This is kind of serious and I need information.....

[khashka]

Mods: I am not asking for medical advice. That is forbidden for very good reasons.

But I found a growth in my throat. After more than 20 years smoking, you can imagine what I think this means.
They took a a sample biopsy (don't they usualluy cut it out and then do the biopsy?) and told me it might be awhile before I get the results. Since I'm a charity case - no insurance - I'm at the back of the line.

What I want to ask - have any of you had cancer? Done chemo? Radiation? What were your experiences?
My sister did chemo and in the end that was what killed her.

So I'm a little bit worried, a little scared. I don't want medical advice - but if you can give advice on what I might be facing and how to handle it.... I would appreciate it.

Khash.

[flvegan]

1. Sorry to hear that, and I'm hoping for the best for you.

I have zero experience with cancer (knock wood, thank goddess, etc), but my grandmother went through chemo many years ago.

Besides, you'll get the results back, and it'll turn out to be something entirely harmless...right?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Khash...

I am so sorry to hear this.....Usually this is what they do first.....

They want to avoid surgery if they can. Have you stopped smoking?

BTW, you can call anytime.....I'm here!

:hug:

[applegrove]

23. The Quitstop is a place to log on and quit smoking. They may have

stories and the like - as well as folk who have been through it.

Hang tight. You don't know until you know. It could just be the best warning you ever got.

[progmom]

3. Oh Khash

:hug:

You'll be in my prayers.

on edit - my mom had thyroid cancer 33 years ago - had the tumor removed and has been cancer-free since.

[khashka]

10. Keep me in your prayers

you're such a sweetheart.

My Grandmother had throat cancer back in the fifties - they cut it out. She was fine. So, I'm sure this will be fine. But it's a little scary. The worst thing is the waiting.

I'm sure everything cool. No real big deal. But if worse comes to worst? (Which is what I fear) I would like the advice of others who have already gone through it.


Khash.

[LeftyMom]

4. Nope, you can't be sick.

I simply won't allow it. :(

[xmas74]

5. Having some fun times myself.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=4666807

Send me a pm if you want to talk. We can call each other or something.

[khashka]

16. Oh, man!

We are both in situations that may be nothing or may be something. I've always said we're twins.

But bi-baby was right. Lie through your fuckin' teeth if it gets you in. Sure, if you can't pay it'll mess up your credit, But better to have bad credit than die, eh?

I'm surprised at PP - in my experience they usually do a sliding scale thing. But it was years ago that I worked with them and the political situatuion has changed. So maybe they can't do that anymore.

Things are getting bad. Used to be you could go to the ER. Now you have to pay $150 or $200 up front unless it's immediately life threatening.

So what are the uninsured to do? There are more and more of us every day. And medical costs keep climbing.
I have a hard time getting insured because of a pre-existing condition. I could get insurance but it would be so expensive that there is no way I could pay for it.

But you do need to see a Dr. my mistress - even if you have to lie to do it.


Khash.

[xmas74]

18. Went back to PP yesterday.

Explained the situation and spoke to a midwife there in her office. I saw a pic of her kids and I started crying. She informed me that they will get me in at the first opportunity they can for a mammogram(I have to travel to KC for it since they can't afford to pay someone to do it around here). And she has assured me that they will work something out in ref to payments.
I went to H&R Block yesterday and did my taxes, opting for the rapid refund so I would have the money to pay for the exams. It's the mammogram that's costly. She said that even if it's benign there is something wrong there and that, if antibiotics don't work, I might have to have at least a duct removed.

[khashka]

25. Good.

In my experiece PP is usually staffed by women - who either been there or are sympathetic. So... good.


It might just be a minor infection. Antibiotics may work. If not, try something else. It sounds like an infection to me. Easily treatable with the right medication But still and all, it's a warning sign. You need that mammogram. Just to be sure.



Khash

[xmas74]

26. My friend thinks it's a side effect of the fibrocystic.

But what concerns my friend(who used to be an OB/GYN nurse) is the infection. She said that an infection of that sort from fibrocystic is usually found in older women who are ready to enter menopause. And very early menopause puts me at a greatly increased risk of "female" cancers.
On the positive side-I got felt up. My friend did it. She easily found the lump-upper side behind my right nipple.
Getting felt up wasn't as fun as it should have been. :-(

[Shine]

6. Hi Khaska

let me first start by saying how sorry I am that you have received this news about the growth in your throat. I can imagine how scary that would be. My thoughts and best wishes go out to you. :hug:

I have not experienced cancer myself, but as a hospice volunteer, I have worked with many cancer patients...and I can say that receiving a diagnosis of cancer is NOT a "death sentence", in and of itself.

For many of the people I have visited, their cancer has become an opening in their life to live it more fully and with more loving awareness. "Healing" comes in many forms....

The bottom line is, you are NOT alone and there is much support available to you, certainly through this heartwarming DU community. :hug:

[LynzM]

7. Lots of hugs for you, Khash

I don't have any personal experience other than watching my grandmother go through having stomach cancer :( Many good wishes coming your way, and I hope it turns out to be something benign. :hug: You could also check the DU Chronic Illnesses group, you might find a lot of support there...

[Misunderestimator]

8. No advice... just remain positive.

And I'll be sending good energy your way. :hug:

[Burma Jones]

9. My Dad Had Throat Cancer

He's been clear of it for about 2 1/2 years now. he had been smoking almost 50 years when he was diagnosed. The treatment was tough and it does kill some of the participants. My advice to you is to have a strong advocate with you, My Dad had my Stepmom and she's relentless. As you are uninsured, you will need it even more than others. He ate through a tube to his stomach for about six months. He had Chemo, Surgery and Radiation, he fell and broke several ribs. He was on a lot of drugs to alleviate the nausea.


That being said, Throat Polyps are common. Benign Growths are common. Don't freak out yet, but I would start looking to form your local support network, you'll need them if you have a serious problem.

[schmuls]

49. I'll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts and prayers your

way. Please let us know how it turns out.

[yvr girl]

11. I'm so sorry you're going through this

How scary. Keep a good thought. It might be no big deal.

Take extra good care of yourself. Get lots of rest. Eat healthy food. Remember to laugh and love.

[cally]

12. Don't freak until you get the results.

I hope it is benign and that you are well. I had radiation for breast cancer. I was very tired and burned but it wasn't horrible. I wore earphones and listened to music during treatment which helped relieve the stress. I didn't find radiation all that horrible.

[Texasgal]

13. Khash...

Can you please tell me the about the growth? Where is located and how big is it?

Thanks. :hugs:

[khashka]

27. OK

Uhm..... it's round, about the size of a dime. On the left side of my throat. It doesn't hurt or block my breathing but it's white. That's worrisome - the colour. Not red or pink as you would expect to see but white. And I feel it when I eat or drink or even swallow.

Khash.

[Texasgal]

28. Okay..

I am going to go through some journals. I will PM you with what I find.

I am an RN and still have a bunch of study materials from the oncology class, long ago! :hi:

I'll try and PM you tonight with details.

It's going to be okay buddy! :)

[khashka]

30. Thanks very much, Texasgal

What worries me is the colour. I did check into symptoms of oral cancer - and because round white spots in the mouth are often the first symptom.... This is upsetting me.

Of course it could be nothing. A cyst. A normal biological process. Whatever.

I will trust my Dr. She's brilliant, but unfortunatlyy everyone knows that so it's hard to see her. But I fear the worst and hope for the best.

Any info you can give me will be appreciated :)

Khash.

[RebelOne]

14. I think that if you smoke, you should be concerned.

If not, hopefully it is just a benign growth. Of course, I'm not a doctor, so that's just my opinion.

[redqueen]

15. I don't have any experience to share...

but I wanted to say :hi: and do this :hug:

You'll be in my prayers, Khash...

[WritingIsMyReligion]

17. Fuck, khash.

Fuck. THAT ain't good.

:cry:

:hug:

[neweurope]

19. Can't give you information but my very best wishes. Don't get

too scared before you get results. I know how hard that waiting is, went through it myself (it was harmless, after all). Even if it should NOT be harmless - let me tell you about an aunt of mine. She had cancer (forgot where it started), a number of operations, chem, everything. The cancer spread, was treated again. But after the cancer first occurred she had another 30 years!!! And those were good years, in spite of those operations.

I'm sending you a big :hug: You'll make it if you believe in it, and why shouldn't you believe? Others have made it!

-------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[lizziegrace]

20. No advice, just a shoulder

:hug:

[merh]

21. I have a friend that had throat cancer and after surgery, some

radiation and chemo, he is fine.

You are in my prayers khashka -- wish I could do more, offer better advice, give you words of wisdom to help during this tough time, but I have nothing to offer but my love and prayers. :hug:

:loveya:

[Midlodemocrat]

22. Dear Khash.

You are in my prayers. Keep good thoughts. It may be benign.

:hug:

[mdmc]

24. ground that mind...thc and laughter... i will pray for you

I've never had cancer, but I've been around it my whole life. If you have some surf time, please check out www.rigpa.net . If you get this, there will be no fear.

Peace and low stress,
mdmc

[supernova]

29. Well, I wouldn't worry until you get the path report

because then you will know whether it's benign or .....

If you went to a big hospital, it can take upwards of 10 days to get the path report back. So just be prepared to chill. And be glad it takes that long. If they think there is more to it they will notify you as soon as possible and get you in for more tests of some sort.

Standard is possible surgery if operable, and radiation and chemo following six weeks after if it's the other. The path report will tell them not only is it benign or not, but if it isn't whether it is spreading to the lymph nodes and beyond.

I'm saying this as someone who had a mother who died of brest cancer, a sister who survived it, and I myself logged four years at Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, specifically GI cancers.

Again, just wait until you know for certain what it is. You'll be in my thoughts, Khash. :hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

31. First, wait for the results and try not to be scared.

Second, and I guess you know this very well for yourself, change the bad habits now. It won't be a party ride, but life isn't that at all. and I'm glad to accompany you on the ride of ending the bad habits.

This just short, besides prayers and good vibes nonetheless. I'll PM you.

[hatredisnotavalue]

32. Don't worry, everything will be okay

My husband, Old and in the Way, had a terrible growth on his leg a couple of years ago. It was diagnosed as cancerous and he had to have radiation therapy. Radiation was about as bad as having your picture taken, according to him. He went to radiation every day for a couple of months, would read the paper going in and eat a bagel going out. Don't be scared, you will be okay.

I too smoke and have a growth on the top of my mouth, which has been there for years. Are you dark haired or dark skinned? Italian? I am Belgium with Middle Eastern roots. We are prone to fat deposits under the skin. I have one on the top of my skull that I have been convinced for 40 years is brain cancer, except it never grew. Just get it checked out and go from there.

[RiffRandell]

33. My husband was diagnosed with oral cancer this past November.

He is going through treatment right now. This was very unexpected as he had no symptoms, just a lump in the neck. Don't freak out yet---just wait for the results. You can PM me if you wish; I have become quite knowledgeable on this, unfortunately.

[zone]

34. Could be a benign cyst

I have one at the back of my throat the is really hard to see, and I was uber freaked out when I first discovered it. But go to a doctor.

[khashka]

35. Hey, zone!

Nice to see you!

Yeah, I'm sure it's nothing. But its kinda freaky. When the biopsy results come in I'm sure I'll calmn down.

But if the results are bad.... I just wanna know how other people got through it. As the bible says - ask and ye shall receive. So ask.!


So that was the whole point: Ask!

It is totally unfair to ask that. I'm totally cool with how hard it is to geat real with it.There is still a big issue around the Big C.

Sure, it's probably nothing. But if not........ I need advice

Khash,

[swimboy]

36. Hey, Khash--

Like they said, try to chill while you wait for the news. Think about changing the habit. Let me know what's going on with you not because I'm medical, but because I care and I'll do some praying and caring about it. I'll start right now.

--swimboy

[khashka]

38. Thanks, baby

But you didn't call me "sir"!
I don't know how this is gonna work out. But I'm not changing, either way.
So call me "sir" when you address me, boy!

Khash.

[swimboy]

46. Yes, Sir.

Sorry about that, Sir.

[Deja Q]

37. More than 20 years? How old are you?!

(I thought you were early-20s... apparently not! :blush: )

[khashka]

41. I'm 39

This year I'll turn 40.

Not bad, eh? I look and act younger - good genes.

Although I think the grey hair is ultra cool - always wanted it. Now I've got it! But it gets lost in the blond.


Khash.

[ScreamingMeemie]

39. Khash...oh khash...

:hug: Scary, scary stuff.

But I'm here to say, it could be a polyp. My father has had many polyps removed from his throat.


On the other, more scary, hand. My husband's best friend's father has battled...and won...throat cancer and is about 5 years cancer free. He had the growth removed and a round of radiation. He felt like crap, but said it was far better than the alternative.

I will hold you tight and close in my thoughts.


~Laura

[BikeWriter]

40. I'm lighting a candle and sending positive thoughts your way, Pard.

I hope this s nothing serious, my Friend!
:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

42. I am so sorry

Try and be calm while you wait for the results. (I know, very difficult). I am lighting a candle on my altar for you, and will include you in my Imbolc ritual tonight.

:loveya:

Check your PM when you get a chance!

[graywarrior]

43. Based on the percentages, most lumps are benign

Find a support group, even if you're waiting for results. The more you know, the less scared you'll be.

You'll be fine.

[bertha katzenengel]

44. Hey, Khash

No advice, no knowledge, just *gasp* and :hug:

Please keep us posted.

[khashka]

45. Thank you all

Your words, your support.... it matters. Thank you.

I'm a little scared, sure. As I keep telling my ex and best friend "don't worry about me, I'll survive - it's the one thing I'm good at"

He said "They might have to operate? And you might not be able to talk? That would be a nice change! I spent years trying to get you to shut up!"

So if it's nothing, if it's something.... I'll get through it.

But... thank you.

Khash.

[Hissyspit]

47. Mom just went throught two cancer scares - one skin and one breast

Both were o.k.! The lump in the breast still needs to come out, but she is fine. So odds are greatly in your favor. Hang in there!

[khashka]

48. I am so glad she is OK

Here in Texas skin cancer is fairly common - we all played in the sun when we were kids, so we are all at risk. But it's easily identifiable and easily treated. In fact I don't know anyone over 40 here that hasn't had a skin cancer removed.

Breast cancer is much more serious - I've had family members and friends who went through it and it's a fucking nightmare. (Oddly, men are more likely to die from breast cancer than women - we get it too, but we can't really get mammograms and don't do self exams so when it's found it's usually fairly advanced)

I am so happy your mom is OK. :) And a good result gives me hope.

Can I go into lecture mode? Girls and boys, do self exams - it may seem silly, unnecessary, odd, uncomfortable. It also might save your life.


Khash.