I have, for the past few weeks, gone through a series of imaging tests. Last Monday I had a CT guided small needle biopsy.
Squaemus cells were present in the tissue harvested. The recent PET and Anatomical CT W/Contrast indicates tissue involved at level 4 (low next closer to clavicle) and tissue (nodes) surrounding the trachea (in chest) at the bronchial branch.
Surgery appears to be the only option. I return next Monday after all the residents, attendings, etc. Have had a chance to confer and see how to approach this neck and chest surgery. The CT indicates that the neck tissue is attached to a major artery and another major vessel.
Any Input...
Darrell

I too have just reveived the results of a PET scan which show several metastices in the lungs. It started in the tongue and initial sugery to remove was thought to be successful but was in transit to a spot under the jaw. Combined radio and chemo (twice daily for 7 weeks)did not kill the tumour under the jaw which now appears to be the source of metastices. I am seeing the radio-oncologist tomorrow about the options - it seems tat both radiotherapy to the lungs and surgery are options.

Darrell and Frances, John is in the same boat with you. So lets fight this one together. Amy

Dear Darrell

It is distressing to read that you will have to undergo more treatment after what you have already been through. Very tough for you and your family.

I can't offer practical advice but I am thinking of you and wish you a successful outcome.

Love and light from Helen

Darrell,
I, like Helen, can't offer you any advice other then to explore all options. I just wanted to offer my support.

Also, best of luck to Frances as she faces another battle.

Darrell, Like the others, I can offer no wisdom. Your treatment was much like mine. My heart goes out to you. I offer my support and prayers. Let us know what you learn from the medicos. Be strong. Tom

Darrell and Frances, My heart is also with you as you face new battles. Please keep us informed as you make your decisions and let us be of what support we can here.

Nelie

Amy,Darrell and Frances.
You are in our hearts and, if wishful thinking could do it, you would not be having to go through this nightmare again.
We are with you all the way guys.

Marica

Darrell, Frances and Amy,

Please know that we are thinking of you and yours as you face additional treatments. I wish nothing but the best for all of you. We're beside you every step of the way.

John

Darrell, Frances and Amy,

We are ALL in this fight with you. Please keep us updated on how the additional treatments are going. I'm sending positive vibes to all of you. I hate this disease....

Hugs to all of you,

Shelley

Many thanks to all of you...It is an up hill battle..Being a VA patient I am at the mercy of the government. But the upside is they get all the newest and best drugs, etc.I feel confident that all will be well, but I ain't lookin forward to this surgical thang...

Darrell

Well, looks like this is the week for the information....Dad too.... Surgery and radiation...They put him in the hospital 2 weeks ago due to danger of airway closure. Had a trach put in, PEG tube, and a port after his first chemo treatment. Today, we were told "he is going to die from this". Can we get SOME good news...
Darrel, Frances, Amy....Everyone
You're in our hearts too....

P.Silveira:
No one on this sphere knows how or when we will die. I would say it is very unprofessional for a health care person, doctor, nurse, etc. to make such a profound and untrue statement.
To state that there is a chance he will die from this is more correct. God is the only entity that knows our fate. If God has a use for your dad he will remain, if not, he will die. It is not my intention to offend any person, sect, religion or creed. But as for me, personally, my belief on my Personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, bolsters my faith in the immortality of the soul and that when I close my eyes in death,they will open again and I will be looking into the face of my savior in his glorious kingdom.
Darrell

Thanks G.
It's just heart wrenching to hear....
I've been back and forth for two weeks and hadn't had much time to come on. Total anguish....To hear about you and the others. I carry a heavy heart...Much stregnth and healing to all.

Darrell,
I can't imagine your proclaiming your faith would offend anyone. This board is meant to support and I imagine that your faith in our Lord is important to you right now.
I am deeply religious also, although I do refrain from referencing it on the board, but know that many of us do tons of fellowship.
Love,
Minnie

The "Good News" is that none of us is in this fight alone. Thanks to Brian and the original members of OCF, we don't have to go down this path unescorted. We have examples to follow, towers of strenght to draw from, support and loving concern to bolster us. Whatever happens at the end just happens. If you believe in God, you are going to a better place. If you believe in reincarnation, you may come back as your favorite animal. If you don't believe in anything, then it's "ashes to ashes and dust to dust". The fact is we, who have joined together here, are not alone in this fight. What a blessing and comfort for all of us. Amy

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb~

Darrel and Frances -

I haven't been around the forum as long as many of you, but feel very much a part of this family. Your messages and wisdom shared here have given strength to so many - more than you'll ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Please keep us all informed.
Carol

i am also under scrutiny,spots showing on chest xray going for C.T. scan friday. prayers needed please ....maz

Maz, you have my prayers. Love, Carol

Maz,
Here's hoping it is nothing. I have 'stuff' show up on my upper chest on the Xray all the time. Just left ovr gunk from the radiation.

Take care,
Eileen

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless and good luck in your recovery from the surgery!!!