Here's an update on that other Andy's situation...

[Liberal_Andy]

I posted here a few weeks ago in need of prayers and good vibes and the response was overwhelming. Thanks again, and here's a brief synopsis, and update:

After a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing all through March and April, and a few doctor's visits, I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (stage III) of the pharynx. CT and pet scans showed some spots on my lung also (I smoked 25 years, quit in '98).

They gave me one week of Chemo (5/9-13), then I had a video-assisted thorascopy and wedge resection to remove the cancerous lung nodule and surrounding tissue on 5/17. One eight-inch and two one-inch scars under left arm. Came home Saturday, resting this week, and will begin radiation and restart chemo next Monday (5/30). The thoracic surgeon said he got all the lung tumor (also squamous cell), and the lymph nodes looked clear.

So I'm looking at 6-7 weeks of treatment for the throat and hopefully that will take care of it. Not what I had in mind for this summer, but it could be worse. I have good insurance, most if not all of this is covered at 90%, and I get 13 weeks short term disability pay at 80%. Like I said, it could be worse. If I can say this without sounding painfully obvious, sometimes it takes something like this to bring things into focus, what really matters, and how lucky I really am.

Thanks in advance for your kind words and thoughts, and I'll be seeing you!

Liberal_Andy
(The Other Andy)

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. *hugs*

[ClassWarrior]

2. Hang in there, Andy!

As I like to remind myself daily...

Never Give Up. :patriot:

[ohio_liberal]

3. All the best to you

:grouphug:

[demnan]

4. I wish you a good recovery and excellent health

with a positive attitude like yours, it should be no problem! :hug:

[ewagner]

5. Good luck to you Andy

Recovery is a bitch.....I think worse than the surgery. (I went through triple-bypass in December)....best wishes to you. I'm glad you've got insurance....both health and disability...(I sell both and disability is the hardest sell I have)


Best wishes from Wisconsin! :hi:

[Samurai_Writer]

6. Take care of yourself, Andy

I hope you have lots of family and friends to give you the emotional support you need during your treatment. Online good wishes are great, but cannot make up for having people around that love you.

That said, you're in my thoughts.

Peace,
Bella

[Liberal_Andy]

11. Thanks!

I do have lots of local family and friends helping out! It does make a big difference!

[ChickMagic]

7. Good for you!

I just had a CT looking for just that yesterday. It came back negative which is good, but when you've been ill for 3 months you kind of wish it was something so you could do something about it. Does that make any sense?

Keep the faith - you'll make it!

[Liberal_Andy]

14. Be persistent, ginbarn!

If you feel like something isn't right, keep going back until they find out what it is. I had to go to my regular doc twice, and when he made me an ear nose and throat doctor appointment 3 weeks out, I said, "No! That's too long to wait. I know somethings wrong and don't think I can wait that long." They made one for the next week, and by the time the original appointment date rolled around, I already had a biopsy and diagnosis.

You are your own best advocate! Don't be shy or timid!

[ChickMagic]

25. Thanks Andy - I will.

I had ovarian cancer years ago and when I complained that something just wasn't right, I was sent to a psychiatrist. My diagnosis was delayed one year. I try to keep that from happening again, but docs get penalized now for sending you to specialists. It's difficult.
At any rate, I'm really glad you didn't have mets - it sounds like a great prognosis.

[MuseRider]

8. Good luck Andy.

It sounds like your prognosis is good even though your summer will be different than you planned.

Lots of ice chips before your chemo should help with the mouth sores (I have been through this with several people).

Keep us up to date and take care of yourself. All the best wishes are coming your way.

[Career Prole]

9. All the best to you, bro.

You get well. :pals:

[mike_c]

10. best wishes for a speedy recovery....

Sounds like you narrowly dodged the bullet. Best of luck with the rest of your treatment!

[Lars39]

12. Best wishes, Liberal_Andy!

Are you going to have 6-7 weeks of daily chemo treatments?
You didn't say how many lymph nodes, but I hope you are aware that
you are at risk for lymphedema if you had any lymph nodes removed.
:hug:

[Liberal_Andy]

21. thanks, Lars39!

No, radiation will be daily (M-F, 40 minutes each), chemo will be 5-6 hours cisplatin on Monday, then the 'round the clock pump with 5-FU is connected to my portacath. That's disconnected on Friday. Starts back on Monday.

I've not had any lymph nodes removed.

Glad I get a later generation of the FU drug, I'd hate to be getting the older FU-2!

[Lars39]

28. The latest chemo drugs are a picnic compared to the early days.

Erma Bombeck wrote a book about kids with cancer that really helped put it perspective for me.
Those kids who had the early chemo drugs are true pioneers.

Sounds like you'll have a full dance card. Anti-nausea drugs have come a long way, too. :)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

13. Keep your spirits up!

Sending good vibes your way and wishes that the 6-7 weeks pass as painlesssly and quickly as possible for you. :)

[ProfessorGAC]

15. Keep The Faith, Andy

As an MS sufferer, i can tell you that surrender cannot be an option. Fight the good fight, and take care of yourself.
The Professor

[kaygore]

16. I'll keep you in my prayers

Please continue to update us. Positive thoughts, whether prayers, positive energy, etc., does work!

[Bunny]

17. The prognosis sounds encouraging, so that's good.

Yes, you're right - something like this can sure put things into perspective, can't it? Good luck with your treatment and best of hopes for a full recovery. :hug:

[ultraist]

18. I wish you the best with your treatments and recovery!

:hug:

[katinmn]

19. I've been wondering how you were doing, Andy!

So it was good to hear from you.

I noted you said "things could be worse."

Are you from Minnesota by some chance? :-)

:hug:

[Lisa0825]

20. Best wishes on a speedy recovery!!!(nt)

:hug:

[CitySky]

22. another help for pain from the radiation -

Aveeno Oatmeal bath. stock up now. God bless you - now go knock this thing out of the park!

:hug:

[Generic Guy]

23. More good vibes

from a faceless name on the INTERNET. :)

Seriously man get well and we all are hoping the best for you.

[progressivebydesign]

24. Wishing you a speedy recovery...

.. eats lots of Jello.

[graywarrior]

26. Hang in there and think "health"

Sometimes illness is an opportunity to take on a challenge and get healthier.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

27. It's great to hear some good news!

Here's for a speedy recovery and no nasty recurrences!

:hug:

[MsUSA]

29. *hugs so tight*

[DeepModem Mom]

30. Adding best wishes, and thanks for your inspiring post.

[flyarm]

31. ohhh bless you...and many prayers

coming your way...you take care of yourself..you will be in my prayers daily!!
sending hugs and love!!

fly

[enigmatic]

32. Andy, you know I've got your back...

And you're getting all the good vibes you can handle:) PM when Wilson comes out; we'lll do a show around it on the station. Stay strong!

[Liberal_Andy]

35. Hey rev!! Thanks!!

It's possible the CD's release will coincide with the end of my treatments! I hope so! Does your show start today at 1 PM? Eastern Daylight Time?

L_A

[Obamarama]

33. Some "good things" about having this type of cancer.....

It is typically slow-growing, which makes treatment easier and more effective; and this type of cancer usually doesn not metastasize, either.

Cancer is never good news, but it sounds like you have a good prognosis. Best of luck and keep us updated!!

[Catherine Vincent]

34. Best wishes to you Andy.

[DARE to HOPE]

36. Hooray for you, Andy--especially for reaching for breath and LIFE!

Don't forget to do your own thing, too, to boost your body's immune system. Go to a good health food store to find a DN or at least a library of information.

Throw out all "vegetable" oils except for a little virgin olive oil, and switch to COCONUT OIL. Very healing, on the inside, and on any scars on the outside.

Add in immune boosters like the antioxidant vitamins--A, C, E, selenium. Cal/mag/D helps the healing, B calms the nerves.

Extra powerful supplements include things like the cancer-fighting mushrooms, like Shiitake et al. I cook with those, and brown rice, both very healing. AHCC and green tea extract are both powerful immune boosters.

Colloidal silver will help protect against any other infection, always a risk with surgery etc.

And ginger, even crystalized (a real treat) or peppermint takes any nausea away.

God bless, and lead you in, your journey.

[Liberal_Andy]

42. thanks, DtH!

I'm doing B complex, multi vitamins and fish oil, plus essiac tea. Soy protein shakes,, green tea, yada-yada-yada.

[DARE to HOPE]

43. Make your shakes with coconut milk, fruit and whey instead...

New research is saying that soy can slow the thyroid, which you don't need in the middle of everything! Whey powder actually fights cancer, as does coconut and all those colorful fruits and berries.

We make "ice cream" with 1 pkg frozen organic mango, 1 pkg fr org strawberries or cherries, 1 can org coconut milk, plus a splash of water/juice/concentrate to make smooth in your food processor. Makes WONDERFUL strawberry or cherry softserve. :-)

Sorry. I know all the contrary advice can get confusing, but this is my best.

BTW--my mother-in-law just gave up smoking, in answer to years of begging/praying. She is 82, and "just decided" it was time. :-)

[goodboy]

37. You're gonna beat this Liberal_Andy! I know it! Take care! (nt)

[merh]

38. All good thoughts and prayers going out for you Andy.

:hug: Just rest and heal. Rest and heal! :hug:

:grouphug: We are here if you need us. The entertainment in the lounge is remarkable. :rofl:

Take care - peace and healing energies coming your way.

merh

[uppityperson]

39. Aw crap, good luck healing up Andy

Hope all goes well, take it easy, focus on fighting off those little bastard cells and take it easy.

[EFerrari]

40. It sure does focus what really matters.

Sending thoughts, prayers and wishes you're way, sir.

See you 'round the pool. :)

Beth

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

41. Sending you healing thoughts!!!!! n/t

[latebloomer]

44. Sending healing thoughts your way!

Hang in there, Andy!

:hug:

[hiley]

45. Andy you will be in my

thoughts...
and you are not the other Andy, you are Andy !
hugs to you,
hiley
:grouphug:
peace

[Auntie Bush]

46. I'll be sending healing blue light and energy your way!

[noiretextatique]

47. sending some healing vibes your way, Andy

and i'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Liberal_Andy]

48. Thanks Folks!!! I'm reading every word...lot's of good advice here!

:yourock:

[Lex]

49. Good luck to you, Liberal_Andy

and speedy recovery, my friend.

I will keep good thoughts sent your way over the coming weeks.

[cry baby]

50. Here's hoping everything turns out very good after your treatments.

Hopefully, while you're resting, you can still visit here and tell us how you are.

Good luck...

[Must_B_Free]

51. By the way, do you need donations?

[Liberal_Andy]

56. Monetary?... No, I'm covered. Spiritual?.....Yes, all I can get!

:hi:

[demgurl]

52. My thoughts are with you.

I am glad it was not worse but I wish it were better. Please keep us informed.

[anarchy1999]

53. You are in our thoughts, and all kinds of good wishes coming your way.

Do you need any help? Just let us all know, okay?

We love all our "andy's" here at DU!

[Ilsa]

54. I hope for all the best for your recovery, Andy!

Hang in there!

[brook]

55. Be well, friend.

One thing in mouth & throat -'thrush' is a problem and it could mess up your digestive system as well. It's important to not only eat beaucoup yogurt - but also get yourself something like Acidophilus ( I took 4x6) to combat the killing of all the good bacteria. Best to visit your local health food store & let them suggest what will balance your chemical regimen.