Doc came in this morning and looked upset, then just started spouting it out. " Nate, this one is very aggressive. I took out 5 times more than the pathologist said too and the tumor shows to be poorly differentiated. Were going through the MDA tumor board monday then go from there, more surgery may not be the answer but we will see what they say. Possibly more chemo and radiation but that may be so toxic it could kill you. Just hang tight and we will see you next week, you're being discharged friday." I guess the only good thing said was All nodes came back negative. Whomever feels like chiming in then please do, with tips , stories, encouragement etc. What does all this mean? He did say this type of cancer in 20 somethings is the hardest to kill. I was ALL CLEAR for 3 scans, now here I sit in my cubicle at the hospital just confused. He seemed so confident and now he looks defeated. I just want to be at home with my family, korinne and the dogs.

Nate,

we've talked all day brotha, you know my thoughts and that I'm in your corner. I think it's sad your Dr can't muster up a fraction of your courage and not look defeated. "F" that guy. Square your shoulders, lower your chin and get those hands up, we still got some work to do.

Rest up, love on those close to you and prepare your heart, it's the size of the state you live in.

Love you bro

Eric

Nate, you and I have also been chatting today. You know what Ive told you. Do NOT give up!!!! Even when things look bad, you never can predict what the future will hold. Try your very best to keep thinking positive! I know how difficult that is, Ive been in your position. Lets hear what the plan your docs come up with on Monday.

There are a couple of good things. Having zero lymph nodes come back positive is a good sign. Just being able to return home on Friday will help you to feel better. I bet you cant wait!

Hang in there!!!

I agree totally. Please don't give up and don't be defeated. Poorly differentiated cancer responds better to radiation and chemo than well, and moderately. This is because it doesn't resemble an actual cell and therefore doesn't have the defenses. The problem with it is because they are so poorly differentiated the replicate quickly. It's best to move and make a decision ASAP. Push. The good news is no node involvement. Hopefully your doctors get out ahead of it. If you don't have confidence in your dr. if he seems out of ideas, then get another dr. But don't waste time. talk to him before friday. Tell him you want to treat this aggressively - you're young and strong, you can handle what they throw at you. hugs... heal well.

Nate, you listen to these guys. They know what they are talking about. Know that we are all behind you, supporting you. Stay strong Nate. You are one of the toughest guys I know, don't let this beat you.

Sending you strength and love from Australia.

Wendy xx

Nate - You are a fighter!! You've already demonstrated that so keep up the momentum! There is always something you can do about whatever situation you are in and YOU CAN DO IT!! You have had positive signs already, so concentrate on that and as Cheryl says, if your doctor "seems out of ideas, then get another dr". Yell if you have to, to get people moving. Sending positive vibes and hugs your way.

Nate, these experienced folks have some pretty encouraging words for you! Listen to them, and we are all pulling for you to come out the other side of this bad news with a new, upbeat, and fresh outlook from your doctors. Hugs, Nate.

Nate, you have received some great advise from some very wise people here. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! You have so many people in your corner pulling for you and praying for you. I am amazed at how well you are doing after this HUGE surgery. You have youth and strength on your side - FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!! If you don't feel confident in your doctor find another one. There are many doctors out there and feeling confident in the one providing your care means so much. Continued prayers! Sending you a HUGE hug from Philly! Wanda

Here is the problem with finding a new doctor, I'm in the public county system. No Health Insurance. My doctors were residents at MDA, and the team is them, their residents here at LBJ/ENT and MDA tumor board. I definately want quality of life, this is a very uncomfortable hospital and don't want to just be their lab rat for aLl the students to come see. I don't want to keep getting cut up like a pig, I am so swollen and burning right now. Never thought I would say this but I hope chemo and radiation is the answer. I bounced back quickly from that last time as most remember and have the PEG in place already. Someone give me some ideas on good high calorie supplements I can use, Christine, Eric? I'm going to use the shit out of my vaporizer to stay hungry and pain free! Get bent cancer!

No words except ones I can't put on here cuz Christine will be an editing fool if I did. So after those were all thought in my head, and a deep breath...FIGHT NATE! Gosh darnit do some research on docs maybe somebody else will be able to take your case if you don't like these docs and this hospital. Ron had no insurance either and the Cleveland Clinic took care of him and I got him on Medicaid and now he is on Medicare and he has the best docs there. Go on the internet and do some searching, be proactive while you are there waiting to go home, maybe have Korrine(by the way I so love her name):)talk to whoever you find and give them all the info on your case maybe somebody down there will help you at a different hospital. They have that list on this forum somewhere for hospitals dealing specifically with cancer. Do not just lay there get to lookin!

Hugs to you!
Sue