davidr's Cancer Blog
November 25, 2009
I’ve been to this blogsite several times and am so very moved by everyone’s accounts.
My encounter with cancer is mild comparatively, but I feel compelled to give testimony, if by chance it might help someone in a similar predicament.
I noticed in early October my left tonsil was swollen, with absolutely no discomfort or other symptoms. My doctor referred me to a neck specialist, who took three samples from the tonsil and sent them for biopsy. The biopsy site hemorraged in the night and I had to wait until the morning ferry to get to Seattle for an ER visit. I was a bloody mess but, it was eventually cauterized and the bleeding stopped.
The tonsil was diagnosed positive for Squaamus Cell Carcinoma. HPV 16 was present, which indicated a good possible outcome, as 95% survive past the 5-year benchmark.
The doctor recommended radiation for initial treatment. I asked about the need to cut out the tonsil and he said, “No, the tonsil basically burns up and surgery is unnecessary.”
I then said the three most important words in Stage 1 Tonsil Cancer, “Second opinion, please.”
Next appointment, my “godsent” surgeon at Swedish Hospital in Seattle said, “No radiation! You don’t want that if the cancer hasn’t spread.” I could have wept, well…I did.
Surgery (tonsillectomy and neck dissection) went without difficulty we thought. I was catheterized and it injured my urethra, causing an inability to urinate. The pain was searing. In the middle of the night I was told they would re-insert the catheter if I could not pee on my own. I pled for a doctor to mediate with the nurses. The on-call doc recommended Lydocaine squirted up into the penis – a miracle! It still hurt like fire but I could overcome it. So, remember boys, “Lydocaine!”
Like any tonsillectomy patient, I could not drink liquids without nose spurts. Liquid oxycodone was administered liberally. (It took three weeks to return to some normalcy.)
After five days I was released from hospital, only to develop a rare complication called a Chyllous leakage in the lymph duct system – which only occurs on the left side. My neck filled with fluid and had to be drained by syringe, in addition to the ongoing drain I had installed my neck. I had to go on a strict no fat or oil diet and a second surgery was performed to close off any possible leaks. The lungs are hyperventilated during surgery to reveal the leaking ducts. Then sutures or glue are used to create swelling and close off the leakage.
This was an in-n-out procedure. I could convalesce at home.
I am happy to say, the neck nodes all came back Negative for cancer spread. I will not need further treatment, other than rest and recuperation from the surgeries. I had the drain removed last week. I have just re-introduced fats and oils into my diet with no side effects. My tongue has mostly healed from the retractor injury from my first surgery. Food, glorious food! I leave for Italy on Friday and would have been sorely tortured not to be able to eat normally. These small things we take for granted.
Again, most importantly… I acknowledge the courage and life-changing awareness that all of you are facing. My own journey has caused a great deal of soul-searching and commitment to living an exemplary life. I wish you all many, many years of success!
...and of course, a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for your support - 
A wonderful testimony indeed. As a bladder cancer survivor and annual scope recipient I heartily echo your call for lidocaine awareness. LOL. Nectar of the god’s to be sure.
Have a great trip
Mac
Thanks for posting. Those of us who have had less serious forms of cancer still need to share our stories. There are many people in that situation now who need to know that others have walked their path before.
Be well & have a happy Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Kathy
David—
Thanks for telling your story here. You are, indeed, a survivor! Thank goodness for second opinions, as your story proves that every doctor does not know everything! We must be our own advocates, ask lots of questions, do our own research and feel comfortable with the decisions we make. Sounds like you covered all bases and I’m so glad you are doing well. Vashon Island! You certainly couldn’t live in a more beautiful place. I lived in Seattle for 2 years and miss is terribly sometimes (not on rainy days though!) Here’s wishing you continued good health and many more years of enjoying one of the most beautiful places on earth. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Martha
David I watched your Trick Dog Show productions and you do very good work! I had my tonsils removed right after my daughter was born and it was hard to recover but I am glad I did it. I wish you the very best! Take care!
Hey David,
Welcome to “the blog.” Thanks for sharing your story about tonsil cancer. This type of experience is certainly an attention-getter isn’t it? It serves to help us prioritize our lives and focus on what really matters in this life.
I am happy that you were diagnosed and treated early. Also happy for you that the cancer didn’t spread to your lymph nodes. I too have tonsil cancer. Had a radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection in October. Two of my lymph nodes were infected; hence, radiation and chemo therapy treatments will begin within the next two weeks.
Checked out your work for trick dog films…impressively creative. If you are ever looking for a mature, male voice-over talent to voice a script for one of your productions, let me know. My website, www.UniqueVoiceOver.com is being constructed now and will be up and running with demos by the time my radiation and chemo treatments are complete (end of this year).
I hope you enjoy Italy as much as I want to visit there.
Please keep us informed of how you are progressing. And thanks again for posting.
Greg
“The HPV 16 virus is responsible for an epidemic of tonsil and anal cancers”
First I’m glad things appear to be on the mend for you and hope your followups are excellent.
I was aware HPV is alleged to be a large part of anal ans pelvic cancers…but did not know it also did tonsil cancer. I am a big proponent of gardisil shots.
I get ticked when someone disagrees with gardisil because (it can lead to free sex). I wish those folks could understand the pain of cancer….in our sensitive areas…then they may not be so worried about sex.
I think medicine needs to change in that we should be given more informed consent. And I don’t think they do enough to detect things…
Sorry you had cancer… and wish you a long happy life.
its amazing the things one learns on this site…I didn’t know that HPV was or could be a factor in tonsil cancer….
It really is amazing how many people don’t even know what HPV is…quite startling in fact! There definately needs to be some awareness brought to the forefront of this very devastating disease!
d