#5243 03-29-2005 02:45 AM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 13 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 13 | It is with great sadness that I tell of the passing of my beloved husband. I posted a few months ago telling you all of our crisis. He was diagosed in Dec. 2001 with SCC base of tongue and finished treatment April, 2002. He had regular checkups and all was fine (we thought)until Aug., 2004 when he discovered a lump in his groin and another on his chest. A cat scan showed numerous tumors in his chest, lungs, and brain. He had had a chest x-ray in April and according to the doc a "shadow" or "blur" was seen, but nothing to worry about and no follow up ordered. Well everything was not okay. Please once again, I urge you all to manage your own care by questioning what you feel. We were uncomfortable with what the doc said, but didn't take it any further.
Smitty was a dear man who spent his life helping kids and being kind to everyone he knew. He was a rascal as well and much loved by everyone around him. He fought a good fight and lasted at least 2 months more than predicted. He should never have had to go through this. It was too late when we found out and no treatment was offered.
Take care and be well. God bless you all.
Donna Smith
Orrville, Ohio | | |
#5244 03-29-2005 03:06 AM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 | Donna,
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Smitty was a wonderful person. You have my deepest sympathy. And you are right. We all do need to take a proactive role in our health care. It is so sad that we need to learn this lesson the hard way. We were told that Heather's original CT scan didn't show anything. When I got her records later, though, I read the report and it said there was a "shadow", but it was deemed to be of no concern. In her case, it didn't matter because she was diagnosed right away from another symptom, but it does show that we must not rely on one doctor or one test. Always, always get another opinion, ask more questions or whatever it takes to get to the truth. It is so good of you to think of others in your time of need and offer this advice. Thank you.
Take care,
Rosie
Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.
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#5245 03-29-2005 03:37 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 | Dear Donna,
Please accept my condolonces in the passing of your husband Smitty. I can't think of anything that would ease your pain right now.
One thing I've learned is doctors are not perfect, they are human beings the same as you and I. To all who read this please go for a second or thrid opinion. When your gut feeling is telling you something is wrong it usually is.
Thinking of you and your family, Danny Boy
Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.
Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06
Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006
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#5246 03-29-2005 03:56 AM | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 928 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 928 | Dear Donna
Your pain is so raw. I appreciate your taking the time to post, thank you for a well needed kick in the butt. I do believe complacency might be our biggest enemy, just because things are going well and time is passing you tend not to worry as much.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Marica
Caregiver to husband Pete, Dx 4/03 SCC Base of Tongue Stage IV. Chemo /Rad no surgery. Treatment finished 8/03. Doing great!
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#5247 03-29-2005 04:39 AM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | Donna,
I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through right now and what Smitty had to endure in the last several months. I hope and pray that you'll have the strength you need. Thanks also for reminding us of the importance of being vigilant about our care.
Cathy
Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
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#5248 03-29-2005 08:04 AM | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,116 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,116 | Dear Donna, I am very sorry to hear of Smitty's passing. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol
Diagnosed May 2002 with Stage IV tongue cancer, two lymph nodes positive. Surgery to remove 1/2 tongue, neck dissection, 35 radiation treatments. 11/2007, diagnosed with cancer of soft palate, surgery 12/14/07, jaw split. 3/24/10, cancer on tongue behind flap, need petscan, surgery scheduled 4/16/10
---update passed away 8-27-11---
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#5249 03-29-2005 08:16 AM | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Donna,
I am so sorry you have lost your wonderful Smitty. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your families. May your memories help you through this difficult period.
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
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#5250 03-29-2005 08:44 AM | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 90 Senior Member (75+ posts) | | Senior Member (75+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 90 | Donna,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Smitty. As a caregiver myself, it really hits a nerve to hear this kind of news. I pray God will give you strength to get through this difficult time. Because of you, I will make sure to stay diligent with regards to my husband's care. Thank you...
Shelley
Caregiver to husband, Ron. Throat cancer, Stage II. No Chemo or Surgery. Completed 35 Radiation Treatments in November 2004.
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#5251 03-29-2005 08:46 AM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | Donna
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, may your memories keep up strong, and may your God walk by your side..
Walk in the sunshine when you can
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
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#5252 03-29-2005 09:50 AM | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 18 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 18 | Donna
Hearing of your loss is so sad,what a rough time you have been through and I agree with you we must be more proactive with the doctors,we ourselves know if what they are saying is ok and also if it isn't ,I am a carer too, and my husband would have been okay if his recurrence had been picked up sooner, they said at the time he was okay and I wish Ide said no he isn't, scan him but I was too scared, we know our family better than they do, we might not know how to treat it and the doctors should listen carefully to our opinion too. My thoughts are with you Donna, look after yourself and love yourself, we are here if you feel grief has got on top of you just post,
charm
charm
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