Daughter undergoing tests UPDATE

Barbaraek
Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
edited February 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We are in a semi-holding pattern. After my daughter explained that she is a flutist and didn't want to risk any facial nerve damage, the doctor at the imaging center postponed the fine needle aspiration/biospy and said she should go to an ENT. So far she has seen her general practitioner and the radiologist at the imaging center. It makes sense to me that she see an ENT.

Meanwhile my husband who works at a comprehensive cancer center has sent the ultrasound reports to his head and  neck surgeon. There is a history of this mass "coming and going", so the leading hypothesis is that it is something called chronic sialedanitis which involves a blockage of the parotid (salivary gland). Sometimes small "stones" or calcium deposits will cause it, other times a benign tumor, and other times lack of saliva production/infection.

Most likely the ENT will prescibe a course of steroids and do a workup. If it is chronic sialendanitis a procedure which kind of roto-rooters out the duct can help. Any minimally invasive procedure is better for her as it reduces the risk of damaging the trigeminal nerve that runs around and branches at the parotid gland. I'll keep you posted.

Between my husband's nasopharyngeal tumor, my daughter's parotid gland, and my basal cell carcinoma on the nose...we are keeping the head and neck docs busy! So far my son is the only one wo has mercifully escaped health problems from the neck up!

Barbara

Comments

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    #2
    Glad it is not looking like

    Glad it is not looking like cancer. Hopefully the ENT can take care of it without too much trouble. Hugs to your daughter!

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #3
    Great

    To hear that C is not suspected. If there's a history, then C is very unlikely, as C is only going to keep growing. Very good news.

    As for your Son, and his health.  He by chance a Chicago Cub fan? If so, then this fall he's going to be running the risk of cardiac arrest when they make it to the World Series!!! Would advise, if he is a Cub fan, to do a preliminary cardiac check-up to establish a baseline...Course, if the Cubs don't even make it into the playoffs, then severe depression comes into the picture, and...

    kcass

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #4
    Great news!

    So glad to hear!

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #5
    Kent Cass said:

    Great

    To hear that C is not suspected. If there's a history, then C is very unlikely, as C is only going to keep growing. Very good news.

    As for your Son, and his health.  He by chance a Chicago Cub fan? If so, then this fall he's going to be running the risk of cardiac arrest when they make it to the World Series!!! Would advise, if he is a Cub fan, to do a preliminary cardiac check-up to establish a baseline...Course, if the Cubs don't even make it into the playoffs, then severe depression comes into the picture, and...

    kcass

    Sorry Kent

    but we are long time Oriole fans born and bred in "Bawlmer, hon". But I do on occasion root for the Cubbies because it has been so, so long for them.

    Barbara

  • corleone
    corleone Member Posts: 312 Member
    #6
    Hi Barbara

    I am glad it turned out to be just that. It seems I was almost right when I suggested that stones might have been a possibility (see my reply to the other post you made). May I suggest using lemon (either suck from a lemon or drink lemon juice). It increases the salivary secretion and might clear the salivary duct).

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    #7
    Barbaraek said:

    Sorry Kent

    but we are long time Oriole fans born and bred in "Bawlmer, hon". But I do on occasion root for the Cubbies because it has been so, so long for them.

    Barbara

    You are from Baltimore? So am

    You are from Baltimore? So am I! Long time Orioles fan here, ever since I was a little girl. Haven't lived in Baltimore in a long time, but all of my family is still there. We fly there at least once a year. Go O's!

  • the_wife
    the_wife Member Posts: 184
    #8
    Barbara, you certainly have

    Barbara, you certainly have had your hands full! I'm glad to hear that they are proceeding cautiously. I hope that everything works out for your daughter. Keep us posted!

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #9
    Full Deck

    Wow how do you handle it when it all comes at the same time and just keeps going. I do believe you are one very strong woman and will continue to prayer for you and your family

     

    Tim                    

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #10
    Barbara thank for the update

    Thanke for the update and you sure have a full plate. As for your daughter an ENT would be good. Try to go to one who uses a scope and not just the mirrors, I have been to both and just feel the scope is best for so many reasons.

    Hope the cleaning is all your husband will need. It seams they are on the right path.

    Bill

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #11
    Prayers

    Holy cow, Barbara!  I took a little Internet vacation and just  saw this post. You've had your hands full. I hope everyone's health is improving and that your daughter is doing well.

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