On 3/18/2008 Doc45 wrote:
Hi , My name is James and was recently diag. with squemus cell carcanoma . I have heard a few stories from people who knew someone who had this but I have not spoken with anyone that really had the same thing I have and who know's what I am going through . I am in stage 4 and I am sched. for sugery on April 1 . I have heard of people loosing their ability to speak and even some who have a peg tube for nutrition . Everything I have heard is scaring me to death . I know this is a bad thing but dose'nt anyone have anything positive to say . I would appreciate hearing from anyone going through this and how they are handling it . Thank you , James ...
Dear James,
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It is all so confusing and frightening at first. My husband had a similar diagnosis in January. He can't speak very well because the tumour is pressing on the nerve which goes to the vocal cords - that is he can't speak LOUDLY. But he has no problems communicating - he just speaks quietly and hoarsely. It's nothing to be afraid of.
He also has a feeding tube - a pegg tube - which was fitted in case he had difficulties in swallowing. He hasn't used it yet - he doesn't have any problems though his esophagus is a bit sore, But the doctor told us it heals better and is not as debilitating if it's put in before chemotherapy.
But you're going to have surgery, which isn't an option for my husband, so perhaps they'll be able to get rid of the horible thing and you'll not need any of this stuff. Take a day at a time, talk to friends who'll support you, look after yourself and believe you can beat it. We went all through the fear and horror and have now decided to believe we can beat it. Here's hoping - for you, for us.