jeffsmith
Member
Definitely Praying
Request for Prayers-latest, post 65.
- Thread starter straightshooter1
- Start date
Prayers to God Almighty, for you Bob, in His name.
mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I couldn't have said any better, so add my second to da gimp's post. Also a cancer survivor ( so far! ). You are on pretty solid footing with a diagnosis. Now do what the doctors suggest, follow those recovery instructions, and we will await your post-op greeting.
Dave
SWCA #2778
My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Best wishes for a full recovery.
Prayers for healing and peace to you, Bob. God Bless you and yours.
Prayer sent.
I hope and pray....
I hope and pray that the doctors can find and remove every bit of tumor that is a danger to you.
I hope and pray that the doctors can find and remove every bit of tumor that is a danger to you.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2012
- Messages
- 206
- Reaction score
- 290
Have asked the Lord be with you .
ancient-one
US Veteran
Will keep you in my prayers. Hang tough.
samuelrp
Member
Prayer sent. Hang in there.
You have them from here.
OP
straightshooter1
US Veteran
UPDATE:
A lot of things have happened and I apologize for the length of this update but I think, if I'm asking for your prayers, I should tell you what I know so far so that you can pray with specificity for me should you choose to do so.
It is very early in the AM on Saturday and I am recently home from the hospital where the outside ENT did the procedure I mentioned in the initial post.
He went down my nose, then down my mouth and examined everything he could see. He found that the right tonsil looked "irregular" and biopsied it. I may have the results on Tuesday, but certainly by Thursday when I meet with him.
My cancer is not lymphoma, rather it is Neck Cancer and just happens to have been discovered when it was ravishing two lymph nodes it had metastazided into. They want to find the original or primary source of the cancer, though is a relatively small percentage of cases, they never do.
I have a year to live IF I take no treatment and let the cancer take its course. I will not do that because my oncologist told me that it would be a very bad year, that the cancer is very aggressive and would invade my airway among other places and my end would be very painful.
OTOH, he, and the other doctors, recommend, and I will do this Radiation for 42 days straight except for weekends and holidays and, at the same time, 100ml of Cisplatin (chemo) once every three weeks, for three times.
This dosage had a lot of side effects and my friend, another VN vet a year older than me, lost all his hearing as a side effect. The oncologist says that's a real possibility, but my wife says I don't listen anyway.
The radiation in the throat has a lot of side effects and, apparently, many patients neglect to do the little throat exercises needed to retain the ability to swallow, open one's mouth and speak. The throat apparently has so much soft tissue that it is easily burned and damaged and hurts like the dickens.
In combination with the Speech Pathologist, the docs scared me enough that I will do those exercises. The pics and illustrations caused me to consider a quick trip to the bathroom for a #2 or a pukey, but I was able to stop myself.
The hope of the docs is that the primary source of the cancer is that tonsil as that will allow the radiation to be narrowed to the two lymph nodes affected and the tonsils rather than shot into me widely through or over the whole throat.
I have had good news. The PET scan showed bright spot(s) at the rear of the prostate and in the colon or rectum.
My prostate was checked three days ago (I will spare you the details) and is cancer free.
I had a colonoscopy Thursday and my rectum and colon are cancer free.
I am so blessed with those findings. I was pretty concerned with having to fight two different cancers at the same time. I am so grateful that such a thing apparently will not happen.
On Wednesday, they will do an endoscopy and put in a feeding tube (I caved and agreed, pictures and the doctors stories of patients who refused the tube convinced me) which I may need for the last two thirds of the radiation period and maybe for some period after that. We just have to wait and see.
My specific prayer requests are:
For my wife, Sue. That she will remain calm and strong. As many of you know, she is a Nurse Practitioner and, as a result, knows how this cancer runs. She has been a rock, but I can see that she is concerned and I know that she "conceals" some of the bad parts I will face until the docs tell me.
Secondly, that I make the correct choices, that my discernment is "on the ball." I get to make a lot of choices, for example, how much Cisplatin and how often. I picked "All you'll give me as often as you'll give it to me." That will require three overnights in the hospital, but that seems a small inconvenience.
Thirdly, that the side effects of the Cisplatin are the least possible. The oncologist says if they are too much, they'll lessen the dosage a bit, a little more, more, more until they find the maximum amount I can tolerate. I hope to be able to take the max since this cancer is so aggressive and I want to hit it as hard as it can be hit.
Next, that the radiation in combination with the chemo is tolerated (as in bearable) by me. This is pretty intwined with the third request.
Lastly, regardless of the outcome, the problems, the pain, the nausea and pukeyness (is that a word?) that I can maintain my good testimony and share my journey with Him when I have the opportunity.
I was in a lot of pain when I came home a few hours ago, but it has subsided and I think I can sleep for a while.
Thank you so much for just being there and for your prayers.
Finally, this is for you. I was very blessed that this was discovered so early. A friend saw a small lump under my right jaw. I'd never noticed it even though I shave 4-5 days a week and shower every day (really and I use
soap, too
).
Just as women are told to check their breasts for changes
and lumps, men should also carefully observe their bodies, especially their necks for lumps.
If my friend hadn't noticed this and I hadn't acted on it (even though it was sooo small I was really embarrassed to bring it to my primary's attention) I could have been too late to have a fighting chance to beat this awful disease.
Please check yourselves from time to time and act right away if you find something.
Thank you again for considering my situation and taking it to the One who can help with anything.
Bob
A lot of things have happened and I apologize for the length of this update but I think, if I'm asking for your prayers, I should tell you what I know so far so that you can pray with specificity for me should you choose to do so.
It is very early in the AM on Saturday and I am recently home from the hospital where the outside ENT did the procedure I mentioned in the initial post.
He went down my nose, then down my mouth and examined everything he could see. He found that the right tonsil looked "irregular" and biopsied it. I may have the results on Tuesday, but certainly by Thursday when I meet with him.
My cancer is not lymphoma, rather it is Neck Cancer and just happens to have been discovered when it was ravishing two lymph nodes it had metastazided into. They want to find the original or primary source of the cancer, though is a relatively small percentage of cases, they never do.
I have a year to live IF I take no treatment and let the cancer take its course. I will not do that because my oncologist told me that it would be a very bad year, that the cancer is very aggressive and would invade my airway among other places and my end would be very painful.
OTOH, he, and the other doctors, recommend, and I will do this Radiation for 42 days straight except for weekends and holidays and, at the same time, 100ml of Cisplatin (chemo) once every three weeks, for three times.
This dosage had a lot of side effects and my friend, another VN vet a year older than me, lost all his hearing as a side effect. The oncologist says that's a real possibility, but my wife says I don't listen anyway.
The radiation in the throat has a lot of side effects and, apparently, many patients neglect to do the little throat exercises needed to retain the ability to swallow, open one's mouth and speak. The throat apparently has so much soft tissue that it is easily burned and damaged and hurts like the dickens.
In combination with the Speech Pathologist, the docs scared me enough that I will do those exercises. The pics and illustrations caused me to consider a quick trip to the bathroom for a #2 or a pukey, but I was able to stop myself.
The hope of the docs is that the primary source of the cancer is that tonsil as that will allow the radiation to be narrowed to the two lymph nodes affected and the tonsils rather than shot into me widely through or over the whole throat.
I have had good news. The PET scan showed bright spot(s) at the rear of the prostate and in the colon or rectum.
My prostate was checked three days ago (I will spare you the details) and is cancer free.
I had a colonoscopy Thursday and my rectum and colon are cancer free.
I am so blessed with those findings. I was pretty concerned with having to fight two different cancers at the same time. I am so grateful that such a thing apparently will not happen.
On Wednesday, they will do an endoscopy and put in a feeding tube (I caved and agreed, pictures and the doctors stories of patients who refused the tube convinced me) which I may need for the last two thirds of the radiation period and maybe for some period after that. We just have to wait and see.
My specific prayer requests are:
For my wife, Sue. That she will remain calm and strong. As many of you know, she is a Nurse Practitioner and, as a result, knows how this cancer runs. She has been a rock, but I can see that she is concerned and I know that she "conceals" some of the bad parts I will face until the docs tell me.
Secondly, that I make the correct choices, that my discernment is "on the ball." I get to make a lot of choices, for example, how much Cisplatin and how often. I picked "All you'll give me as often as you'll give it to me." That will require three overnights in the hospital, but that seems a small inconvenience.
Thirdly, that the side effects of the Cisplatin are the least possible. The oncologist says if they are too much, they'll lessen the dosage a bit, a little more, more, more until they find the maximum amount I can tolerate. I hope to be able to take the max since this cancer is so aggressive and I want to hit it as hard as it can be hit.
Next, that the radiation in combination with the chemo is tolerated (as in bearable) by me. This is pretty intwined with the third request.
Lastly, regardless of the outcome, the problems, the pain, the nausea and pukeyness (is that a word?) that I can maintain my good testimony and share my journey with Him when I have the opportunity.
I was in a lot of pain when I came home a few hours ago, but it has subsided and I think I can sleep for a while.
Thank you so much for just being there and for your prayers.
Finally, this is for you. I was very blessed that this was discovered so early. A friend saw a small lump under my right jaw. I'd never noticed it even though I shave 4-5 days a week and shower every day (really and I use
soap, too
).Just as women are told to check their breasts for changes
and lumps, men should also carefully observe their bodies, especially their necks for lumps.
If my friend hadn't noticed this and I hadn't acted on it (even though it was sooo small I was really embarrassed to bring it to my primary's attention) I could have been too late to have a fighting chance to beat this awful disease.
Please check yourselves from time to time and act right away if you find something.
Thank you again for considering my situation and taking it to the One who can help with anything.
Bob
I'll offer one up for the docs to maintain their vigil and make the correct decisions regarding treatment.
I'd say your practical approach to your condition, the fact you have a loving and skilled advocate in your wife and your willingness to abide and trust in your relationship with the Lord puts you in position to deal on your terms.
Good Luck and keep us posted.
I'd say your practical approach to your condition, the fact you have a loving and skilled advocate in your wife and your willingness to abide and trust in your relationship with the Lord puts you in position to deal on your terms.
Good Luck and keep us posted.
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
You can do this. **** cancer! 
Sounds like you have a handle on things. I was Dx with throat cancer last July. I noticed lumps in my neck & went to the Dr. It had gotten into the lymph nodes. In my case they were able to see exactly where it was.
I did concurrent chemo & radiation for 7 weeks, chemo once a week & radiation 5 days a week. Not pleasant to say the least. I had a feeding tube coming out of my gut for about six months. Had it taken out today, actually.
I finished treatment in November. My PET scan in March & subsequent followups with my ENT have been clear so far. I still don't have all my voice back but it's better & I am eating food OK though "sweet" hasn't come back yet and I hardly ever feel "hungry."
A few things I've found...
Don't be afraid to lean on people or ask for help. Guys like to be tough but sometimes we really need help. This is one of those times.
Keeping your weight up will be important. I went with a portable pump for my feeding tube. The pump & formula bag fit in a backpack. I was connected about 16 hours a day.
Keep a notebook. You'll probably get what I'm told is called "chemo fog." The memory just gets out of wack. Couple this with tons of instructions, appointments and information and well... It's good that your wife is a nurse.
Keep records of your doctors, dates of events, etc. You will need it if you apply for disability. Also addresses & phone numbers. I was lucky to have a BIL who held my hand & put a boot in my backside to get this stuff done. I had zero problem with disability.
There WILL be expenses beyond insurance. Keep receipts. You may be able to write them off. I'm on the hook for about $2K-ish.
Attitude is important. Be positive. People survive this stuff every day.
Sounds like you have a handle on things. I was Dx with throat cancer last July. I noticed lumps in my neck & went to the Dr. It had gotten into the lymph nodes. In my case they were able to see exactly where it was.
I did concurrent chemo & radiation for 7 weeks, chemo once a week & radiation 5 days a week. Not pleasant to say the least. I had a feeding tube coming out of my gut for about six months. Had it taken out today, actually.
I finished treatment in November. My PET scan in March & subsequent followups with my ENT have been clear so far. I still don't have all my voice back but it's better & I am eating food OK though "sweet" hasn't come back yet and I hardly ever feel "hungry."
A few things I've found...
Don't be afraid to lean on people or ask for help. Guys like to be tough but sometimes we really need help. This is one of those times.
Keeping your weight up will be important. I went with a portable pump for my feeding tube. The pump & formula bag fit in a backpack. I was connected about 16 hours a day.
Keep a notebook. You'll probably get what I'm told is called "chemo fog." The memory just gets out of wack. Couple this with tons of instructions, appointments and information and well... It's good that your wife is a nurse.
Keep records of your doctors, dates of events, etc. You will need it if you apply for disability. Also addresses & phone numbers. I was lucky to have a BIL who held my hand & put a boot in my backside to get this stuff done. I had zero problem with disability.
There WILL be expenses beyond insurance. Keep receipts. You may be able to write them off. I'm on the hook for about $2K-ish.
Attitude is important. Be positive. People survive this stuff every day.
Prayers for you, Bob, your family, and those skilled professionals treating you.
vigil617
US Veteran
Bob,
Your Forum handle -- straightshooter -- is well chosen.
Thanks for sharing the details of your situation with us at a time when you are dealing with an awful lot. It's humbling for us to know that you value this Forum and its members enough to inform and ask us for prayers at a time like this -- to "shoot straight" with us.
Your faith and reliance on God are inspiring, and you already are continuing to carry your testimony in a strong, vital way. I am especially moved by that. You can be sure that continued prayers will be made on your behalf and for the reasons you have asked, and you already know that He has blessed you before, is doing so now, and will continue.
At times like this, "one day at a time" can be a great comfort, especially when we know who is giving us the strength to live each one, and who knows all that we are experiencing. He provides what we need to meet each day's challenges, and reminds us that tomorrow's will be sufficient to themselves and we should not worry ourselves with them, because He will be faithful in His providence.
I admire the choices you are making in response to your diagnosis, as they recognize and honor that our bodies are His temple that we take care of in gratitude to Him. We know the source of cancer and the other evils that attack us, and it is not of Him, for He made us in His own image and with life to be lived with joy and fullness. So as you go through your treatments and experience the care of your medical providers, be assured that these are His blessings, poured out to you in His love and caring for you.
Grace and peace to you, brother, as He holds you and yours in the palm of His hand. Please keep us informed, and thanks again for your trust and openness with us at such a challenging time.
Your Forum handle -- straightshooter -- is well chosen.
Thanks for sharing the details of your situation with us at a time when you are dealing with an awful lot. It's humbling for us to know that you value this Forum and its members enough to inform and ask us for prayers at a time like this -- to "shoot straight" with us.
Your faith and reliance on God are inspiring, and you already are continuing to carry your testimony in a strong, vital way. I am especially moved by that. You can be sure that continued prayers will be made on your behalf and for the reasons you have asked, and you already know that He has blessed you before, is doing so now, and will continue.
At times like this, "one day at a time" can be a great comfort, especially when we know who is giving us the strength to live each one, and who knows all that we are experiencing. He provides what we need to meet each day's challenges, and reminds us that tomorrow's will be sufficient to themselves and we should not worry ourselves with them, because He will be faithful in His providence.
I admire the choices you are making in response to your diagnosis, as they recognize and honor that our bodies are His temple that we take care of in gratitude to Him. We know the source of cancer and the other evils that attack us, and it is not of Him, for He made us in His own image and with life to be lived with joy and fullness. So as you go through your treatments and experience the care of your medical providers, be assured that these are His blessings, poured out to you in His love and caring for you.
Grace and peace to you, brother, as He holds you and yours in the palm of His hand. Please keep us informed, and thanks again for your trust and openness with us at such a challenging time.
Shooting Padre
US Veteran
Prayers are being said. God bless.
You've got my prayers sir. Thank you for your service to our country.
