One Year Since Cancer Diagnosis

I agree that every day is a blessing. See my email about my father. He survived the Depression and the horrors of WW2 and always lived as if there was no tomorrow..before he died of throat cancer he said "it was quite a party, wasn't it?" 

Ellie 

Ellie,

That's a good question.  I have not asked that to anyone in my group but I will be more than happy to ask at our next regualrly scheduled meeting, which is this coming Sunday.  As I'm sure you know if you have been researching, the Government seems to be very slow in reacting to claims against them.  I remember for years watching the official response from the Government just denying everything about Agent Orange.

I will say though, that the overwhelming connection between this type of cancer is smoking, and especially smoking and drinking.  When I went in the military the Vietnam withdrawals were beginning so I never went.  But in 1974, I can vividly remember 3 out of 4 in our platoon smoked..it was just so acceptable in that type of environment. 

So be that as it was, I would be happy to check for you. Have a great day.

Mike Smith

9-11-08

hi mike , i hope that you are doing well, i responded to your 1/29/09 message on the throat cancer board, and a short message on this board , am also tracking messages ,but havnt gotton a response the reason it took me so long to answer was because there were so many things happpening after my surgery that i didnt get back on this site until recently. if you get a chance go back to the throat cancer board and it will pretty much explain whats been happening. once again i hope all is better going better for you. Take care and GOD BLESS YOU       jr449 (jewell)

Sandy, the one constant I have found concerning this type of cancer and subsequent surgery is that it is different for everyone, based on the severity of the cancer, severity of the damage the cancer did, the extent of the damage that the radiation caused, the age of the patient, and the general overall health when taking on this.  Because of all these things, I guess you can see there's not a magical answer someone could give you.  I will tell you that the most difficult time to go thru is the transition from the surgery to some type of improvement.  You should also have someone (medical) set to act as a backup when his doctor is unavailable, especially during the first couple of months.  The swelling sounds like a legitimate issue that his doctor needs to be addressing.....while I didn't swell, I'm almost a year now from surgery and I must sleep on my back with my head braced up with about three pillows, or any liquids or food I have eaten recently want to come up.  Just one of the things I have had to adjust to.  He'll find ways to adjust too as he begins to improve.....its a whole new world, but one that can be adjusted to.  Just remember, he's going thru the most difficult time right now....as progress begins you will certainly welcome it. 

Good luck.

Mike Smith

9-11-08

Sandy, let me suggest you going to www.webwhispers.com which is "the" website for laryngectomees...lots and lots of information and many of your questions can be answered.  They will allow you to join as a caregiver and it is a wonderful site which can really assist you.  Also, you may want to check out www.theial.com which is the website for the International Association of Laryngectomees.  It too has some good info and help.

Last thing I will say is this....I would not be here today if I did not have my caregiver beside me during this transition...I have such a high regard for people who have the heart to do the right thing in this area, whether they are a spouse, sibling, son or daughter, or just a caring friend.  It is thankless work many times but the work that caregivers do is literally priceless..my caregiver was my wife...who I have told that she was just paying it forward, because I promised her I would get better so that I could return the favor and take care of her in later years.  I hope that I can accomplish that...that's how important caregivers are. 

Take care.

thanks mike my husband is 47 year he does have other issues bipolar infections you name it. i will get back he needs me right now sandy

oh by the way we are in the east texas area near Dallas we went to baylor hospital.

thanks i will go to the websites i read and study every thing. i am a cna and love my job but had to set back for a while to help my husband he is not a very strong person. we have been married for 16 yrs he has been in and out of hospitals for a while now. i will take care of him the best i can. i am a private setter and this past week i lost my patent 89 yrs i love this type of work and now i have to use my time toward kerry. we go back to see dr. tuesday i will let you all know what they have to say. my God bless you and thanks for listening to me

a friend sandy

your original message really hit home with me> I am just 40 years old and been treated for neck cancer from 26 years of smoking. Just last month my sister just 42 years old lost her battle to breast cancer, she never even thought about smoking, no family history of cancer. Like you said she was just living. I should be gone not her! My only comfort is knowing that my daughters will never smoke after watching what i endured.

Joe