Just a thumb

[chiefbob81]

I have cancer on my right thumb. Does not appear in my lympth nodes, yet. Have a choice of radiation five days a week for two weeks or amputation. Cancer scares the heck out of me. Going to go with the radiation, I guess. Has any of you had this done? Suggestions?

 

[Doug627]

Tough call. That thumb does a lot. Are your right or left handed? What do you do for a living? When I ask this, I'm not just saying consider it if you use tools. If a sales man or someone that shakes hands a lot on the job, this could affect that as well. What kind of cancer is it? One that is likely to metastasize? If not, radiation sounds good. If it is cancer that metastasizes, amputation may be the better choice. Has it been caught early or late? Follow your doctor's advice. Tell him your concerns. It is hard to think straight when you are initially told you have cancer. I will pray for you in your fight, recovery and in easing your mind. Remember, it is going to be alright. It really is.

 

[rubiranch]

What kind of cancer?? Are you going to a cancer hospital?

What do they think are the odds of it metastasizing?

Can you do radiation and an immunotherapy?

 

[bigwheelzip]

Sorry to read of what your going through.
Not all doctors and facilities are equal. Since your unsure of which choice to make, you might seek a second opinion from a top ranked cancer hospital. Mass General, and Dana Farber in Boston are respected specialty hospitals in your region.
Your in my prayers.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[old bear]

Chief, praying for a positive outcome no matter which route you take.

 

[H Richard]

Bob, hope you have a good cancer center to go to. I just had a biopsy taken from my head, and awaiting results.
Update:
Got the call from the Dr, is a Squamous cell carcinoma and I have a choice of a Moe's surgery, or radiation treatments three times a week for 4 weeks. I opted for the Moe's surgery, they said to allow for up to 4 hours, done in the office where they take a slice and then do pathology, and then take another until it is all clear. Have no idea how big a hole there will be in my scalp/forehead. The only good thing about Squamous cell is it doesn't spread.

 

[walkin jack]

As one who has defeated cancer (thyroid) I want to wish you the best of luck and send up a prayer for your recovery. I don't know what I'd do in your spot. It's a tough decision but I hope you make the one that's best for you. God bless...

 

[woodsltc]

Prayers for successful treatments and a cancer-free future.

Don

 

[steelslaver]

The best to you with this. I would get a second opinion,. But unless it was right now critical I would go for the radiation and stuff after finding out the success rate of that treatment. But, I think now days they are pretty good at moving a finger over into position to be a thumb if the treatments fail. Hopefully no need for that.

 

[16thVACav]

Prayers and best wishes.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Five days a week, for 3 months, I had radiation on my neck and throat. I wouldn't let them amputate my head.

I am cancer free. I think 2 weeks should pass quickly for you.

Praying that you get a "survival ribbon".

 

[dave1918a2]

Buck up for the fight of Your life. Best of luck and My prayers for You whichever You decide.

 

[chiefbob81]

I have a squamous cell carcinoma. I am left handed. I am retired, but love to fix guns, rc cars and trucks, sump pumps when they quit. I am waiting for an appointment with cancer specialist regarding radiation. Will let you know updates.

 

[rubiranch]

I'm glad that you're going to see a cancer specialist.

 

[robvious]

that is a tough decision to be presented along with the shock of diagnosis... I still have the staples from my squamous cell cancer surgery on my head... the staples come out tomorrow if the ice storm lets me get there... my easiest of the 3 times I have had cancer (so far)... radiation is doable... like Rusty I had radiation 5 times a week for 9 weeks... also chemo those same days... it is tough... but you get through it... will add you to the prayer list... will be pulling for you...

 

[rubiranch]

I hate cancer.
Not for what its done to me but what I've seen it do to others.

 

[robvious]

made it thru the storm... sitting in the chair pulling out staples... done now...