thinning a little although even that wasn’t enough for anyone other than me to notice. Here’s hoping you get a start date soon.

Nicola

Irene75359 1 month ago

Hello HonkingGoose

It all seems positive and you seem well prepared, and unless you are going to have a headscan included (I honestly can't remember if mine did) I shouldn't think your tongue piercings should matter. Best thing is to check with the staff at the MRI appointment unless you need some time to remove your tongue studs.

You stay strong too, we are here to help you on the way

Irene xx

More from this forum

Diagnosis