surgery soon

katenorwood
katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
What a day !
3 hr. wait for thorasic guy...several people left due to schedual being pushed back so far. We of coarse stayed as it is 165 mile ride to get to them. I have a 3 cm. spot in my right lung lower lobe. They will be doing VATS to remove it, won't know of coarse if it is mets or another primary til after path is done. If ths is ACC...trials may be an option. They are going to biopsy the mass in the mastoid area H/N the same day. I did not want to go yesterday, the anxiety level was massive. But now I have some idea of a plan...probable 4 day stay in hospital. Depends on how lung heals...needs to not be leaking before they release me. Will post when I know date and time. Katie
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Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    I had to look up VATS....
    very high tech, but it appears that recovery time is shortened a great deal. I also had to look up the mastoid, as I didn't have a clue where that is...so they'll do that at the same time?

    No doubt your anxiety level was huge, Katie...just know we're virtually holding your hand as you go thru this. Saying prayers and sending positive thoughts...

    p
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #3
    phrannie51 said:

    I had to look up VATS....
    very high tech, but it appears that recovery time is shortened a great deal. I also had to look up the mastoid, as I didn't have a clue where that is...so they'll do that at the same time?

    No doubt your anxiety level was huge, Katie...just know we're virtually holding your hand as you go thru this. Saying prayers and sending positive thoughts...

    p

    LOL..I throw out letters left and right
    Phrannie,
    Yeah VATS is probably the best way to go...scope procedure. Was told pretty painful...I just looked at the guy and said really. As I'm sitting there with a scar from ear to ear. O.K. I'm being a bit sarcastic...sorry ! Yeah the mastoid is the bone behind your ear...there is a enlarged lymph node tight against it, and a mass below it. You're pretty cool to take the time to look these things up. Thank you P ! Katie
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    katenorwood said:

    LOL..I throw out letters left and right
    Phrannie,
    Yeah VATS is probably the best way to go...scope procedure. Was told pretty painful...I just looked at the guy and said really. As I'm sitting there with a scar from ear to ear. O.K. I'm being a bit sarcastic...sorry ! Yeah the mastoid is the bone behind your ear...there is a enlarged lymph node tight against it, and a mass below it. You're pretty cool to take the time to look these things up. Thank you P ! Katie

    I'm praying that it's not ACC...
    that they'll find it's something else, that they'll take a little wedgie out and give you the "good to go" after your recovery. I imagine anytime they mess with your ribs there is pain, but gawd it's got to be better than laying the whole open like they used to.

    Is that node pressing against the mastoid painful?

    p
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #5
    take it a step at a time
    and enjoy whatever piece of every day you are able. VATS will be a lot better than an open procedure for recovery time. Best wishes.

    Pat
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #6
    longtermsurvivor said:

    take it a step at a time
    and enjoy whatever piece of every day you are able. VATS will be a lot better than an open procedure for recovery time. Best wishes.

    Pat

    all we can do for now
    Thanks Pat !
    I have had several family members that have had this procedure...cousins and aunt. They came out of it really good. Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #7
    phrannie51 said:

    I'm praying that it's not ACC...
    that they'll find it's something else, that they'll take a little wedgie out and give you the "good to go" after your recovery. I imagine anytime they mess with your ribs there is pain, but gawd it's got to be better than laying the whole open like they used to.

    Is that node pressing against the mastoid painful?

    p

    Yes...but weird
    P,
    This jaw and neck issue I thought was maybe my new normal....guessing not. Still have numbness and severe pain in resect area. My ear also feels numb and pain comes and goes. I don't think this is related to the mastoid itself...just butted up to hopefully ! Katie
  • Crazymom
    Crazymom Member Posts: 339 Member
    #8
    prayers
    sending prayers....you are a sweetheart and I am praying for you. Ann
  • blackswampboy
    blackswampboy Member Posts: 341
    #9
    we're pulling for you
    boo--long ride and long wait is an anxiety multiplier.
    but you are a strong person with a healthy attitude, and that gives you an edge over the beast. we hope for good news from you soon.
    bless you,
    douglas
  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #10
    VATS
    Is no where near as nasty as a complete throacotomy.

    I had VATS biopsy in June of 2011 for an issue totally unrelated to my SCC BOT and I was able to be back at work after just two weeks.

    3 one inch incisions, one in my upper back and two along the side/rib line were all that I had, the two side incisions had the drains in them and in retrospect, they were the most uncomfortable part of the entire experience

    I had 4 wedge resections on the lower right lobe and the first day was not too bad, what with the residual anesthesia and the morphine, but the second day was a bit more challenging as the chest tubes were a bit painful, despite the pain meds. They pried my butt out of bed and had me walking around, my chest muscles would cramp and boy that was no fun.

    I was in the hospital for just two nights, surgery was Friday and they removed the chest tubes on Sunday and I was discharged later the same day.

    You should do fine and of course here's hoping that pathology comes back with good news.

    Peter

    PS, selective neck dissection 6 weeks ago, so I know just how you feel.
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #11
    Hang In There
    You know I'm following your progress. Actually, I need you to pull thru almost as much as you do. I think this board is due for a few more success stories. What do you think? Rick.
  • denistd
    denistd Member Posts: 597
    #12
    ToBeGolden said:

    Hang In There
    You know I'm following your progress. Actually, I need you to pull thru almost as much as you do. I think this board is due for a few more success stories. What do you think? Rick.

    VATS
    I had a vats procedure just 3 weeks ago. I was not in pain after and would have left the hospital if it were not for A-Fib. Doctor said all was okay. I only had two incisions and did not need any pain meds. Denis
  • luvofmylif
    luvofmylif Member Posts: 344
    #13
    denistd said:

    VATS
    I had a vats procedure just 3 weeks ago. I was not in pain after and would have left the hospital if it were not for A-Fib. Doctor said all was okay. I only had two incisions and did not need any pain meds. Denis

    Well at least you have the
    Well at least you have the plan of attack. Sorry you have to go through...it really sucks, pardon the language. Please keep us posted. Wishing, hoping and praying for nothing but the best for you

    Joan
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #14
    now VATS a good idea
    Hi Katie,

    Well it sounds like a darn good plan to fix you up. I hope all goes smoothly and they find the results you are hoping for.

    Best always,

    Matt
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #15
    Crazymom said:

    prayers
    sending prayers....you are a sweetheart and I am praying for you. Ann

    needed and welcomed
    Thank you Ann,
    My surgery will be pretty simple. And will give me conclusive answers on where to go from here. Prayers I truely believe in...thank you my friend ! Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #16
    blackswampboy said:

    we're pulling for you
    boo--long ride and long wait is an anxiety multiplier.
    but you are a strong person with a healthy attitude, and that gives you an edge over the beast. we hope for good news from you soon.
    bless you,
    douglas

    thanks !
    Douglas,
    I've been using the term beast more than cancer when folks ask me about my condition. If I think of it this way, I want it gone even more. It doesn't get to stay in me. Thank you for your kind words. Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #17
    yensid683 said:

    VATS
    Is no where near as nasty as a complete throacotomy.

    I had VATS biopsy in June of 2011 for an issue totally unrelated to my SCC BOT and I was able to be back at work after just two weeks.

    3 one inch incisions, one in my upper back and two along the side/rib line were all that I had, the two side incisions had the drains in them and in retrospect, they were the most uncomfortable part of the entire experience

    I had 4 wedge resections on the lower right lobe and the first day was not too bad, what with the residual anesthesia and the morphine, but the second day was a bit more challenging as the chest tubes were a bit painful, despite the pain meds. They pried my butt out of bed and had me walking around, my chest muscles would cramp and boy that was no fun.

    I was in the hospital for just two nights, surgery was Friday and they removed the chest tubes on Sunday and I was discharged later the same day.

    You should do fine and of course here's hoping that pathology comes back with good news.

    Peter

    PS, selective neck dissection 6 weeks ago, so I know just how you feel.

    Thank you for description
    Peter,
    This is how the surgeon explained it to the tee. He said mine will be simple as they are only taking the one spot in the lower lung....tube removal will depend on how long that air leaks. I have 37% lung function right now, and he said this could take a bit longer due to this. We'll see ! I've been hearing from alot of folks who have had this procedure with very good results. How are you doing now after your surgery on the neck. Nothing like the tubes hanging from both sides there either. (mine were only in for 3 days) Thanks again Peter ! Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #18
    ToBeGolden said:

    Hang In There
    You know I'm following your progress. Actually, I need you to pull thru almost as much as you do. I think this board is due for a few more success stories. What do you think? Rick.

    Very calm
    Rick,
    It's so weird but the calm has set in now. Well at least for today ! You are sooo right on this board with the success stories. I pray for David and think to myself....old woman this is nothing...you got it ! All the hero's and warriors on board here gives me inspiration and the courage to kick the c as far from me as I can ! I've been keeping tabs on you also...and I think we're both gonna be fine ! Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #19
    denistd said:

    VATS
    I had a vats procedure just 3 weeks ago. I was not in pain after and would have left the hospital if it were not for A-Fib. Doctor said all was okay. I only had two incisions and did not need any pain meds. Denis

    Hey there !
    Denis,
    I was hoping to hear from you. So things went really good with the vats for you too ! All I hear is great stories with this procedure ! Is that A-Fib controlled ? My husband had a procedure to control his 7 yrs ago. Their gonna use 3 incissions on me...and only one hr. under so sounds positive ! Good to hear from you ! Please keep in touch ! Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #20
    luvofmylif said:

    Well at least you have the
    Well at least you have the plan of attack. Sorry you have to go through...it really sucks, pardon the language. Please keep us posted. Wishing, hoping and praying for nothing but the best for you

    Joan

    Thank you !
    Joan,
    Plan of attack sounds so positive ! And sucks is a good description of this creature lurking in all of our worlds. Prayers are very welcomed and sent back to you ! Thank you ! Katie
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #21
    CivilMatt said:

    now VATS a good idea
    Hi Katie,

    Well it sounds like a darn good plan to fix you up. I hope all goes smoothly and they find the results you are hoping for.

    Best always,

    Matt

    VATS
    Matt,
    You have been such an uplifting person through all of my trip. Goes for everyone of coarse. I'm going in swinging and will continue to send my hopes and well wishes to everyone on board with us ! Katie

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