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| Joined: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 | Hi - my husband was just diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. We have been waiting to meet with the surgeon for almost 10 days now. All I can do is think about the worst but I just found this thread and I am grateful for the opportunity to at least see what might be in store for us.
Jenni
| | | | Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 115 Likes: 15 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 115 Likes: 15 | Welcome to our group read as many posts as you can that's what I did and ask any questions you might have we will try to help. | | | | Joined: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 | I don't even know what questions to ask at this point. His lesion is in the supraglottic area of his throat and he has 1 node involved, we don't know of distant mets yet. So far the surgeon is stating chemo and radiation and not surgery because of the stage and significant side effects. Since we haven't met with the surgeon yet, I can only surmise that the significant SEs are loss of voice box and all that that entails. Anyone out there with a similar diagnosis that has any food for thought? Questions we should as the surgeon maybe?
I am also very much blaming myself. He has had obvious symptoms for over 6mos now and I didn't take them seriously enough. I should have forced him to go to the MD so much sooner than I did.
Jenni Husband 56yo Long time smoker of 35yrs, sober for 4yrs but history of alcoholism
Jenni
| | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,916 Likes: 63 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,916 Likes: 63 | This area while it can be treated surgically, could have long term consequences when vital portions of it are removed. It could impact swallow ability, speech, and much more. Anatomical details of where this is are likely pushing the doctors to this choice of treatment. You need to question them on the factors that are driving their choice and feel comfortable with the idea.
On another note history and the past are just that. They occurred, they are not changeable, and you need to focus on today. Don’t beat yourselves up over decisions in lifestyle or choices that you can’t change. It detracts from your mental well being, and you need to focus on today and what is possible.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. | 1 member likes this:
ChrisCQ | | |
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