MD Anderson

LumpinmyThroat
LumpinmyThroat Member Posts: 98
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

This place is incredible so far. In one day we met with 5 doctors that specialize in head and neck cancer treatment! They ordered new bloodwork, a new CT, and got all of the tissue from the other hospital overnighted so they can do their own pathological work up. each doctor talked with us for at least 30 minutes and didn't seem to be in a rush at all. They answered all of our questions and really made us feel at ease about trusting in their knowledge and experience. This is SO DIFFERENT from what we have experienced back home. I'm not saying we had a "bad" experience...it just felt more like a drive-by shooting than a conversation when we would see the oncologist. I dont think he's ever sat down in my presence come to think of it. We meet the general H&N oncologist tomorrow.

The hometown oncologist said the cancer definitely metastistized to the lungs based on the PET (despite SUV uptake <3 and prescribed chemo and no radiation. Here, they're not convinced the lesion in the lung is cancer and want to investigate it (probable biopsy unless the chemo shrunk it) while simultaneously using a fancy something something radiation on the problem area in the neck over 4 weeks in combination with the chemo. 

The facility itself seems to be a well-oiled machine. It's clean, updated and massive. The childcare center kept the baby all day and she had a ball. That was indescribably helpful. The wait times were reasonable and everyone was so nice. They have the amenities of an airport + a hairdresser and psychiatric oncology center for when this disease drives you crazy. It's really something.

Anyway, just wanted to share today's events. Love to you all. I hope you are doing well. ~Beth ❤️

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    nice report

    Beth,

    Good for you! Here’s to a successful plan in the near future.

    Wish you the best,

    Matt

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #3
    Trust is the best

    The most important and enduring factor of all is your belief and faith and trust in your doctors. MDA is one of the very best. You are in great hands and the extra confidence can only help assist you on your journey. Don

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    I'm so relieved for you, Beth!!

    I've heard so many good things about MDA.....I'm SO glad you are there!  They'll take good care of you!

    p

  • Crazymom
    Crazymom Member Posts: 339 Member
    #5
    MD Anderson

    I went there.  It is a fabulous facility.  You are in good hands!

     

    Ann

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #6
    phrannie51 said:

    I'm so relieved for you, Beth!!

    I've heard so many good things about MDA.....I'm SO glad you are there!  They'll take good care of you!

    p

    Beth

    You are in good hands. I feel the same way about my experience at Mayo Clinic. So unlike Barnes in St Louis.

    Prayers that it isn't mets to lung.

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #7
    i'm so glad you feel

    i'm so glad you feel comfortable with and trust these docs.  also very happy that they are being thorough and taking time with you.  that always helps us feel better.  it sounds like you are where you need to be.  praying the the leision on lung isn't cancer.  wishing you guys the best as you move forward.  we'll be on the sidelines cheering for you.  please keep us posted on the progress.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • LumpinmyThroat
    LumpinmyThroat Member Posts: 98
    #8
    Going back Thurs & Fri

    Laughing

    Thank you for all the kind words and feedback.

    We return to MDA Thursday for the CT and to meet with the lung radiation doctor and the dental oncologist. Friday will be the lung nodule biopsy. It's a nail-biter for sure. Whatever the ffffff it is, it's going away and he's going to be cancer free at the end of this. That's just how it's going to be! Sorry SCC. :)

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #9
    LumpinmyThroat said:

    Going back Thurs & Fri

    Laughing

    Thank you for all the kind words and feedback.

    We return to MDA Thursday for the CT and to meet with the lung radiation doctor and the dental oncologist. Friday will be the lung nodule biopsy. It's a nail-biter for sure. Whatever the ffffff it is, it's going away and he's going to be cancer free at the end of this. That's just how it's going to be! Sorry SCC. :)

    Yes you will...

    It is so much better when you are at a large medical place then the local ones. MDA is one of the best there is and when all of your doctors work together and all know what the other docters are doing it is so much better for you. Just have fath and keep up the attutde you will be fine and beat this and you will do just that. Will send prayers your way.

    wmc

  • jthornsbury
    jthornsbury Member Posts: 62
    #10
    LumpinmyThroat said:

    Going back Thurs & Fri

    Laughing

    Thank you for all the kind words and feedback.

    We return to MDA Thursday for the CT and to meet with the lung radiation doctor and the dental oncologist. Friday will be the lung nodule biopsy. It's a nail-biter for sure. Whatever the ffffff it is, it's going away and he's going to be cancer free at the end of this. That's just how it's going to be! Sorry SCC. :)

    One Day At A Time

    You are in great hands...went through five weeks of raditation for tonsil SCC Stage 4 and every step of the way everyone was wonderful.  Ask questions and they are always there to assist you during this difficult time.  Been 14 months since treatment and the "all clear".  Next time is July for physical, blood work (my quarterly donation) and xray just to check lungs.  Looking forward to the day the MD says see you later instead of in three months.  And remember all you need to do is get through the next 24 hours!!!

     

    jthornsbury

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