Throat Cancer?

Hi T.,

I'm a cancer survivor (5 yrs. breast cancer) and my husband is a 12 yr. non-hodgkins lymphona. I now do patient counseling and help patients with dr. referrals. May I be so forward to ask where he is being treated? I am not a dr., however, I know alot about types of cancer and procedures and treatments, etc. I am going to be upfront with you...there are some red flags here...1st I don't know how long it took them to decide to do a cat scan...with your Dad's history of smoking that should have been done immediately vs. treating him for acid reflux (I agree crazy). I know in some cases the waiting for biopsies and results is torture...I know you said he's getting it done next Thursday...when did they schedule it...in other words how long did it take to get him in? I'm a bit unclear about the whole spleen removal because of his bloodcounts...what meds is he currently on that they will take him off if this is done? One thing I suggest to patients is to have an advocate, someone to go with them to the dr. appts. to ask ??, etc. 2 heads are better than 1 and when you're the patient and trying to advocate for yourself, it can be VERY OVERWHELMING...sometimes a bit surreal! Is he going to appts. alone? If so, I'd encourage him that you'd like to go with him to support him. One thing I learned thru my experience and my husband's experience is KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...the UNKNOWN is SCARY. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand what the drs. are telling you. I know we often can be intimidated by drs. but the good ones will be patient and explain things and answer all your ???...there are no bad questions! Right now you're not sure of answers you're rec'ing from your Dad & if he's being forthcoming with info. and understandably it's upsetting and unsettling for you.

IF it DOES turn out to be Cancer... cancer of the Larynx it is treatable...like most cancers, early detection is key. Depending on their findings, if it is cancer, they may opt to do treatment (chemo/radiation) first prior to surgery. Or they may just move forward and do surgery then follow up with treatment. I know some larynx cancer survivors and in some cases the hoarsness remains. Fortunately, Chicago is a great place for cancer treatment and there's some amazing facilities here!

T., if I can assist you in anyway please let me know. I'd be happy to give you a referral, etc. anything I can do for you and your Dad...just contact me.

All my best!
D.
____@____.com if you want to contact me privately here's my personal email.

T. -

I'm so sorry to hear your family is going through this. Get as much information as you can and if your dad is comfortable with you going to the appointment to get answers from the doc (things he may not think to ask), you might find out more.

Also, www.cancer.org or 800-ACS-2345.

I worked for the American Cancer Society for 5 years and they have an amazing program called Patient Navigation. They will put you/your dad in touch with a Patient Navigator who can help them get information on treatment and doctors, clinical trials, local services, anything you can imagine to make life easier so he can concentrate on getting well. I would highly recommend calling them - all services are free -- that's a big part of where the donations they receive go -- back to the community to support the people dealing with cancer.

Thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck!

Based on what you have mentioned, I would definitely suggest to see another doctor. Not only is treating for acid reflux odd but suggesting that the spleen be removed premature. When someone is sick, from something basic as a cold to difficult as cancer, the blood work WILL be off. It's an indication of the immune system trying to take of the body. To suggest a splenectomy is nonsense at this stage, unless something else indicates that something is wrong with the spleen. My dad was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and now requires a transplant. The most helpful thing for me is being involved with everything and the doctors know that's the best way to treat a patient: a supportive family. So be there for your dad and also find someone to talk to for you. THe biggest piece of advise is to not over-react until you have all the facts. I know it's hard but it is possible. Good luck (to him and you)!

T. ...

Yes, my husband had two tumors on his larnyx last summer that turned out to be benign (not cancer). My husband smoked in the past - and used to sing in a few rock bands and of course that lifestyle included lots of drinking as well. Did your dad by any chance sing in the past? - it's somewhat common with singers , benign tumors (hope that doesn't sound strange). My husband kept getting a 'scratchy' voice and coughing up stuff etc when the GP sent him to an ENT who found the tumors, my husband is 43.

I feel for you - we were very frightened until the biopsy.

hugs,

W.

Actually having a sore throat, scratchy throat and contantly clearing your throat are signs of acid reflux. I have this - no tumors, but bad acid reflux and I am constantly clearing my throat. I have heard that if acid reflux goes untreated that is can cause different types of cancers from the throat to the stomach.