#66277 12-28-2007 10:45 AM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 35 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 35 | Hello Everyone, and please forgive me for not getting information to you sooner on Tom's surgery. Things have been a little crazy around here.
On Dec 24, Tom had a right upper lobectomy, in which about 50% of his right lung was removed. Path reports show what appears to be localized tumor 1.5 cm, but more examination is underway to determine if this is a new primary or metastasis. Of course we are hoping for the former, as that may mean no further treatment is necessary, and we should know more about that early next week.
There were some complications post-surgery requiring him to be in the ICU where he remains. Our happy news today is that Tom is off the ventilator and breathing well on his own. A few more benchmarks to meet and he will be moved to the surgical recovery unit. He is a fighter and has put up with so much already, but has never lost his determination to persevere, or his sense of humor.
We so appreciate all of the caring and support from you guys. It means so much. I will keep you posted.
Warm regards,
Charlotte and Tom
Caregiver and wife of Tom: SCC BOT, mets to neck, T4. Dx 3/03: multi-drug chemo, IMRT, Tx 9/03, No surgery.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Thanks for the update on Tom. He's a fighter and will come thru this for you and himself.. You have our prayers and hopes.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Hang in there Tom. Don't let this get the best of you. You can fight this.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 | As a fellow-lung-tumour patient, I have corresponded with Tom and wondered how he got on.
Thank you so much for the update and I hope his recovery from now on is problem free and you get the best possible news about the status of the tumour.
My thoughts and hopes are with him,
Brenda
Brenda in UK--Diagnosis 30/5/07--undifferentiated carcinoma in right jawbone and muscles. Stage 4
6/7/07--new diagnosis primary is in lung. Finished 4cycles of palliative carboplatin/gemcitabine
therapy September 07
Now dying to live!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Charlotte,
Thanks so much for the update and please tell Tom that you and he are in my thoughts a prayers. I hope to read about his continuing improvement.
Jerry
PS The draft looks great. What a fantastic accomplishment!!!
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Charlotte,
I hope by now that Tom is out of ICU and recovery is under way. Thank you for the update and please keep us posted on his progress.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 35 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 35 | Hello Everyone,
I am happy to report that Tom is is off the ventilator and out of the ICU. He's breathing well on his own, is up and walking around, and we hope to have him home soon. He is healing nicely. We are awaiting the final pathology to learn whether the cancer was metastatic or a new primary. We do hope that he doesn't need further treatment.
Thanks for all you kind words and good wishes. I'm sure you'll be hearing from Tom soon!
Warm regards,
Charlotte
Caregiver and wife of Tom: SCC BOT, mets to neck, T4. Dx 3/03: multi-drug chemo, IMRT, Tx 9/03, No surgery.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | Charlotte
Now that's the way I like to start a New Year with some good news.
So now will you take sometime out for you..
All the caregivers here I'm sure will echo me in this, please have some time for you before Tom comes home..
Give Tom asll our best wishes..
Sunshine.. love and hugs
Helen
SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | I second what Helen says. Even if its nothing but a couple of hours - take some time for you before Tom comes home. Read a book, take a nap. I took the time to do absolutely nothing. I sat here in total silence of my living room and just enjoyed not hearing all the hospital equipment and heart monitors. That silence was the most beautiful sound. I'm glad to hear that Tom is doing better  Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,168 Posts196,927 Members13,104 | | Most Online458
Jan 16th, 2020 | | |
|
