today it was good,,,,I think...lol | Arthritis Information

I an so sick of this, one day good new, the next bad, next time good. who do I believe, what do I do?

Today it was good, when I got there they didn't have my chart the lady said she would have to go get it out of the doctors car, that she took it with her, The doctor said she presented my case to the cancer broad and they thought, that if the pet scan came out with the neck being clear I won't need radation, but Thur. at cancer center, the cancer doc.was there and I got fitted for a mask and was told where the radation was going to be. Fri. I was told to call the Doc. about a peg and a port. now 4 days later, the surgeon said it would be up to me. I sure don't want it, I've read all about it and talked to people on line, but I would weather go thru 2 to 3 months of hell then get the cancer back? when I ask her about if she got a good marin by it being on the bone and she said no. That it was in the worst place, because of my chin and gums no extra room to work with. if the scan is clear do I take my chances or do I go for the works? Radation to the throat area will burn inside and outside of mouth and neck, would need peg to get things like ensure down, anything that I could get down would taste like chemicals, most people have 5 to6 weeks of not being able to do anything but sleep off the pain pills, then it gets slowly better over the next few months. I would have to carry water and throat spray with me the rest of my life, because it would kill the saliva glands, some have it harder then others, but haven't heard or talk to anyone who had it easy. Even if I take it I could still get cancer down the road. I had my mind made up to have it, but if a group of cancer doctors don't think I need it why would I? But I don't want cancer, when I went to my RD last week he gave me a big hug and told me to go the hold 9 yards. But he hasn't seen all the test, I did take what I had down with me and he checked my mouth. He's nosey, he want to know every think, can't help but love him, hes the best. sorry this is so long, any help here would help.

thank you

Rusty

I am sorry, Wilma. I wish I had an answer for you, but I do not.

I guess all I can offer is maybe take a vote from all the Dr's and go with that?

Oh and I have hugs and ice cream to offer you.

Many & much hugs. [QUOTE=joonie]Your Welcome! Just do not eat up all the ice cream... I have not had any of it yet.

Rusty, I'm so sorry that I don't have any advice for you. I agree with Joonie, that you should see what the doctors think, then make your decision from there. I would also try to talk to as many cancer patients as you can and maybe get some input from them. A support group, maybe? I imagine your oncologist knows of some groups you could talk to.

Basically, just do whatever research you can so you can make an informed decision.

Best of luck, Sweetie! You continue to be in my prayers. Please let us know what you decide.

Hugs and much love, Nini
Definitely hook up with other patients and/or a support group - that sounds like a great idea! And you don't have to make the decision for a few more weeks, right? You have to heal up first? Maybe take a few days to get away from it all.

Perhaps go on a contemplative retreat? I went to a Jesuit retreat house for a weekend retreat back in the spring and there were many cancer survivors there. They came for the quiet, the peace of mind, the time to contemplate something larger than ourselves - many have been going to the same retreat for years because it's brought such comfort to them.

There are retreat houses to fit all styles of believers and non-believers, and most are very inexpensive. The one I went to had no preset cost - you paid what you wanted. They did not want cost to be a barrier to anyone.

I went not knowing what to expect, and I had a wonderful, relaxing time. I felt so much more peaceful when I came home! It's hard to describe, especially for this numbers-and-equations geek-girl.
Hi Rusty,

I am sorry that I have no advice to give you other than you can take some time to make this decision. Meet with your cancer docs and see what they say and then I guess weigh out the pros and cons. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you. My thoughts and prayers are still with you...Hiking_gal
Hi Rusty,

I wish I could give you the answer you need, but the suggestions you've been given are good ones. All anyone can do is research, ask a million questions, talk to those who have "been there" (that has SO much value), then add up everything you've learned and you'll most likely come up with an answer you can be comfortable with, because you'll know you've done everything you can to make the right decision. Please keep us posted on how you're doing and don't hesitate to vent to us. It's a small thing we can do to help, and we do want to help you through this.
thanks for your replys, I have researched,I have spend hours everyday trying to find answers. The best site I found was the Oral cancer foundation, they have people on there that can answer any question. They have people on there, who tell you like it is, The things they say are very scarey. I heard about the worst, none has had it easy, I feel very lucky after hearing their storys. Its sad what people have to go thru. I'm not sure I could live the way some of them do. I use to work in nurseing homes and have seen it all. I have seen some with Ra that was so twisted and in pain, that all they wanted to do was die, they have came a long ways with treatments. I never dream that one day it would be my battle. I started working at 14. so, that was 52 years ago. have a great day
rusty
Abbey Press Care Notes have some nice pamphlets on dealing with cancer and other conditions www.onecaringplace.com if interested. Having something in writing has helped me.

Jan

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