Hi All.  Here is a Pub Med article regarding Cannibus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma:   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31932491/   Curious about your thoughts?   Best, Mike R. ... View more

Hi Shaun. I am due to meet with my cannibus MD next week and also review this study with her. Having been on the RSO for a year now, it's a bit difficult to come cold turkey off the RSO, but I am concerned. ... View more

I had my oncologist review the article I posted on this page about the squamous cell / medical marijuana connection and this was her thoughtful reply: 1) As the article stated, "researchers identified that the molecular mechanism of THC...activates the p38 MAPK pathway, which allows cancer cells to grow uncontrollably." So, if you were only using CBD oil, then this is not a concern for you as the "legal"/over-the-counter CBD oils do not contain the THC component. However, even if you were using a full spectrum oil which included THC, then this is in reference to active cancer that is PRESENT and being induced to grow. This is not your case as there has been no evidence of active disease since completion of your treatment. Also, this is still in the study phases and has not been proven. Hence, why they say "cannabinoids MAY accelerate..." since they do not know for certain. 2) The prior association between HPV-related head and neck cancer was in question as to whether this was simply an association (due to the fact that the people who are using marijuana may also simply engage in promiscuous or more risky sex behaviors, thus having greater exposure/risk to HPV-related diseases) vs. an actual causative relationship where marijuana can cause HPV-related cancer. To date, there is no evidence that marijuana by itself causes cancer. 3) Keep in mind that these are lab models and may or may not translate in a clinically meaningful manner to humans. So, in short, although this is a good investigation to get things started, I do not see anything here that supports evidence that it actually CAUSES the HPV-related cancer but rather, once the cancer is present, it can cause it to progress faster. But whether that actually matters clinically or not, is yet to be investigated. It may not matter. Keep in mind that it is just preliminary evidence and needs further exploration. ... View more

Here is an article regarding latest research on MM and SCCHN: https://www.curetoday.com/articles/marijuana-impacts-the-progression-of-hpv-related-head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma ... View more

Hi all. I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma unknown primary stage 4 spread to lymph node in my neck last year. I was treated with standard radiation and chemotherapy. In addition it was suggested that I use medical marijuana which I've been using for over a year now. I just recently discovered an article correlating marijuana use with squamous cell carcinoma (HPV related). Yikes! Anyone else using RSO? ... View more

Hi All! Just checking in 4 months post treatment. I had 36 radiation sessions and 2 rounds of cisplatin (stage 4, unknown primary). Most taste has returned (thank you, chocolate), and some salivary function--i still need a bottle of water at all times.   Very happy to report also that follow-up PET shows "2 lymph nodes have resolved...no uptake along base of tongue." YEA!!!   However, I want to report that I am beginning to have some (neurological, I think) issues in lower mouth and jaw. Tingling sensation began in lower lip and has now moved to whole lower jaw in last two weeks. Just when I open my mouth.   Anybody else had that? ... View more

I just passed the five week post-treatment point and am happy to report that I am beginning to take on some foods by mouth (soups and juicy fruits). Looking forward to having the peg removed in September, when I have my follow-up scan (fingers crossed). In the meantime, I am exploring some modalities to help repair the damage off radiation and chemo. Would love feedback from anyone regarding these. The oncologist I see is entirely "Western" medicine, and has very little to say about any of these. In fact, his attitude is a bit contemptuous, which isn't very helpful, honestly.   In any event,  I had an appointment last week with an "alternative" health practitioner. She began the meeting with something called a "Zyto" scan. The results included supplement recommendations including something called "Paw Paw" (from the cancer-fighting paw paw plant). In addition, I had a "Bemer" microcirculation therapy, and was told to consider investing in a Bemer machine to use at home 2X daily. Really interested in feedback here. Anyone had experience with Bemer? Worth the investment? Also recommended was Rife Therapy-which seems to target cancer cells with sound frequency. Now, I am naturally a sceptic. These non-traditional approaches sound a bit "woo-woo" to me, but being vulnerable as I am, scared of dying, I am trying to be open to everything. But, with limited funds (and huge expenses), I need to be careful.    I have also tried something called Rick Simpson oil, which contains a high level of THC. Honestly, I don't know how anyone follows the protocol for this (60 grams/90 days), because I was completely unable to function due to the high THC-felt like a complete stoner.   I am sorry to report that my hearing has worsened since my last chemo (Cisplatin). I understand that this may not improve. Recommend that everyone have a baseline hearing test before chemo.   Anyway, hoping to feel better over the next month and really appreciate any feedback. ... View more

Hi Bill. The cancer also spread to lymph nodes on both right and left side of my neck. An ENT suggested a full neck dissection at the time, but after transferring care to a cancer hospital (Moffitt in FL), they decided to wait on surgury. Depending on outcome of PET in September, surgury may still be an option.   I had the PEG inserted 2 weeks into my six week treatment. I've had really mixed feelings about it. My digestive system took some time to get used to it and I struggled with horrible constipation (which I think was likely related to the Oxycodone). I've used Senocat-S (4 pills/day), Miralax, Mag Citrate, and finally Movantik to counter the digestive slow-down from the pain meds and change in feeding route. Happy to report that I no longer am taking the pain meds (3 weeks out of treatment), and am starting to introduce certain foods by mouth (smoothies with protein powder). Still using the PEG about 5 times a day, but hoping to gradually transition back to mostly by mouth.    The whole idea of the PEG was something to get used to. Whatever denial I was in around the cancer seemed to lift every time I used the PEG. In the end, I am grateful for it. Even with it, I have lost about 30 lbs (I was pretty skinny to start with) so I'm sure I would have been in a huge amount of trouble without it. ... View more

Hi All. I am a 53 year old father of a 3 year old who was diagnosed in November last year with HNSCC, stage 4, unknown primary. I just completed 6 weeks of radiation and chemo about 3 weeks ago. I have been following the many helpful posts here--many thanks to all.   The treatment was simply hellish, especially the last several weeks, although I am beginning to regain some energy and get out of the house. I have a PEG from the beginning, and have not really had any food by mouth for about 1 month. Anything and everything burns, I think due to Thrush, which keeps coming back.   I have been exploring some alternative approaches, as well as research trials (in case the radiation and chemo does not kill this--i have another scan in about 3 months.    Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself, say hello, and many thanks to all.   Mike (from USA) ... View more