NEED HELP

KTeacher said:

Welcome Joe

Did you just get diagnosed 4 weeks ago?  Are you reading your own PET scan?  Are you going to a comprehensive cancer center?  Sorry for the questions.  You will find information on the Superthread.  Info for before, during and after treatment.  Will you be having any surgery?  Chemo, radiation?  You will need to take notes at your doctors appointments, do you have someone that will go to appointments with you?  It sounds like you are in for a fight, we will be here to give support and encouragement.

Sorry that you had the need to find this site. Are you saying that you have head & neck cancer that has moved to the bones? Where is the primary? What sent you to the doctor in the first place? Are you being seen at a major cancer center? Cancer is a very scary thing. You are not alone in being scared.

Prayer are being sent your way.

I'm assuming you've taken the first step, seen a Oncologist and had a CAT scan. Next will be a visit to see what your team has planned to treat the cancer, I advise taking someone with you, to take notes..you're not alone in " not taking the diagnose of cancer well". We have all walked in your shoes and are in various stages of recovery or just starting treatments.

Once, there's a plan, all you have to do, is relax and follow what you're told to do...please keep us updated and you'll find lots of help and caring on this site.

Joe, I am praying your treatment goes well and you have a full trcovery. Keep us posted, we will be walking with you during this journey

Debbie

joe, i'm so sorry that your news was not so good.  you already sound like you've given up, DON'T!  many of us here have faught the battle and WON!  YOU CAN TOO!  the first thing you need to do is get more info from your docs about the cancer and what the plan is to get rid of it.  you may want to take a hand held recorder with you to appointments so you don't have to remember all that is said, that will be hard.  another suggestion is to take someone to all appts with you.  2 sets of ears is always better than one.  it sounds like you've had a lot thrown at you with no understanding of whats to follow.  take a deep breath, think of all your questions and WRITE THEM DOWN to take to appt with you.  you will not remember the questions once you're at the appt so it is important to write them down.  you have enough on your mind already.  let anyone who offers to help you, help!  you don't have to do this alone.  friends can help take you to tx, go to the store for you, help you think of questions for the doctors, prepare meals for you when you're in the thick of tx and not feeling up to it, and anything else you need help with.  let friends help!  the road you are about to embark on is not a cake walk but it is VERY doable.  take it one day at a time and come here ofter.  bring all your questions and concerns or come just to vent, we don't mind, we're here to listen and help.  for now, slow down and try to calm your nerves.  you will get thru this and we will help along the way.  be sure to let us know when your docs have a plan for your tx.  we will be here to cheer you on.

God bless you,

dj

Big Joe said:

need help

Thks for your concern;  Yes I have head and neck cancer!!  The primary spot is on my left side of the neck and it spread to all those places I said!!  Cancer Center is Loyola univ cancer center very good doctor I have!!!  May I say thks for the concern any advise would help or your support thk you!!! Joe

First Welcome to the family, I know about Loyola Cancer Center and they are very good, so you will get the help you need there to deal with your cancer. On another note it sounds like you have more than just head & neck cancer if it has spread like that. Try and get a second opinion, the reason I say this is because when I started having pain in the neck a few years ago. One doctor said I have a tumor in my neck and the second doctor said I don’t have any cancer or tumor. Always get a second opinion. Glad to have you here with us and pray that everything works out for you.

God Bless

Hondo  

Big Joe said:

NEED HELP

Hello everyone'  Thks for your concerns and prayers I shure can use them wright now!!!  I dont no where to start never had to do this before so ask your questions and I will try to answer them.  Sorry if I soud lost but I am,  I dont know what questions to ask the Dr or how to answer yours so just ask and I will do my best Thank You and May GOD BLESS you all Joe

Joe, do you have someone who can go with you to doctor and help navigate the paper work etc.? It is best to have someone who can go with you to your appointments because often the patient doesn't hear or remember everything and the person can write it down. Everyone is different, you will hear that a lot, but my husband Jim was unable to drive to his appointments and the pain meds made him sleep alot so having me there to drive him and keep track of his meds was very helpful. The super thread at the top of the page has a wealth of information. You will probably not need it all but I would suggest reading through some of it to get an idea of things that are helpful. And take advantage of any counceling help the treatment center offers.

Praying for you, Debbie