I have cancer....the road to recovery

**slick** · 08-31-2006, 06:53 PM

Just a quick update for whomever cares.....

I had an appt with the surgeon this morning at 9:30 but didn't get in to see him until 10:50. Both him and his colleague spoke to me about the procedure and answered all my questions.....I wanted to concentrate on the three additional nodules uncovered in the scan. He explained that the nodules all look the same and have the same characteristics and none of them picked up any dye so that is a clear indication that they are benign.....I then broke in to ask him to take a biopsy anyway and he agreed. They will biopsy the two right ones but will leave the left one alone. If they turn out to be cancer then they will be removed as well. I then questioned prognosis if they are cancer. He said 2 years because they look the same as my left one and that one is probably cancer as well.

He then quickly said that we should not go down that path because he is about 98% sure that they are benign.

Over the past week or so I've had the feeling of pressure or tightening in my chest...no pain, just the odd twinge and a bit of pressure. We all know what that means. I've got a history of Pulmonary Hypertention so Dr. Yee is sending me to see a cardiologist next Wednesday and he will assess me and make sure I get any tests done before the surgery. We need to rule out any beginnings of angina and I certainly don't want any heart attacks when I'm on that table.

It's still a waiting game at the moment and I'm not really out of the woods yet. I'm still feeling optimistic about all of this but getting increasingly more anxious. I just want this done and over so I can move on.

Edit: Sorry Barbara I forgot to address your questions. Dr. Yee told me that this type of benign nodule can appear at any time to anyone...smoker, or non-smoker. The kind of tumour that was first spotted is called a typical carcinoid tumour and it doesn't spread. The really don't have any answer as to what causes it.

**captain** · 08-31-2006, 07:05 PM

Slick,

Firstly - WE CARE!!!!!

I am glad you got to see your specialists, and at least ask some questions, that I am sure were bothering you.

Now, breathe
Relax
Lemon Drop? :-)

Take care, thinking of you across the miles

Love
Michelle

**Husky_mom** · 08-31-2006, 07:07 PM

keep strong, we ´ve got your back, you can rely on us..........I hope great news come forward and this nightmare ends quickly.........still sending god vibes...........I am really empowered by your strenght, keep positive...........((hugs))...........

**Dorothy39** · 08-31-2006, 07:07 PM

Your Doctor was truthful , in answering your questions, but, he also told you that he is certain that from looking at the dye , they are benign, Just remember that!!!

As for the slight tightening in the chest, It could (could be

) anxiety, a mild panic attack.

Slick, I'm with you on this, I know you just can't wait to get this whole ball of crap over with!!!

It is the waiting and the worrying that are actually worse then the darned surgury and diagnosis. Trust me , I've been there!!!!!

I will always keep you in my positive thoughts and Prayers Slick!!!!

**jenluckenbach** · 08-31-2006, 07:22 PM

I am here too (trying to keep up to speed)

And you know that we CARE!

What's that surgery date again?? (memory problems, caused by too much cat hair

)

**slick** · 08-31-2006, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by jenluckenbach

What's that surgery date again?? (memory problems, caused by too much cat hair

)

September 14th and my last day of work is September 8th.

**Dorothy39** · 08-31-2006, 07:41 PM

For some " weird" reason, all of Slicks appointments coincide with the same dates I have with Doctors and Dentist!!!!

September 8th is your last day at work.~~~~~

and, Jenluckenbach, I don't have any cats, so, what can I use as an excuse for my own memory problems?

(could it be our Dial Up connection?)

**joycenalex** · 08-31-2006, 08:33 PM

dear slick, i've been away for a few weeks and now i'm catching up.i'm so happy for you at this bit of good news in a horrid situation. ((hugs))

**rg_girlca** · 08-31-2006, 09:18 PM

Slick, your doctor said that he is 98% sure that they are benign. I think that is the best percentage that anyone can have. You ARE going to come through this with flying colors.

You have so many of us supporting you and we do CARE about what you are going through and about you.

Stay strong and keep the faith.

((((((HUGS))))))