For this blog I’ll be posting correspondence I had with a forum on The Well, a legendary online forum I’ve been a subscriber of since around 1992. The specific forum here, “the Cancer Club” was part of a conference on the Well called Health. For the most part I’ll only be posting my words, not the words of others, except to set the context for what I posted. Here’s my first post on the Cancer Club.
health 1035: The Cancer Club
#114 of 984: Bobby (bobby) Tue 12 May 1998 (12:09 PM)
Just diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the right tonsil. I have a
tumor in my lymph node on my neck. I noticed the tumor in my neck
during antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease last October. At the time
I thought it might be a blocked lymph. Had to wait for new health
insurance to kick in before seeing the doctor.
I had an MRI and laryngoscopy with biopsies last week.
Cancer is at stage T3 N3 M0.
I see oncologists tomorrow. Don't know what to expect. Will I be able
to function? Doctor said in response to my question of "chances of
cure" that they were 50 to 60%. Don't know whether he was talking about
curing the disease or dying. The doctor indicated radiation, maybe
some chemo too. Blech.
I have good support in a friend of mine named ladybear who went
through intense cancer experiences back in the '70's. Ladybear shared her dramatic story on the web.
I'm a very spiritual kind of “different” person. Things are kind of intense right now,
even for me. My live-in partner of 10 years and I are separating and
I'll be moving out. I have a 16 year-old son who lives with me. Don't
know whether I'll be able to work. Gotta take things one step at a
time. I'll know more about treatment options tomorrow.
I'm a member of a lot of clubs --- madness, mensa, near-death
survivor, buddhist, lyme disease, ex-guru follower, intensity club ---
among others. Now I get to join the cancer club. Guess I'm a lifetime
member. Feel like I already paid my dues but the price has ratcheted up
a notch or two. Ain't life a trip?
Friday, July 26, 2013
Intro to Cancer Odyssey
My name is Bob and I'm a survivor of squamous cell cancer of the right tonsil stage IV-b. I was 48 years old when diagnosed back in 1998, went through some chemo, then full doses of radiation. Noting that different doctors offered different combinations of radiation, chemo, and/or surgery, I attempted to find out for myself what the best treatment would be for me. I was really concerned with side-effects and at first refused radiation. I never had surgery.
In the end, what took out the cancer was the radiation. That and perhaps the Chinese medicines I took and perhaps most importantly, my meditation/spirituality practices. After the grueling radiation trip, the radiation oncologist said to me "not only is your data off the charts, but there must be someone looking out after you". He really was amazed that I survived and he continued to tell me that in the years following treatment.
Today I am cancer free, but live with very difficult consequences of radiation. My ability to swallow is shot (since October 1967 haven't eaten anything by mouth), I have substantial COPD, loss of hearing and speech impediment. These maladies are probably largely due to radiation treatment. It took years after actual treatment for the conditions to manifest. Despite the ongoing difficulties I am very grateful to be alive and I continue to function pretty well considering my impairments.
Since my diagnosis with cancer in 1998 I've taken notes and communicated about my experience with my illness. My experiences include interactions with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals as well as my personal saga of what I went through. My cancer odyssey is about me. My experience with cancer is unique to me, just as all of us who are diagnosed go through their own personal experiences unique to them.
Over time I want to post pieces of my experience on this blog. I'm posting my notes and communications step-by-step. Starting around the time of diagnosis. I will be posting what I wrote at the time as well as what I remember today. I will comment on experiences and also post of current life experience.
My hope is that what I post here will benefit others.
May wellness and good health prevail in the lives of all readers of this blog.
Bob
In the end, what took out the cancer was the radiation. That and perhaps the Chinese medicines I took and perhaps most importantly, my meditation/spirituality practices. After the grueling radiation trip, the radiation oncologist said to me "not only is your data off the charts, but there must be someone looking out after you". He really was amazed that I survived and he continued to tell me that in the years following treatment.
Today I am cancer free, but live with very difficult consequences of radiation. My ability to swallow is shot (since October 1967 haven't eaten anything by mouth), I have substantial COPD, loss of hearing and speech impediment. These maladies are probably largely due to radiation treatment. It took years after actual treatment for the conditions to manifest. Despite the ongoing difficulties I am very grateful to be alive and I continue to function pretty well considering my impairments.
Since my diagnosis with cancer in 1998 I've taken notes and communicated about my experience with my illness. My experiences include interactions with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals as well as my personal saga of what I went through. My cancer odyssey is about me. My experience with cancer is unique to me, just as all of us who are diagnosed go through their own personal experiences unique to them.
Over time I want to post pieces of my experience on this blog. I'm posting my notes and communications step-by-step. Starting around the time of diagnosis. I will be posting what I wrote at the time as well as what I remember today. I will comment on experiences and also post of current life experience.
My hope is that what I post here will benefit others.
May wellness and good health prevail in the lives of all readers of this blog.
Bob
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