It's Baaaaack
Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:18 pm
I posted this on FB last night:
This should be short, we will see.
I have throat cancer. It was first diagnosed a little over three years ago. I had surgery. 6-8 months later it was back. I had radiation. 6 months later it was back. I had chemotherapy. 6 months later, back again.
The surgery left nearly invisible scars, lack of saliva, loss of taste sensation, a tight neck that doesn't allow me to lift my head a normal amount and tight muscles and loss of sensation in my shoulders.
The radiation left scarring in my throat, difficulty swallowing, thyroid damage, less saliva, loss of most of my taste buds, and a great Halloween mask. Did I mention 55 pounds of weight loss (I really did need that part.), a second "belly button" where I fed myself through a stomach tube.
The chemo made a mess of what was left of my taste buds, I was marginally nauseous part of the time. After the treatments were over, I had/have neuropathy in my feet and fingertips. I feel like I am walking on pea gravel that is very hot and have a sheet of paper stuck to my foot at the same time. My fingertips have lost dexterity and I cannot properly sense holding a glass or similar object and may drop it. Did I mention I lost my hair?
Now the cancer has come back with a vengeance. It is on my epiglottis. The epiglottis is the "valve" in your throat that separates the air and the food/liquid. Not a good place to have a problem. (I get to see my epiglottis and vocal cords on camera on many of my Dr. visits.)
I have elected to have a total laryngectomy. The surgery will take place at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on 16 January 2018. For a period of time, I will not be able to speak. There are several options concerning speech after a laryngectomy, we have not explored them yet. When I am cognizant, I will be able to text and email.
I am not seeking sympathy. I am fighting the cancer as best I can. This route is the best option available. I have one of the premier surgeons in the field. I have one of the very best hospitals available. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Kathi and I would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our kids and grandkids will be here this week for Christmas, we are looking forward to it.
This should be short, we will see.
I have throat cancer. It was first diagnosed a little over three years ago. I had surgery. 6-8 months later it was back. I had radiation. 6 months later it was back. I had chemotherapy. 6 months later, back again.
The surgery left nearly invisible scars, lack of saliva, loss of taste sensation, a tight neck that doesn't allow me to lift my head a normal amount and tight muscles and loss of sensation in my shoulders.
The radiation left scarring in my throat, difficulty swallowing, thyroid damage, less saliva, loss of most of my taste buds, and a great Halloween mask. Did I mention 55 pounds of weight loss (I really did need that part.), a second "belly button" where I fed myself through a stomach tube.
The chemo made a mess of what was left of my taste buds, I was marginally nauseous part of the time. After the treatments were over, I had/have neuropathy in my feet and fingertips. I feel like I am walking on pea gravel that is very hot and have a sheet of paper stuck to my foot at the same time. My fingertips have lost dexterity and I cannot properly sense holding a glass or similar object and may drop it. Did I mention I lost my hair?
Now the cancer has come back with a vengeance. It is on my epiglottis. The epiglottis is the "valve" in your throat that separates the air and the food/liquid. Not a good place to have a problem. (I get to see my epiglottis and vocal cords on camera on many of my Dr. visits.)
I have elected to have a total laryngectomy. The surgery will take place at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on 16 January 2018. For a period of time, I will not be able to speak. There are several options concerning speech after a laryngectomy, we have not explored them yet. When I am cognizant, I will be able to text and email.
I am not seeking sympathy. I am fighting the cancer as best I can. This route is the best option available. I have one of the premier surgeons in the field. I have one of the very best hospitals available. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Kathi and I would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our kids and grandkids will be here this week for Christmas, we are looking forward to it.