well I found a new doctor, a great guy and much closer so me, so no more long trips to Brisbane, unfortunately he isn't entirely satisfied that the radiation was a screaming success and (though reluctantly) has suggested another PET scan with view to chemo, well I finally think something may have me beaten, I've survived TB, spinal surgery and a host of other things in the past 2 years, even had no huge problems through radiation treatment, not so sure about this throat cancer though, and just when my hair was starting to grow back!
18 Comments
Jules2
Super Contributor
lambshank ... in another group that I belong to there is a guy who has survived 7 recurrences due to throat cancer. I, myself have to go get checked as I might have a new growth on the back of my skull. Will ring my cancer nurse this week and discuss with her as to what I should do. Julie
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Just seem to get through one thing, and before we have time to sigh in relief, something else is wrong, currently in Tugun waiting to see the new ENT, another pet scan next week and then a review of the. introduction of chem, but I have damaged lungs and have been previously told absolutely no chemo, and that the radiation would be enough,keeping my fingers crossed for all of us
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Jules2
Super Contributor
lambshank ... fingers crossed here for you!!! Always an ear and shoulder here if you need one 🙂
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Julie, you must be worried, this is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, it is without an endless amount of tests and treatments,I have you in my thoughts and hope for the best with your upcoming appointment, please keep us posted, p.s no real news from the ENT, he did a lot of talking but not much else, will find out more about the possibility of Chemo in April
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Jules2
Super Contributor
Lambshanks Thanks, not so worried as I think it was a false alarm. Me just being silly I suspect. Although I have a feeling something is going on in my body and probably should actually go and see a doctor. :) Keep us updated on your appointment in April and I hope they can come up with something useful other than just talk. Julie
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Hey after many problems (me mostly) I'm able to log in, I had another PET scan yesterday, it was the longest one ever, I'm not even sure other than my throat what they were,they scanned everywhere looking. but they rang tonight which is unusual and told me to see my doctor asap, I'm worried now that the cancer has spread,I don't know whether I should share this with my family, I don't want to worry them but I am really scared
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Jules2
Super Contributor
Hey lambshank best to just see your doc and get results. Remember old scarring can come up as a hot spot, so sometimes false alarms occur. Thoughts are with you and sending you hugsss. Julie
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Thanks Julie, I just seem to be in a lot of pain and getting really tired, so the phone call call has me a bit jumpy, hopefully your right. I just applied for a passport to have a holiday (never been overseas) I'm determined to go somewhere before anything worse happens, but I guess I'll have to face the music first...ugh
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Jules2
Super Contributor
I hear you!! Well, there is only one way to find out for sure and then you can make decisions on where you are going to go. Have you been able to make an appointment yet? In that fb group I told you about there are people that have had recurrences many times. I think one guy was 5or 7, can't remember which now.
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Hi jules, as fate would have it I have an appointment with my GP on Tuesday and one with the Oncologist Wednesday, he seems nice though I've only recently had my records transferred from Brisbane and don't really know him yet. He seemed a little keen on chemo.which bothered me a bit, as I had TB (atypical) last year and the respiratory surgeon said definitely no chemo when the radiologist suggested it may be complimentary to the radiation I received, but I think I will have to stop second guessing and leave the decision with the Oncologist, I sometimes wish I lived near a bigger city, but this doctor is only one of two in the entire area, he does come highly recommended though
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Jules2
Super Contributor
THat is good that you have those appointments in place already and it wont be long to wait to hear any news. I would think your onco bloke would take that into consideration re your tb and probably talk to the respiratory people before administering anything, that is if you agree to having it. See how you feel after you have seen this new onco person and then you can make decisions as to whether to stay or not.
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
I know your right, they don't make decisions without being informed, and he has my history (I think) if not he will have shortly, so I will leave this to the people that know, I don't think I'll tell my family, they think I'm on the mend so I think I'll wait and see what the Onc has to say before I tell them, it's hard to get through the weekend, I wish I knew now, with a bit of luck I'm worrying about nothing
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Jules2
Super Contributor
This is the hardest bit. What I do is to focus heavily on keeping my mind in the void. By that I mean I bring my mind back to thinking that nothing is happening until it is said that it is happening. Hope that makes sense. I can't always do it but it keeps my mind busy just trying to keep focussed on "what is" instead of "what might be". Wish I could show you pics on here because I would give you pictures of the three kittens that I am fostering at the moment. I got them when they were 3 - 4 weeks old and they are now about 10 and just gorgeous.
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
You make perfect sense, sometimes I find that just going through the motions of a "normal" day takes away the looming constant thoughts of cancer, this horrible thing that has touched us all, changed our lives forever, I wish I could see the photo's of your kittens, I have a soft spot with cat's and have two very naughty (adult) cats, they bring me all sorts of goodies,mice, frogs etc, always alive just drop them wherever, I'm quite expert at saving the lives of their " presents" now. Thank you Jules, I feel better having told someone about my concern, sometimes I think I need a bit of perspective, or put myself into a bigger picture, it's too easy living here and being a bit self focused,I think I'm so used to working the transition is difficult, but I know I'm not alone with that, enjoy the little kittens, I know I would love them, and thanks again xx
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Jules2
Super Contributor
Yw, that is what these forums are for. SO we can share and be heard by people who understand and have gone through same or similar things. I am glad you feel a little better for being able to share your concern. We all need perspective and sometimes just telling someone else without anything from that person, gives us that perspective. :) Ahhhh, you would love my little "foster kittahs". They are playing with a box at the moment and I have a pup who is now a "foster fail" (means we are keeping her). The pup sits on the kittens and they all go outside and play chasey with Sid (my lamb). Sometimes I think it is a madhouse. Nice pressies you get from your cats. haha Good that you can revive frogs n stuff. You take care and thoughts will be with you. Julie
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Gorgeous animals, I wish I had room or some fences for more, I think it's that unconditional love that is so special, but I could do without the frogs at 2am, left lovingly on my bed, I will take care, but be sure to take care yourself Karen
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Jules2
Super Contributor
thanks Karen, hope you have a frog free night. I have Squeak (the girl) up for a cuddle. TIme for bed I think, they all want to go and they all sleep on my bed. :) Julie
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lambshank
Occasional Contributor
Me too, enjoy the cuddles, I will be trying to round up the troupes for bed now too, hopefully they stay inside for the night, sleep well
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