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| Date Entered at Shared Experience: 04/19/2002 |
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THROAT |
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My father has just been diagnosed as terminal after an 8 year battle, a full laryngectomy, 2 lots of radiation and a lot of prayers. The initial laser surgery and radiation kept the cancer at bay for nearly 6 years and then last year it returned with a vengeance. He had to have a laryngectomy last June and he has just started to adjust to life with a voice prothesis when a routine examination sparked doctor's concerns. Tests revealed the cancer in his lymph nodes and they were promptly removed along with most of his thyroid gland. Huge doses of radiation followed and a cyst formed near his stoma which has now been diagnosed as a malignant peristomal tumor and as it is lying on a main artery it cannot be operated on. He is proof that throat cancer is not only a smoker's disease because he has never smoked in his life. A genetic predisposition or just rotten luck...whatever the reason, hopefully one day there will be more cures for all forms of cancer. |
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None although he have just been offered them as a last resort but as it isn't offered as a cure and may only prolong the pain he isn't sure whether to have it. |
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Laser surgery then radiation and then full laryngectomy and then removal of lymph nodes in the neck and more radiation. |
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He is well at the moment althought the doctors have now found another tumor laying on a main artery that is inoperable and they have given him only a few months to live. |
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We have read everything there is to read and are now searching for any clinical trials of new drugs to try. If anyone has heard of anything then please post a message. The specialist has been very good and is available to the family at any time. |
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We are trying to remain positive and my father's main concerns are for the rest of us and how we are coping with the news. My mother in particular is devastated and I hope I am strong enough to give them both the support they need. I find meditation and the organisation of my parent's photographs (which have always lived in a huge suitcase waiting to be put in albums) very helpful. My dad has a great sense of humour and he hasn't lost it so that helps too. I refuse to be awkward around him (which is difficult sometimes because I find myself watching what I say) because I refuse to let this wretched disease ruin our relationship. If you've been diagnosed with any form of cancer then my advice is to stay positive and ask questions, even the ones you think might make you look silly...knowledge is your best defense. |
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