My mom.. cancer #4! - 01-06-2010 02:05 PM
Hi All - new here and almost afraid to start typing/posting because once I do I may never stop
My mother was diagnosed with SCC of the trachea/thyroid in late Nov. She had began having wheezing back in august, after a few tests and xrays they had determined it was beginning of emphysema with a referral to a pulmonologist. In early october I rushed her to the ER due to a severe burning in her throat with extreme breathing difficulty. After 5 hours a few tests some IV's and oxygen she was released, once again contributed to the lung disease. She was given a nebulizer, albuterol inhalers, nasal sprays etc..and another follow up with pulmonology. In early nov. she had a CT scan where it was determined some nodules could be seen in her neck area. A PET scan was scheduled for two weeks later (small town the mobile only stops by every few weeks). Breathing was becoming more and more difficult so I Took her to her gen dr to see if he could do anything else. By this time a small gumball sized lump had appeared in her neck at the site of her old trach scar (from oral cancer surgery in 99 - flap jaw neck extensive surgery) He immediately sent her to an ENT who did a needle biopsy and scope on nov 23. Surgery was set for Nov 24th for an additional biopsy and to open her airway. The cancer diagnosis was immediate. The following week she was seen by a thoracic surgeon who ordered a 3D CT scan to see about a surgical resection of the neck. The following week it was determined that surgery was not an option for her that the area was too large And we were referred to a cancer center. After a few introductory visits it was decided erbitux and radiation would be the treatment plan (set to start next week) A feeding tube was recommended (the tumor is golf ball sized on the outer portion of the neck who knows what inside looks like) After a meeting with more doctors it was then determined her airway is too obstructed for the tube to be placed. We are getting a port put in tomorrow and they are going to try to feed by IV. In the 3 weeks since we met with oncology and radiation the tumor has doubled in size, growing blister looking bubbles that have burst and there's a constant drainage of blood/liquid. Shes also began coughing up large amounts of blood/clots. It's now tennis ball sized, almost purple in color with white spots in the center. I am an only child (as is she) I am also a widow/mother of 4, she lives alone and all care will be my responsibility. Has anyone else had an experience like this one? Where it grows so fast and opens like this?
As I said earlier we are no stranger to this battle. Besides the earlier bout of oral cancer she also had uterine cancer at 28 requiring a hysterectomy, breast cancer in her 40s with a mastectomy. She is now 61 years old and from what they say facing the most serious cancer yet. Any insight will be helpful, I've been lurking these boards for a week and am amazed at the people and support that can be found here, we're just getting started but I have a feeling I am going to be a regular!
Thanks
Kris
I"ll work on that signature thing when I get a few minutes and more information
My mother was diagnosed with SCC of the trachea/thyroid in late Nov. She had began having wheezing back in august, after a few tests and xrays they had determined it was beginning of emphysema with a referral to a pulmonologist. In early october I rushed her to the ER due to a severe burning in her throat with extreme breathing difficulty. After 5 hours a few tests some IV's and oxygen she was released, once again contributed to the lung disease. She was given a nebulizer, albuterol inhalers, nasal sprays etc..and another follow up with pulmonology. In early nov. she had a CT scan where it was determined some nodules could be seen in her neck area. A PET scan was scheduled for two weeks later (small town the mobile only stops by every few weeks). Breathing was becoming more and more difficult so I Took her to her gen dr to see if he could do anything else. By this time a small gumball sized lump had appeared in her neck at the site of her old trach scar (from oral cancer surgery in 99 - flap jaw neck extensive surgery) He immediately sent her to an ENT who did a needle biopsy and scope on nov 23. Surgery was set for Nov 24th for an additional biopsy and to open her airway. The cancer diagnosis was immediate. The following week she was seen by a thoracic surgeon who ordered a 3D CT scan to see about a surgical resection of the neck. The following week it was determined that surgery was not an option for her that the area was too large And we were referred to a cancer center. After a few introductory visits it was decided erbitux and radiation would be the treatment plan (set to start next week) A feeding tube was recommended (the tumor is golf ball sized on the outer portion of the neck who knows what inside looks like) After a meeting with more doctors it was then determined her airway is too obstructed for the tube to be placed. We are getting a port put in tomorrow and they are going to try to feed by IV. In the 3 weeks since we met with oncology and radiation the tumor has doubled in size, growing blister looking bubbles that have burst and there's a constant drainage of blood/liquid. Shes also began coughing up large amounts of blood/clots. It's now tennis ball sized, almost purple in color with white spots in the center. I am an only child (as is she) I am also a widow/mother of 4, she lives alone and all care will be my responsibility. Has anyone else had an experience like this one? Where it grows so fast and opens like this?
As I said earlier we are no stranger to this battle. Besides the earlier bout of oral cancer she also had uterine cancer at 28 requiring a hysterectomy, breast cancer in her 40s with a mastectomy. She is now 61 years old and from what they say facing the most serious cancer yet. Any insight will be helpful, I've been lurking these boards for a week and am amazed at the people and support that can be found here, we're just getting started but I have a feeling I am going to be a regular!
Thanks
Kris
I"ll work on that signature thing when I get a few minutes and more information