I am very happy to find this website, I have been losing my mind for weeks. I didn't have much except the books they give you at the clinic to go on. I finished treatment 1 week ago and I didn,t miss 1 day of work. I can't talk to save my life but I'm getting stronger every day. The sore throat is something I just expected but I'm not taking any pain meds, nothing. I can taste everything and after reading some of your postings I have little to complain about. My burnt skin is just about healed, so I,m very lucky. I just wanted to talk to someone anyone about what I have been going through. I don't have much of a support system. Thanks Tony

Tony,

Welcome, tell us more. What was your dignosis, what kind of treatment, do you have any side effects etc...

It sound as though you are doing well. I'm impressed that you are kept working, what do you do?

Hi Stoj, Well I was diagosed with squammish Cell Carsinomma of the True Vocal chord on the right side, thats why they found it so fast(stage I). I couldn't talk and I went to the ER 3 times and they never found it. Finally they gave me the name of an ENT doctor and he found it in 2 minutes with a scope.So , I had surgery and I missed 2 days of work for that. Then he sent me to an Oncologist and he put me on 28 treatments. You see I am a contractor for a big company. I work as a Electronic Technician in NC but I live in upstate NY. Also part of my emotional mess is that I make too much money (ha ha!)and have no medical insurance. Which means I have to pay for every penny of every bill, and there are about 8 different offices. So that is why I didn't miss work. It's just talking about it that makes me feel so much better. I pulled my car over after work the other day and just wept. Then I went home to the room that I rent and watched TV. Got up and did it again, over and over. Pretty depressing huh?

Stoj,Thanks for listening, I'll check back in when I get home from work.

Tony,

We all go through depression, especially after treatment ends. When you are going through treatment you are actively engaged in the fight. When it's over you are kind of left with now what am I supposed to do.

I have had several bouts with depression. I just started back to work on Monday and am feeling good about that. I still get tired/fatigued in the afternoons though.

You will find plenty of folks to talk to here and if you want you can send me a private message or e-mail anytime you like.

Sorry this demon caught you with out insurance. I'm in the Air Force so I have health insurance, I would hate to venture into how much this treatment cost and paying for it?

Hang in there
Stoj

Tony, Hi! Just wanted to say Hi, and share that I also got depressed after my treatment was finished. I didn't get down the whole time during, but after it ended I just cried at everything.. It passed for me after about a month, and I am moving right along. This whole ordeal is so emotionally, and physically challenging for all of us. I couldn't even imagine paying for all the doctor's and treatment bills, whew...what a load for you to carry. I am so thankful I have insurance from work. Take care of yourself and don't over do it. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Linda

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate it. I know I will make it, I always do. It just gets a little difficult at times. I should have gotten married when I had the chance! That way I'd have someone to slap me around when I get depressed. As far as the bills, I have gotten to the point where its like buying a car-one I can't drive but I'm alive.It's not that bad, I realize. When I was reading some of the others posts I almost didn't write anything because I'm so lucky. For anyone reading this my heart goes out to you and you have my prayers. I feel like helping other people so much, especially older folks that don't have anyone with them through all of this. I am 45 but feel and look much younger and I don't want to whine. Merry Christmas!

Tony, You sound like a strong person with lots of determination. I'll bet you will make it too. I do have a suggestion. It might be worth a shot to sit down and talk to each of the Docs and the hospital about reviewing the charges for your treatment. If you can talk face to face with a patient ombudsman and explain that paying the "full tilt" prices charged will put you in financial jeopardy, you might get these bills reduced. {remember, Ins. companies do not pay at those rates] It is the experience of several of us that you can, in fact, negotiate the cost of many of these charges. I wish you best luck in moving forward with your life. Amy

Thanks for the advice. I have done just that. so far its helping. You have gone through alot yourself. I dont know what the acronyms mean but it seems like alot. I had a stoke back in 2001 and that was pretty bad and again I fell through the cracks of normal patient care. The stroke hit me in Alabama at work. I was in intensive care for 9 days then they put me on a plane home. I was all alone so I drove to the doctor in Connecticut as soon as I was released from the hospital in Alabama. Then he sent me for physical Thareapy and they asked me about 6 weeks into it how I got there. I told them I was driving and they freaked out! So long story short, they havn't killed me yet! But I don't know what is next and cancer is bad but the way it's going I don't want to know! Tony

By the way, I was wondering about something. The vacine for HPV-16 that prevents cervical cancer. They have found that a large portion of tumor cells are positive for HPV-16. So why do they say that you don't catch cancer? I believe that my drinking and smoking played the majority but I still think the damn virus played some role. I admit that I have been not been as careful in my relationships as I should have been. This scares me, I may have it and give it to someone. What do you think? If this is off topic let me know. Tony