Surgery has been scheduled and I am freaking out!

NitaNita

Crazymom said:

Surgery
Hi, I am in a similar position. I have finished my chemo and radiation and my left node is 12mm instead of 10mm. They are going to do a Pet Scan on June 21 and if it is not good or if it is inconclusive they are going to do a neck disection and take the left lymph nodes out. I am scared and trying to turn it over to God. Some days I do better than others. I have children still at home and would hate for them to go through anymore than they already have. Good luck with the surgery. I wish we did not have to wait!

Ann

Dre/Ann
Dre..I was just wondering if it was something I should have. I dont know much about his cancer thing so thought I would ask. I promise any information you have given me has only helped me

Ann..Good luck on your journey. I know mine is just beginning but it is so hard to do when you let the "what if's" creap in. We worry about our little ones seeing us this way and of course want to know we will be okay to take care of them and be in their life. I have learned it is normal for us to give it to God and be strong and then take it back and worry. It's the unknowns that scare us. I will keep you in my prayers and that the PET scan comes out good. Waiting is the WORST!

NitaNita

NitaNita said:

Dre/Ann
Dre..I was just wondering if it was something I should have. I dont know much about his cancer thing so thought I would ask. I promise any information you have given me has only helped me

Ann..Good luck on your journey. I know mine is just beginning but it is so hard to do when you let the "what if's" creap in. We worry about our little ones seeing us this way and of course want to know we will be okay to take care of them and be in their life. I have learned it is normal for us to give it to God and be strong and then take it back and worry. It's the unknowns that scare us. I will keep you in my prayers and that the PET scan comes out good. Waiting is the WORST!

Leo..
Thank you so much for taking the time to write me back. You seem to be very sweet and extremely helpful in putting my mind at ease. I really appreciate it!!!

katenorwood

Surgery....
Hey hello !
Please don't feel so alone ...we all feel this way ! Having a support system of family and friends helps. Also this group is really good to let feelings out, and I am seeing more and more the support that is here ! (kinda new here) Surgery is scary always...but if you have gotten the info about your cancer...and surgery....your all good hon. Remember NO question is a dumb question EVER ! The net has helped this old woman alot ! Had to do alot of research on my cancer (ACC) myself....don't forget this wounderful source to use, just make sure it's a reliable site. Good luck, and much success....prayers sent, Katie

LeoS2323

NitaNita said:

Leo..
Thank you so much for taking the time to write me back. You seem to be very sweet and extremely helpful in putting my mind at ease. I really appreciate it!!!

Nita
Its a pleasure

Many people did the same for me when I was in the waiting stage, people who had been through it already. I liked hearing the success stories, and those who had got through it and ot through it well. At the end of the day from what you have said about your diagnosis and bearing in mind your age etc. what you have is very curable.

You have every right to feel confident you will beat it, and believing that you will beat it will help you do so. I have a friend who is actually a head & neck surgeon and he said that there is no doubt that people with a positive attitude make the best recoveries, and that its very important to keep believing.

The surgery isn't easy but the effects aren't as long lasting as those from treatment. Its a bit scary going under, and you will be sore for a while but like I am now 5-6 weeks on the pain becomes just a memory and your body heals amazingly well. The part of my scar up my neck is fading already, its honestly difficult to see.

We are all here for you. I have had the same kind of surgery recently so I can speak from experience when I say you really will get through it; there will be a couple of tough weeks but try not to worry too much. You have to look at this as a safety thing - by taking those nodes away the doctors are reducing your risk and keeping your situation manageable; they are making sure it doesn't go anywhere else.

That is so important, it is imperative. I'm sitting here feeling so much more confident and less afraid now my nodes have been taken out and were clear. Head & Neck almost always has to develop significantly in the neck nodes before moving anywhere else, so having that security of knowing the risk has been removed is a big boost.

You will get through it Nita, your operation is your first major step to recovery.

All the best

Leo

Crazymom

LeoS2323 said:

Nita
Its a pleasure

Many people did the same for me when I was in the waiting stage, people who had been through it already. I liked hearing the success stories, and those who had got through it and ot through it well. At the end of the day from what you have said about your diagnosis and bearing in mind your age etc. what you have is very curable.

You have every right to feel confident you will beat it, and believing that you will beat it will help you do so. I have a friend who is actually a head & neck surgeon and he said that there is no doubt that people with a positive attitude make the best recoveries, and that its very important to keep believing.

The surgery isn't easy but the effects aren't as long lasting as those from treatment. Its a bit scary going under, and you will be sore for a while but like I am now 5-6 weeks on the pain becomes just a memory and your body heals amazingly well. The part of my scar up my neck is fading already, its honestly difficult to see.

We are all here for you. I have had the same kind of surgery recently so I can speak from experience when I say you really will get through it; there will be a couple of tough weeks but try not to worry too much. You have to look at this as a safety thing - by taking those nodes away the doctors are reducing your risk and keeping your situation manageable; they are making sure it doesn't go anywhere else.

That is so important, it is imperative. I'm sitting here feeling so much more confident and less afraid now my nodes have been taken out and were clear. Head & Neck almost always has to develop significantly in the neck nodes before moving anywhere else, so having that security of knowing the risk has been removed is a big boost.

You will get through it Nita, your operation is your first major step to recovery.

All the best

Leo

Surgery
Thanks for your comments! It is really helpful.

Ann

NitaNita

katenorwood said:

Surgery....
Hey hello !
Please don't feel so alone ...we all feel this way ! Having a support system of family and friends helps. Also this group is really good to let feelings out, and I am seeing more and more the support that is here ! (kinda new here) Surgery is scary always...but if you have gotten the info about your cancer...and surgery....your all good hon. Remember NO question is a dumb question EVER ! The net has helped this old woman alot ! Had to do alot of research on my cancer (ACC) myself....don't forget this wounderful source to use, just make sure it's a reliable site. Good luck, and much success....prayers sent, Katie

Thanks...
I am really trying to be calm about the surgery. It is only 9 days away, and even though I am scared of the recovery I am so happy to get this done with. I really appreciate all the kind and uplifting words. Praying everything goes well and the nodes are clear and he gets clear margins.

NitaNita

katenorwood said:

Surgery....
Hey hello !
Please don't feel so alone ...we all feel this way ! Having a support system of family and friends helps. Also this group is really good to let feelings out, and I am seeing more and more the support that is here ! (kinda new here) Surgery is scary always...but if you have gotten the info about your cancer...and surgery....your all good hon. Remember NO question is a dumb question EVER ! The net has helped this old woman alot ! Had to do alot of research on my cancer (ACC) myself....don't forget this wounderful source to use, just make sure it's a reliable site. Good luck, and much success....prayers sent, Katie

Thanks...
I am really trying to be calm about the surgery. It is only 9 days away, and even though I am scared of the recovery I am so happy to get this done with. I really appreciate all the kind and uplifting words. Praying everything goes well and the nodes are clear and he gets clear margins.

BrianKrashpad

NitaNita said:

Thanks...
I am really trying to be calm about the surgery. It is only 9 days away, and even though I am scared of the recovery I am so happy to get this done with. I really appreciate all the kind and uplifting words. Praying everything goes well and the nodes are clear and he gets clear margins.

prayers
Prayers and mojo Nita. I had tonsil cancer that was also on a couple nodes. As with you, they took out about 20 to clear the area.

It is perfectly reasonable to be concerned. We all are, whenever we have any procedure, treatment, checkup, or scan. That said, it's best to try to simply stay positive. When concern turns to too much worry it is a hindrance, because it accomplishes nothing and distracts from your goal.

Be well!