I have cancer....the road to recovery

[Barbara]

Ok, it took me some time to find your good news- as I found the Lemon Drop recipe first but now I know why that Lemon Drop in the first place

I'm still curious: what do they suspect the nodules are? Good news it isn't cancer- but where do they come from. As a time-to-time cigar smoker I'd like to know more

[slick]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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))))))

[Soapets]

I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers throughout this ordeal. Thanks for keeping us updated..........

Deb

[slick]

I forgot to add one more thing and this will make you laugh....

On a couple of websites that I researched it said that one of the symptoms of a carcinoid tumour is unexplained weight gain.

Oh no...it's not the three cheeseburgers and double side of fries that I have everyday. It's the cancer that made me gain all this weight.

Dorothy: I'm going to PM you later. Right now I'm waiting on a call from a Cancer Connection volunteer. She is a cancer survivor and has gone through the same thing as me.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Ok, sweetie, deep breath!!!

There is only a 2% chance that they are cancer!!!

I'd go to the track with odds like that in your favor!!!

(((HUGS)))

[Logan]

You hang in there, girlie, or I will send Mack to you......


Are you sure you want him, Vickie??? Really????

Love you girl. You just take one day at a time and if you need me (or Mack), we're right here, along with some other choices!

Logan

[Bengalz]

Dear Slick,

You just keep on keepin' on and you'll be 100% there!! Easier said than done but try to focus on the positive. Stress is no fun and something you sure don't need in your life right now. Give Max more hugs than he can stand, call your friends and have a good laugh, munch those lemon drops with vigour and always remember your cup is half full, not half empty.

Hugs and healing thoughts for you always, Betty