|
| Date Entered at Shared Experience: 05/16/2000 |
|
THROAT |
|
My father was daignosed three years ago with cancer of the throat and larynx.
When he was first diagnosed they suggested six weeks of radiation treatment and that
they had to put in a traech. After the six weeks of radiation treatment they said
the prognosis was good. A year to the date he started having problems again with
serious coughing fits. Tests concluded that the cancer had returned.
|
|
This time they suggested surgery was his only option. They wanted to do a laryngectomy
and a radical neck dissection. It was suggested that if they didn't do the sergery he
would more then likely only have less then six months to live. |
|
Needless to say we agreed to the surgery. If I remember correctly it lasted
appromixately 10 hours, followed by another 1-2 hours in recovery. It was a
long recovery process and very difficult for him to deal with. A great number
of people seemed to be uncomfortable around someone who communicates in a
different way. It took time but he managed to learn how to use a
electrolarynx and is now working on using a voice prosthesis. The doctors weren't
sure if he would be able to use the voice prosthesis because part of his operation
was to have part of his food passage removed and replaced with a part of his
stomach called a jejunam (unsure of spelling).
Apparently the voice prosthesis' don't generally work with that. Well he's quite happy
to show everyone that he can make it work.
|
|
The only problems that he has incurred from the operation is swallowing from time
to time and dizziness. Upon using trial and error we discovered a solution for
both problems. For the swallowing we found if he avoids alochol, eats properly
on a regular basis and stays out of dusty environments he is fine. As for the dizziness,
well that took us awhile to figure out. According to a nurologist that we consulted with,
during the sergury an artery (I believe) in his neck was jostled around. Apparently this
artery affects his sense of balance. I believe he said that it controls the blood that
is being pumped to the brain. Well what we discovered is that if he eats regularly
and that is a variety of foods, including meat, and avoids alcohol in excess amounts he
is fine. Occasionally he still gets the odd dizzy spell but if he takes care of himself
they are very mild. If he doesn't, they can border on mild seizures.
Since then he has been living a pretty good life. It took a lot of adjustments and he's
still learning but he has added years to his life that he wouldn't have had if he didn't
have the operation.
Unfortunatley he has just been diagnosed with lung cancer that has apparently spread
from the neck area. The doctors are now suggesting chemotherapy however we are not sure
if it is the right thing to do. One of the side effects of chemo is loss of appitite
and if he doesn't eat then the problems begin. Needless to say another journey is
about to begin.
|
|
We found the cancer society very helpful. More so because of the information
that their booklets provided us with. We also used the Lost Chord Club for support. I
have to say that it very helpful to actually see and meet other laryngectomee's. I'm
not sure if The Lost Chord Club is in the U.S. but if you are in Canada please do look
them up. They are a wonderful organization.
|
|
My advice is to read about the disease as much as you can. Doctors will give
you as much information as they can but they don't always spek in terms you understand.
Be prepared with any questions that you may have before every visit. Odds are you will
be overwhelmed most of the time by the information that the doctors give you and then
forget to ask the essential questions. Most doctors are more then willing to discuss
any question or concerns that you may have but if you don't ask they won't tell you.
Unfortunatley they are usually too busy to worry about small details they leave
that to you. If you can try to find someone in your predicament that can help you
understand what is happening more easily.
I personally did a lot of research on the internet and read quite a few books on
throat cancer. At first I was overwhelmed by all the information but you would be
surprised at all the information that you remember when you have to. What I
couldn't go through in terms of information or appointments I was lucky enough
to have my brother help out with. Every day we would have a family dicussion about
what to ask and what to do etc. It helped a great deal.
These are just a few suggestions that hopefully will help. |
Visitor Information:
Role:
Name:
City:
State:
Zip:
Country:
Email:
Found sharedexperience.org By: |
Doctor Information:
Rate as Information Provider: 5
(1="very poor", 5="best")
Receptiveness:
(1="very poor", 5="best")
Method Used for Choosing this Doctor: |
