I have not been on here in a long time after joining in June. I was scheduled for surgery July 28 and it was cancelled 2 days prior due to abnormal labwork. After a four week work up by a hem/onc it was determined I have "lupus anticoagulant" which does not mean I have lupus but does mean I have an antibody in my blood which makes me clot faster than I should.

SOOO, I had surgery 9/1 and was started on an injectable anticoagulant that same day. The thyroid cancer was very small and removal of the thyroid gland was the only treatment needed. The floor of the mouth lesion turned out to be high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma about the size of a marble. The surgeon removed all he could see. Unfortunately my 23 hour observation stay turned into a week long stay as my parathyroid glands went on strike causing my calcium levels to drop to critical values and sending me into severe hand spasms. Then the level went the total opposite direction.

Anyway, my surgeon has me scheduled to see Dr. Ruis Fernandes at the Shands Tumor Board Jacksonville this coming Tuesday. I feel like, being a nurse, I should know all the questions to ask already, but common sense tells me to ask those of you who have been down this road ahead of me! Plus I am still not thinking clearly from lack of sleep/drugs/whatever!

Thanks!

It sounds like you've been on a roller coaster during your stay at the hospital.

I can't help you with the diagnosis, but we did make the move to Kingsland, GA over the Summer. Eventually we'll need to meet up! That would be really nice.

My appointment with Dr. Goldman in Sept. 24th.

Patty-
I would love to meet up with you sometime! How do you like Kingsland? I hate moving, so hope your's went smoothly.

This whole thing has been a roller coaster from the beginning of June!! Wish I could get off the ride. . .

I'll be interested in knowing how your appt. goes. When I was in nursing school back in 1980-1982, I did clinicals at Memorial Hospital here. At that time Dr. Goldman was at Memorial. I still remember taking care of a patient of his with a radical neck dissection. He certainly has years of experience.

Thanks for responding to my post-- helps me feel not so alone!!

Susan

Looks like we're around the same age too. I graduated in 1985 from University of Mobile.

Kingsland is ok. I do like that Jacksonville is right around the corner. Sometimes I'm a little overwhelmed with everything here. Sitka, AK is small and easy going. I miss it a lot. It's been a little hard finding my groove here, but I know that will just take some time.

I'll let you know about Dr. Goldman. I'm looking forward to meeting him.

I know that I've seen that type of cancer posted here before, so hopefully someone will be able to help you.