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Post Vanderbilt consult......and the verdict is.........
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Aug 12, 2010 - 6:13 am
Sept 7th surgery date....VATS....remove section on lower part of upper left lobe where the lingula is holding a 1.4 centimeter mass. It is unknown what it is but most likely malignant..The important thing is, Im trying to dodge a metastisis from CRC and hopefully (and what something to hope for) it is a primary tumor with no CRC cells. They will then take it out and bim bam boom done , no chemo , no muss, no fuss. But, if it is met from CRC its a straight shot from Stage 1A to Stage 4, what a pisser...but, it is what it is and I'll deal with it if it happens. I told him bedside manner was great for infants but I want to be kept fully abreast of where I am in this at all times. He says 3 days in hospital, 4-6 weeks recoup (nope, not that long) and then slowly build back up. I have a fishing trip planned 1st of Oct and I will be there. We had several options but I told him I wanted it out asap and we can gawk at it and check it out after its outta me...I go back to Vandy the 24th for pre op and also a pulmonary check to assure I will have enough capability to keep myself alive after the ventilator is removed, I am most certain that will be a go. He did ask me what my interpretation of a PET scan was and when I answered he asked where I had learned all the techy stuff...I informed him of this place...Most likely he will be lurking.....I made him promise me 2 things...clear margins, and never ever chit me around...we shook hands and its game on...mets would be a kick in the butt but I am expecting the worse and anything above that I will take...if things go awry ( and I am not figuring on that but ) then I finally get some well needed rest....so its all good...told me he could tell whether it was mets or not being either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell, its just that adenocarcinoma is harder to path but can be done....by a few extra tests...so lets just hope for benign or primary mass...but im pretty much ready for whatever it is.......my wife had her meltdown today but she is fine now...she knows that she can't do it all but she still tries.....she is a warrior and now we are on the same page........Love to all, Buzz |
Joined: Jan 2010
You are something!
Thank you for letting us know so quickly what the results are. Am sure all here were as anxious as I was yesterday to know how things went.
It sounds like you and the doc have a good understanding of how things should go and that is a big step in getting the job done. I hope he dose lurk here so he can see the strength of each person as they travel the path they are given with cancer. And who knows, he may find some things here regarding diagnosis and treatment that lead him to things he didn't know. After all with our 'population' we have a better cross section of the medical profession than he probably ever dreamed up talking to.
I guess surgery was always in the cards and I am sure you will come through with flying colors. As far as the fishing trip is concerned, go for it if you are feeling up to it. But one suggestion, if it is fly fishing with all that casting, get a buddy to cast for you to keep from pulling too much on you wound. Unless of course you don't really care if you catch anything or not, then just plant the line over the side and sit back and relax with the buddies. Let them do the hard work.
I know it must be extremely difficult for your wife. I don't think we can ever fully appreciate all that our loved ones suffer as we move through this. We patients at least can get in there and fight, while they have to stand at our side and hope and pray.
My prayers to both of you as you each face this new challenge.
Marie
Joined: Mar 2010
good luck BUZZ
You sure have the right attitude, and if your looking for good karma, they scheduled your surgery on my B-day. So if nothing else I'll be sending good mojo that day. I bet most surgeons would appreciate you straight forward approach to all this, seems the good ones dont always have the best "bed side manner", but like you I want a straight shooter. Give me a highly qualified confident surgeon with crappy bed side skills over a good cutter with great cheerleading skills every time.
Glad your wife is there for you, and bless her, I have seen this melt down first hand. She sounds like a great woman. She cleared that crap from her system and can now stand along side you.
Good luck Buzz, you have many on here that will be pulling for you. your a well received member of this board and your posts are a benefit to many!
hope this finds ya smilin'
Chris
Joined: Jul 2007
VATS
What is that exactly? I have read about it alot here, I had a lung met in 08, they did a wedge removal, cut me open, took part of a rib out, hurts to this day. But is the VATS less intrusive? I sure hope so.
I know your going to be just fine. I pray for whatever it is you want it, and that we are both here for amny years to look back at this and laugh or at least smile. Why are they waiting till Sept to do the surgery? I found out my was cancer on the 12th of Nov, had surgery 6 days later, is there a reason?
I hate to hear your wife is having a hard time, but who can blame her, we all can relate. I will be praying for her too.
Please let me know if you need anything buddy....I am here....
HUGS
Beth
Joined: Oct 2009
Benign
Benign is what I am hoping for Buzz. But if not, you are facing it square on + "taking no prisoners" + I really admire your style. I am wishing you the best outcome!
Joined: May 2009
You already know that I'm in
You already know that I'm in your corner Buzz! And I fully believe you will be on that fishing trip in October. VATS is an easy-peazy procedure! Here's hoping for the best!
-Sheri
N/A
This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Joined: Dec 2009
Right around the corner...
Hey with it being Chris' birthday, what can go wrong?
I'm like you, Buzz. I want the straight shooters and I don't appreciate beating around a bush. I think that's why I loved my surgeon so much. "Holly, you have cancer". "OK, what do we do to fix this?"
My heart goes out to your wife. Dave is a very private person and he's never spoken of his feelings and when I ask and he doesn't want to talk, I know it's time to back off. They go through so much. Often times, I think much more than us.
Go fishing. I love fishing so much that I could do it every day all day long. I don't fly fish, but one day, I will learn.
I'm personally predicting a benign tumor. My crystal ball says benign. :)
Luv ya bud.
Holly
Joined: Aug 2008
Thanks all......but no fly fishing.....
Crappie fishing.....I slow troll, fast troll, spider rig, single pole, cast, pull, long line, cork and jig...etc etc etc.....I am a crappie fanatic...there is only one thing that beats crappie fishing.....LOL.....................and thats eatin' em !! LOL, love to all, Buzz
and Beth...to answer your question on VATS.....
What is VATS?
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat illness or injury to the lung and other organs in the chest cavity (thorax).
How does VATS work?
During VATS, a tiny camera with a light source is inserted through a small incision between the ribs. A second small incision is used to insert special instruments between the ribs into the chest cavity.
What's the difference between VATS and traditional surgery?
Traditional thoracic surgery involves a large (6- to 10-inch) incision in which the ribs are spread apart for the surgeon to gain access to the organs in the chest cavity. This procedure, known as a thoracotomy is still very safe, but involves a longer recovery than a VATS procedure.
What's the recovery time for VATS patients?
VATS patients can typically go home in one to three days (often the following day). Other benefits of VATS include less pain and a quicker return to a normal active lifestyle.
What conditions can be treated using a VATS procedure?
VATS can be used to diagnose and stage lung cancer, remove cancerous and benign tumors, diagnose and treat fluid around the lung or heart, remove portions of a diseased lung and diagnose and treat certain conditions of the esophagus including cancers. New uses for VATS are continually being developed.............Hope that helped...Love to you also....Buzz
Joined: Jul 2007
Thanks for the Info
I had the traditional surgery and let me tell ya it hurt like hell, still does some to this day, so I am so glad you are having VATS. Praying for you buddy...
Stay strong
Love
Beth
Joined: Jan 2010
Hey Buzz - I'm thinking the
Hey Buzz - I'm thinking the tumor is benign. Either way, I admire the way you think and fight.
Roger
Joined: Aug 2010
Buzz is it the same
Than a laparoscopy?
Joined: Aug 2008
yes pepebcn..
as far as I can tell it is....They did the 2 open cuts on each side of my rectum during CRC surgery and did the cutting loose through 5 holes in my stomach...I am "assuming" that the VATS procedure is just about the same thing or close anyway.."minimally invasive" is the relative factor here.....Buzz
Joined: Jun 2010
Amazing
It is amazing what they can do now days instead of slicing you open like a fish.lol. When is the fish fry. Laura
Joined: Aug 2008
Hmm........Nice analogy.........LOL...
but efficient and to the point.....LOL...just kiddin sweetie...fish fry will be Sept 7th.....oops dang sorry, I won't be able to make it.....other plans I have to attend to....lets see, I think November would be great..... :)...Bon A Petit'.....Buzz
Joined: Jun 2009
Hats off
Hats off to you and your wife. Together you two will get through this. You guys are great and us younger (much younger) couples can learn from you two.
Most of all BUZZ you just remember to keep being you. You still owe me some "Possum stew"
Brooks
P.S. Hey, I Found a great recipe for that stew.
~ Possum Stew ~
two cans of tomatoe sauce
three cans of cooked tomatoes
1/2 thickly sliced warthog meat(mainly for flavor)
a big bag of pasta noodles (any redneck kind will do)
salt and pepper
1/2 possum (other 1/2 can be used for breakfast possum-omlettes)
Fry bacon in big gramma kettle, over mid. size fire, then fry possum in the grease till golden brown. Take the meat out, then add enough water to pot to fill 2/3 way and then boil noodles. Once cooked add both things of tomatoes to kettle and meat and add enough salt and pepper to old granny's taste. Cook all together for a bout 1 hour simmering over low fire to sautee.
Joined: Aug 2008
Then throw it all out and eat the pot.......
and I think thats the best recipe I thought of....... :)
Joined: Feb 2009
Surgery
Sounds like you and your doctor are pretty much up to speed what the next steps are. Hoping that your surgery is a complete success and you have a very speedy recovery. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim
Joined: Sep 2009
Kick its ***
I predict a fast recovery and nothing but good news for you. 41 more years to go.
Joined: Sep 2009
Kick its ***
I predict a fast recovery and nothing but good news for you. 41 more years to go.
Joined: Sep 2009
Glad you said it twice!!!
Your double post is most appropriate here!!
Jan
Joined: Sep 2009
oops
oops
Joined: Oct 2009
Buzz
thinking about you and holding you in the Light, as always. hoping and praying it's benign -- either way, we're all there with ya.
love and hope,
Audrey
Joined: Feb 2008
You'll get through this!
Hey, Buzz.
Sounds like you had a good visit with this doctor. I'll be praying for you and for your wife. Please tell her that she's welcome to chat with us anytime she feels like she needs support.
I'm hoping for benign!
*Hugs*
Gail
Joined: Apr 2009
Hey
B9...BINGO! LOL....... You got the game plan down...no surprise there. You got the attitude down... no surprise there. You got the home life in order....no surprise there. You still got the fishing trip on GO...no surprise there. DANG... you are so full of surprises!!! LOL Naw..just givin ya crap. You know I luv ya and wishin ya the best.... which I know you will get. Take care BUZZARD!
Jen
Joined: May 2009
Benign!!! Yes indeed!!
Benign!!! Yes indeed!! Hugs!
Joined: Sep 2009
Be glad when it is all done and you are back in the crappie boat
Buzz,
Can't wait until you tell us your fish stories. Glad you told the Dr. to get on with it, no goofing around. You need to get done and enjoy the fall.
Take care
Jan
Joined: Aug 2006
This is a great option! I
This is a great option! I have had two lung resections, neither VATS, but they were not that bad after the first two days. I know many who have had VATS and they were outa there FAST! Good news all the way around.
Chip
Joined: Mar 2010
Benign
That's what I'm praying for Buzz. I admire you so much. I'm here in Tennessee pulling for you..
Joined: Nov 2008
So glad
I am so glad to hear that the plan is in place and that the date is set. You will most certainly be in my thoughts and prayers as you get closer to the date and go in for surgery.
Why can't you just leave those poor fishies alone?? ;)
Amy (whose Dad hunted, fished or raised every bit of meat we ate when we were kids...)
Joined: Jun 2009
I can understand how hard it
I can understand how hard it is on your wife because I am a wife too.But whatever happens,you and your wife are on the same boat,only both of you paddle the boat together in the same pace,the boat moves forward.I know both of you will work together and you both will handle it fine.Wish you and your family the best.Good luck with the surgery.Take care.
Joined: Aug 2003
good luck!
Good luck with the procedure. I had VATS for removal of solitary lung mets twice. Of course everyone's recovery is different but I want to let you know that I had a very smooth and quick recovery. Don't try to be a hero (even tho you're already mine!) -- and DO accept the pain meds -- they help!
My philosophy was to get on my feet and walking as soon as possible -- and then to keep walking -- while in hospital and also when you get home. I really believe it helps with recovery, helps avoid any possible post-surgical complications, and helps restore lung function. My second time, I was out of the hospital in 48 hrs, and started walking around the track the day I got home. OK - I did one loop! slowly! But then I increased every day. "Full recovery" is a relative term -- that does take a while. But you'll certainly be able to make that fishing trip!
All the best,
Tara
Joined: Jan 2009
Looked for you...
Frank had an appt early Aug 11 at Vanderbilt also. I looked for you in the waiting room...I thought about calling out BUZZARD but afraid they would take me away to mental ward lol. So glad to hear that Dr Lambright is doing the surgery so soon. He is awesome and he will shot straight with you. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and knowing that with your positive attitude and faith you will overcome this with flying colors. If there is anything we can do from giving you information on hotels and rates, Hope Lodge, etc. Let us know. You are in the best hands and we are certain that everything will work out. Keep positive.
Love ya,
Frank and Anna
Joined: Aug 2008
Frank and Anna...
I got there at suite 1710 at 2;20 Tenn time...didn't have appt until 3;20. so I was in there for a while...if you were in there tell me where ya'll were sitting....I saw a couple that for a moment ...."Frank and Anna".....because every once in a while they looked as though they knew me......it never hit me to ask if they ever got on here....My next appt is Aug 24th for pre op (blood draw in the cattle stalls, thats what I like to call em) and PFT to assure of lung capability to handle situation...My hair is a little longer now and I also had a gym bag with me with ginger snaps, writing pads, meds, pens, etc , to keep me from getting bored...I sure wished I would have known you were to be there, I certainly would have found you......Love to ya both, Clift
Joined: Jan 2009
Missed you
We were there at suite 1710 at 8 a.m. central or Nashville time for labs and then appt with Dr Jordan Berlin at 8:40 a.m. We were almost home by the time you got there. We do not have to go back until Sept 22 for followup on pain medications and for labs. Frank is not strong enough for them to put him on another phase one clinical trial. They changed his pain medications to 1 long acting pain pill every 12 hours and then he has short acting pain medications for break through pain. They have done all they can for him at Vandy. We are trying to decide if we want to continue to drive the three plus hours each way to Vanderbilt just for pain medication control and labs. Frank can have that done here with his original onc. We hoped you like Dr Lambright as much as we did. He and his team will take excellent care of you in the hospital. We are praying for eveything to turn out the way you are hoping and that you will be back to living life to the fullest with your wife and family. Prayers are said for you daily.
Love ya,
Anna and Frank
Joined: Apr 2009
Buzzrard, you are such a
Buzzrard, you are such a calming inspriation to me. Thank you for sharing your "can do "attitude". You inspire me, and sure many others, with your strength and thoughtfulness. Your wife needs a good hug too! It sounds like you are quite a team.! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jean
Joined: Dec 2009
We can tell when they are just blowing smoke
Buzz,
Sound like you have a great doc to. We can tell when they are just blowing smoke up our butts. My chemo doc blew a hell of a lot of smoke up mine. He even has extra letters after his name. MD-SOB
My colon doc is one that this statement fits perfect. “The man that knows what he is talking about can afford to use words that everyone understands”. I think we will both be buying new damn hats and wearing them proudly. We will show them what positive attitudes can do.
Kerry
Joined: Aug 2008
Yes Sir we will.................
and in the aftermath of this war you and I are going to wage we will stand tall above cancer and once again shout out those infamous words.....
" WE KICKED YOUR ***.................AGAIN !!!! "
Hang in there buddy :)
Joined: Apr 2009
I'm crossing my fingers for you too
@Buzzard: I'm crossing my fingers for you too. You were so helpful for me so many times in the past! You are an awesome person! And I wish all the best for you! And think of you and your wife often!
Sophie
Joined: Aug 2008
Ah Sophie, I'll be fine...
and I love hearing from you...you seem to bring out the very best in me. You are my Shining Star !!! Have an awesome upcoming week sweetheart, and again thank you and keep smiling.....Love ya, Buzz