Had my first laryngoscopy today..........scared.....doctor says looks like cancer

2»

Comments

  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #22
    sweetblood22 said:

    private message
    1. left of page in first box under the csn tab, click on My CSN Space.

    2. underneath your screen name you should see tabs. Click on EDIT.

    3. From here you can click on About Me. that should be in blue first thing under the edit tab. You can check what applies to you and fill out whatever info you wish.

    4. Next, to the right of About Me, you can click on Picture to add a picture of you, or other clip art or picture which will appear with your screen name in the blue box every time you post.

    5. Continue to the right to edit Preferrences.

    6. Last you can take the Survey if you wish.

    7. When you are done with that, you can click back on the My CSN space tab to the left of the Edit tab. From there, you can add things to Expressions. Like pictures, songs, poetry, etc. It will not only stay at your profile, but will also be posted in the expressions gallery for others to see. I am not sure about "Resources". Then the last choice is for if you would like to make a Blog.


    Hope this helps.

    oops i copy and pasted wrong thing
    you can private email someone by adding them to your friend list by clicking on the little person icon by their name by their post. on the upper left hand side on the top you can click on CSN email. click on write a new message and hit the my friends arrow and hit the persons name that you want to write to. Or you can type it in there. Type your message and hit send.


    sorry about that. i apparently was not paying attention to what i was doing.
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #23
    what a mess said:

    Thank you Glenna
    Thank you for describing your treatment and side effects from them. I have been reading some on here and people do seem to have different reactions...some worse of course than others. I have been making myself sick over it.....I had to wait 3 weeks for the laryngoscopy-that was nerve wracking in itself....and I knew ahead of time that I would have to wait for biopsy results of course. I do have to take a deep breath and tell myself I can do this if it is cancer......I have been telling myself that I can't do it......that I couldn't go through what some of these people have gone through......that they are awfully "strong" people(hope that is the right word). I think if it is cancer I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of moving on top of it--let alone FIND a house.
    I cannot seem to focus right now at all.....I am thinking of a million things at once......which IS the problem. I guess this is relatively "normal" after you are told you may have/have cancer?
    That is amazing that you went through all of your treatment and never needed anything for pain..and a blessing for you.
    I would really appreciate you sending me that link......if I had known questions to ask before I did the laryngoscopy I might not be feeling so "lost" right now. I would have more information for myself.
    I plan on telling my family now-whether it be before or after I get my results I am not sure.
    I didn't want them worrying for the whole time with me. I was of course hoping it would be something I would get a prescription for and it would go away.
    I know you said fatigue was a big one for you-do you mind if I ask if you worked prior to treatments and if so..were you able to work during treatments?
    It is a great thing to know that there are people like yourself who are so willing to help others who are going through treatment or just beginning.Thank you again for sharing your experience with me. Jill

    You already sound better ;-)
    Jill, you already sound better than you did in your first post ;-) Reading all the info that everyone has given you seems to have helped you relax a little. That's what we are here for - to help others who are just starting this journey. You also seem to be getting a more positive attitude - YES, YOU CAN DO THIS instead of I can't! Your attitude will help you through this if it is cancer, you have to keep telling yourself that you CAN. Another good thing to do is stay away from negative people,you will find many people who will tell you horror stories about "someone" they knew who had cancer. Don't listen to them, unless they actually experienced cancer themselves they have no way of knowing what a cancer patient really goes through. We, on this board, do know first hand and can give you our real life experiences and advice.

    Yes, thinking of a million things at once is normal when facing a possible cancer diagnosis. I had to keep writing myself lists of things that I needed to do and questions I wanted to ask because my brain was on overload and I couldn't remember my thoughts for more than 5 minutes.

    Regarding working prior to treatment, yes, I was working for a temp service prior to my diagnosis. I had been laid off from my regular job, due to the economy, and the only work available in my area (I live in a very small town that is not close to anything). I kept putting off going to the doctors because I had no health insurance but finally had to break down and go when I had almost completely lost my voice and started coughing up blood. My medical oncologist said I could not work through my treatments so the hospital where I was being treated had their financial assistance department fill out all of the paperwork for me to apply for SSD and Medicaid. This assistance was a godsend as I would not have been able to receive the treatment without some type of financial assistance. The hospital assists a lot of uninsured people every year, they now have it set up so I receive 100% coverage for anything Medicaid does not cover. It was hard for me to accept "charity" at first until all of my friends reminded me that I had worked for over 40 years and always taken care of myself and my family, now it was time for me to accept help. I still feel bad and plan on "paying forward" all the help I have received. I want to do volunteer work at this hospital as soon as I have the strength, I would like to volunteer in the Cancer Center at the hospital so I can help other cancer patients through some of the hard times they are going through. I have read many posts from people on this site who never stopped working through their treatment and I am in awe of all of them.

    Someone mentioned selling your house and possibly renting for a while - that may be an option you want to consider especially if this does turn out to be cancer (which I am praying it isn't). Depending on where you have to go for treatment, it may be easier to rent a place closer to the treatment center.

    I know everyone here is praying for you that it is not cancer, but if it is we will all be here for you with advice, encouragement and a shoulder to lean on when you need to vent or cry.

    I am not going to go into detail on any of the things you will need to do like drink plenty of water, eat as much and as often as possible, etc,etc... until you have received the results of the biopsy. If it isn't cancer then you won't need to know all of the DO's and Don'ts of life during treatment. It really is doable so don't worry yourself about that now.

    If you want to send me a private message at any time feel free to do so. I usually check the posts in the morning and again in the evening and will reply as soon as I can.

    Take care and stay strong - Glenna
  • what a mess
    what a mess Member Posts: 18
    #24
    Kent Cass said:

    Welcome
    Jill- take note of Scam's advice: think-out the questions you will want to know from your ENT Dr.- stage/severity, condition of larynx post-treatment, etc. If it is C, then you will need to ask, or write, questions of your Onco and Rad- what their treatments will physically bring you, etc. By staying active on this forum, we'll help you with the questions, and the etc.- if it is C.

    You asked about pain, and the Drs. Yes- this is 2010, and all you should have to do is be very open with your Drs. on how you are physically handlling things. The C-positive kinda puts one on a different playing field, so to speak, in regards to Drs. and pain meds.

    Now, you are at a place we have all been. Your Dr. says it looks like C, but he won't know for certain until the biopsy results. CT and Pet Scans have a lotta false-positives. The time of not knowing if it is, or isn't, C can be very stressful, so what you are feeling is most normal. HOWEVER, don't think for a minute that you can't go thru what we all have. Yes, it do get rough, but the chances of surviving H&N are enormous. If it is C, you will have to come to accept that fact, but also to accept the fact your are gonna survive the battle ahead.


    I had two tumors on the left-side of my neck (11/08), and they used Chemo and full Head & Neck Rads to eliminate the tumors, and hopefully destroy any other C that I have. Rather than remove your growth, they might just try to treat you in the same manner.


    This is a good place to stay active on, if you have C, as we'll help you stay on top of the game with info learned from experiences, and research. And Prayers, Jill. Welcome, and

    Believe

    kcass

    welcome
    Thank you for welcoming me.......whether or not I have cancer I know I have "fallen upon" a group of people that are truly amazing. I went and got a "personal notepad" to start taking notes......if I have cancer I need it.......if it isn't cancer it might keep me sane until I get the results, and actually help me make some other decisions that I need to in regard to housing situation. Today was not a good day.......I went out for a walk a couple times......felt better later yesterday as I had been on this site quite a bit and was feeling a bit more positive. It is a little more difficult to "talk" to hubby as I am on "voicerest" for a week.......when I get too anxious I talk.......then it gets sore so I stop.
    I am going to "try" to tell my sister tonight........I have told no one in the family I am having this problem. I don't even know how to tell her......or if I should just wait for results......but my gut feeling is I should have told them before......she is a cancer survivor of 5 years.......and an amazing person.
    THANK you for talking about the pain meds.....since I don't handle pain well I have experienced some doctors who are not too willing to write out scripts......like when I broke my hip in 2007 it took the staff "24 hours" to get back to you. I had broken my hip and broke right through pelvis.......I actually called them one time to give me a "less strong" script as I wanted to be more "aware" and was getting physical therapy in my home. They said I had to wait til I ran out of stronger script before getting a less strong one!!?? I guess all doctors have to be "careful" with scripts.....but I was asking for a LESS strong one!! Guess alot of people are addicted....I was also dealing with an office of "bears"....the only reason I stayed was the doctor was great and worked hard to getting me back on my feet.
    While I knew cancer was one of the reasons I was getting laryngoscopy done........now that it is actually a "threat"..that it "looks" like cancer........I am devastated. Not sure I am saying this right....I guess I really didn't believe it was possible? Sorry for babbling.....thank you again for making me feel better about pain meds. Jill
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #25
    what a mess said:

    Take a deep breath
    Thank you for the advice about a notepad!! It makes sense......as I think of things to ask the doctor......then organize it later to bring to doctor.
    It would also help me weigh out my options on what to do as far as selling....I could rent for a while....don't necessarily have to buy another right away.
    I think I definitely need to bring someone with me to the doctors......I am hoping it isn't cancer but if it is I think bringing someone will be most beneficial to me......at least for a while.
    I am sorry you never told your family and regret it.......I am going to tell mine....just didn't want them worrying if it all came out okay.....now I am not sure I made the right decision on that but I can change that.
    This doesn't sound like its going to be an easy road if I do have cancer.....but so many say it is doable. I have to have some faith in myself....Jill

    Jill, as said here, it is
    Jill, as said here, it is hard to slow your mind down, but please try. You will need to keep yourself well for the treatments if it is cancer. One thing that may help with the doctor's questions is to buy you a small, handheld tape recorder. I used that b/c as you said, it is hard to focus so you probably won't remember to much of what he says. My memory was never too good anyway...lol.
    As for the pain, so have it and some don't. I did pretty bad. But aquaphor eliminated it completely. Others said it didn't help them so it is different w/each person. My neck being burned is the only pain I had but I did have a lot of trouble swallowing and that just really got better in April, my last trmnt was 10/22/09. That is also when I was able to eat without the food getting stuck in my throat. I was just back to see the ENT and he said the swelling in my throat has gone down some but it is still pretty swollen deep in the throat which is why food still gets stuck sometimes.
    As for you not knowing what questions to ask, I didn't ask ANY because I didn't know what to ask. I'm not a stupid person but I was ignorant when it came to the cancer. It was THIS site that taught me what I needed to ask. Look here for the questions.
    For telling your family, I'll just say that like you, if it were one of my family members, I'D WANT TO KNOW B/C I'D WANT TO BE THERE TO HELP THEM. It is a tough decision but put yourself in their shoes. Just something to think about. I do belive them knowing and being able to help you as you travel this road will be a huge help to you.
    Jill, we will all being praying for a good result but if it is cancer, YOU WILL GET THRU IT. And we will be here to help answer your questions, listen to you vent, let you cry on our shoulders, and whatever else you may need. So, with all of us here and the big family you have, you will make it. And we will be here to hear that you made it thru your trmnts and are on your road to recovery!
    Primary is where the cancer started and secondary is where it spread to. In my case, I only had the primary. Friends, if this is wrong, please post the correct meaning for Jill.
    Hang in there, Jill, and take good care of yourself! That is very important. Have faith in yourself, your family and GOD.
    God Bless you my friend,
    Debbie
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #26
    what a mess said:

    welcome
    Thank you for welcoming me.......whether or not I have cancer I know I have "fallen upon" a group of people that are truly amazing. I went and got a "personal notepad" to start taking notes......if I have cancer I need it.......if it isn't cancer it might keep me sane until I get the results, and actually help me make some other decisions that I need to in regard to housing situation. Today was not a good day.......I went out for a walk a couple times......felt better later yesterday as I had been on this site quite a bit and was feeling a bit more positive. It is a little more difficult to "talk" to hubby as I am on "voicerest" for a week.......when I get too anxious I talk.......then it gets sore so I stop.
    I am going to "try" to tell my sister tonight........I have told no one in the family I am having this problem. I don't even know how to tell her......or if I should just wait for results......but my gut feeling is I should have told them before......she is a cancer survivor of 5 years.......and an amazing person.
    THANK you for talking about the pain meds.....since I don't handle pain well I have experienced some doctors who are not too willing to write out scripts......like when I broke my hip in 2007 it took the staff "24 hours" to get back to you. I had broken my hip and broke right through pelvis.......I actually called them one time to give me a "less strong" script as I wanted to be more "aware" and was getting physical therapy in my home. They said I had to wait til I ran out of stronger script before getting a less strong one!!?? I guess all doctors have to be "careful" with scripts.....but I was asking for a LESS strong one!! Guess alot of people are addicted....I was also dealing with an office of "bears"....the only reason I stayed was the doctor was great and worked hard to getting me back on my feet.
    While I knew cancer was one of the reasons I was getting laryngoscopy done........now that it is actually a "threat"..that it "looks" like cancer........I am devastated. Not sure I am saying this right....I guess I really didn't believe it was possible? Sorry for babbling.....thank you again for making me feel better about pain meds. Jill

    Jill, I'm sure your sister
    Jill, I'm sure your sister will be glad you told her (if you did) so she can help you thru this. I thank God she is a SURVIVOR and I'm sure you will find her knowledge and experience with her battles a blessing as she helps you thru your battle.
    Take care and God Bless.
    Debbie
  • what a mess
    what a mess Member Posts: 18
    #27
    debbiejeanne said:

    Jill, as said here, it is
    Jill, as said here, it is hard to slow your mind down, but please try. You will need to keep yourself well for the treatments if it is cancer. One thing that may help with the doctor's questions is to buy you a small, handheld tape recorder. I used that b/c as you said, it is hard to focus so you probably won't remember to much of what he says. My memory was never too good anyway...lol.
    As for the pain, so have it and some don't. I did pretty bad. But aquaphor eliminated it completely. Others said it didn't help them so it is different w/each person. My neck being burned is the only pain I had but I did have a lot of trouble swallowing and that just really got better in April, my last trmnt was 10/22/09. That is also when I was able to eat without the food getting stuck in my throat. I was just back to see the ENT and he said the swelling in my throat has gone down some but it is still pretty swollen deep in the throat which is why food still gets stuck sometimes.
    As for you not knowing what questions to ask, I didn't ask ANY because I didn't know what to ask. I'm not a stupid person but I was ignorant when it came to the cancer. It was THIS site that taught me what I needed to ask. Look here for the questions.
    For telling your family, I'll just say that like you, if it were one of my family members, I'D WANT TO KNOW B/C I'D WANT TO BE THERE TO HELP THEM. It is a tough decision but put yourself in their shoes. Just something to think about. I do belive them knowing and being able to help you as you travel this road will be a huge help to you.
    Jill, we will all being praying for a good result but if it is cancer, YOU WILL GET THRU IT. And we will be here to help answer your questions, listen to you vent, let you cry on our shoulders, and whatever else you may need. So, with all of us here and the big family you have, you will make it. And we will be here to hear that you made it thru your trmnts and are on your road to recovery!
    Primary is where the cancer started and secondary is where it spread to. In my case, I only had the primary. Friends, if this is wrong, please post the correct meaning for Jill.
    Hang in there, Jill, and take good care of yourself! That is very important. Have faith in yourself, your family and GOD.
    God Bless you my friend,
    Debbie

    as said here, it is
    Hi Debbie.....I had a really bad day today.....think I felt better yesterday when I was on the website more. I am frustrated with myself, I am very "edgy", and I am a worrier so that is not helping either. I finally broke down and told my sister......she is of course upset with me that I didn't tell her....she can't understand why I didn't tell her sooner. She is not mad, she is just upset she couldn't be there for me. She is a cancer survivor herself.
    Your last treatment was October-and you couldn't swallow well until April?
    I am the same way with doctor appointments.......I walk out knowing not much more than when I walked in......I think it would have helped alot right about now if I knew a little more before I had the biopsy. The tape recorder is a good idea!!
    Thank you for explaining primary and secondary..........I had no clue what that meant.
    Would you mind telling me what aquaphor is?
    I am so bad when it comes to pain.....I don't think anyone is ever "good" with pain....I think some have a higher tolerance to it or something.....but it terrifies me.
    I am trying so hard to "focus"...but it is so difficult right now.
    Being on "voice rest" is not easy either.....I talk when I get too anxious...then it gets sore. Of course I have things I want to "talk" about with my husband....
    Thank you for posting to me.......all of you are so helpful and caring......I hope you are well today and always.......Jill
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #28
    what a mess said:

    as said here, it is
    Hi Debbie.....I had a really bad day today.....think I felt better yesterday when I was on the website more. I am frustrated with myself, I am very "edgy", and I am a worrier so that is not helping either. I finally broke down and told my sister......she is of course upset with me that I didn't tell her....she can't understand why I didn't tell her sooner. She is not mad, she is just upset she couldn't be there for me. She is a cancer survivor herself.
    Your last treatment was October-and you couldn't swallow well until April?
    I am the same way with doctor appointments.......I walk out knowing not much more than when I walked in......I think it would have helped alot right about now if I knew a little more before I had the biopsy. The tape recorder is a good idea!!
    Thank you for explaining primary and secondary..........I had no clue what that meant.
    Would you mind telling me what aquaphor is?
    I am so bad when it comes to pain.....I don't think anyone is ever "good" with pain....I think some have a higher tolerance to it or something.....but it terrifies me.
    I am trying so hard to "focus"...but it is so difficult right now.
    Being on "voice rest" is not easy either.....I talk when I get too anxious...then it gets sore. Of course I have things I want to "talk" about with my husband....
    Thank you for posting to me.......all of you are so helpful and caring......I hope you are well today and always.......Jill

    Jill, I'm sorry you had such
    Jill, I'm sorry you had such a bad day. I understand how hard it is not to worry about something so serious but please try to calm yourself. It is important for you to save the energy you are burning.
    I was also on voice rest. I used a note pad and wrote what I had to say. It gets aggravating but it is better for the throat. You may want to try that. I could swollow the entire time, I just couldn't swollow solid, like food. Like you, I cannot tolorate pain, I am a big, big, big sissy. The aquaphor is a sab that is used for burn patients. It worked wonders on my neck. You can get it at most pharmacies. I'll be honest with you, my neck was so burned that I cried several times from the pain but once I got the aquaphor, it helped immediately. Like I said, it didn't help so others on here so if it doesn't work for you, ask your doctor what else you can try. I know many here have posted others medicines they used that helped them. I didn't understand the primary and seconday either. What I know, I truly learned from comeing to this site. Honestly.
    Jill, it worries me a little that you are not able to focus or stop thinking/worrying so much. That takes a lot of energy and you will need your energy. If you like to ocean or birds singing or other relaxing sounds, maybe you could buy a cd of those sounds and just lie down and listen to the music/sounds. Personally, I love the ocean so when I get like that, I listen to my ocean cd and it does help me. Just a thought.
    I'm glad you told your sister. I understand her being upset, you're her sister and she loves you. She wants to be there for you. Aren't sisters wonderful! I have 2 and I couldn't imagine my life without them. They still worry sick about me and I'm 7 months post treatment. Your sister knowing and being there with you will help you a lot.
    I hope this has helped a little. Keep posting and asking questions, I know someone here will be able to answer them. Remember, you have two families now, your immediate family and US! We will be here for you also. Now, take 5 deep breaths, listen to a calming cd, and try to calm yourself some. I hope you have a much better day tomorrow. :0)
    God Bless,
    Debbie

Discussion Boards