Laryngectomee from Vermont - new here

[kikamac]

Hi folks. I am writing for my partner Steve who has a 7 cm tumor in his lower right lobe and is going to have it removed. He is a 12 year survivor of throat cancer and had a total laryngectomee. We felt that we had graduated from that experience having attended some great conferences by the International assoc of Laryengectome and his speech was really going well.

Now we apparently have to fight some more and we are nervous about the recovery after surgery and how our lives will be. He is really a strong guy. He is 57. How long will recovery take? Who knows we have to wait and see.

Any other lary's out there?

Thanks and happy to meet you all.

Kika

[frisk]

Hoping that you and Steve will obtain the needed care and treatment, keep us posted!

[kikamac in reply to frisk]

Hi thank you so much for your reply. We are encouraged that surgery will be the best option and we have started to do some research on ways we can facilitate recovery. Thank you.

[kikamac in reply to kikamac]

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps us both. We got a second opinion from the head surgeon and turns out he cannot have the surgery because they would not be able to properly intubate him due to the stoma. So we are going for full blast radiation and chemo and the doctors are confident that will CURE him! Of course he has had radiation before so he knows what to expect. Thanks again, and take care.

[Marc_M in reply to kikamac]

I had concurrent radiation and chemo for an 8 cm tumor upper left lobe over 5 years ago. They too called the treatment plan curative. And it was! Don't feel discouraged about him not being able to have surgery.

[kikamac in reply to Marc_M]

Thanks for your reply. It is all very complicated. But we were right to question the first surgeon who was pushing us into surgery. It just didnt feel right, so going for the second opinion was very powerful and we feel great about the doctors we have met so far. We have a fabulous teaching hospital here and everyone is great.

Luckily we both have flexible work schedules, so we will get through this and out the other side!

[Spainy]

My mother was a 10 yr survivor of throat cancer, surgery and radiation. Then lung cancer and chemo after that. If you're lucky to be able to have surgery to remove it in the lobe that is a good thing. I'm now cured (2 years) after upper right lobectomy. I did very well with the VATS surgery. Little pain, and minimally invasive. It's a miracle what they can do! Best of luck and healing.

[kikamac in reply to Spainy]

Hi thank you so much for your reply. We are encouraged that surgery will be the best option and we have started to do some research on ways to facilitate recovery. I think there is a website that will connect us with someone who has survived this who we can talk to. That would help. Our friends and family are all helpful and tomorrow we have doctor appts which will help us move forward. Thanks so much for your great reply!

[kikamac in reply to Spainy]

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps us both. We got a second opinion from the head surgeon and turns out he cannot have the surgery because they would not be able to properly intubate him due to the stoma. So we are going for full blast radiation and chemo and the doctors are confident that will CURE him! Of course he has had radiation before so he knows what to expect. Thanks again, and take care.

[Jewilliams]

I had my whole left lung removed in February and just as I started to feel better they did chemo and radiation that really set me back. It is July and I am just able to work 1/2 days again. I will be starting pulmonary rehab on July 12 I am hoping that will help as I am short of breath especially when going up stairs. By the way I am 67

[kikamac in reply to Jewilliams]

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps us both. We got a second opinion from the head surgeon and turns out he cannot have the surgery because they would not be able to properly intubate him due to the stoma. So we are going for full blast radiation and chemo and the doctors are confident that will CURE him! Of course he has had radiation before so he knows what to expect. Thanks again, and take care.

[cloft]

I had surgery. Little pain. Up and walking my daily walks about week and half from surgery. Good luck. Sounds like your partner is strong. My prayers are with you both.

[kikamac in reply to cloft]

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps us both. We got a second opinion from the head surgeon and turns out he cannot have the surgery because they would not be able to properly intubate him due to the stoma. So we are going for full blast radiation and chemo and the doctors are confident that will CURE him! Of course he has had radiation before so he knows what to expect. Thanks again, and take care.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Am grateful to read that they are planning surgery. That means they are going for a cure, something they don't do in stage 4 cancers, soo please take that as a good omen.

After surgery, he will need to sleep in a recliner for a few days to a few weeks. Tuck pillows in around him and add a pillow to clutch incase he needs to cough or sneeze. He should plan 6 weeks or so for recovery.

[anrean]

Welcome! Talk thoroughly with your doctor, and don't stop talking until you and Steve understand what is happening. As for research, don't depend on anything that is more than 6 months old - that is what my doctor advised because all published research goes through peer review and that often takes up to a year or more. Keep us posted!!

[Faith17]

I totally agree with anrean reply. I also had a 7cm removed July 29th. Dx: adenocarcinoma nslc...no chemotherapy praise God. Won't sugar coat...chest tubes were very painful but not for long. You Can Do It Steve. I wish Steve and you many blessing and don't forget Jesus is the great physician!! God Speed. Please keep us updated

[FtB_Peggy]

kikamac, I am so glad you and Steve have joined us. You will find great support - the people here have walked the walk, and they have generous, sharing hearts.

If you are looking for peer-to-peer support, please follow this link to our website where you can fill out a form for a free matching service (we partner with the Cancer Hope Network): participate.freetobreathe.o...

Also, if Steve would like our free Patient Information Kit, just email me your street address and I will get that out to you right away: [e-mail].

I hope this surgery goes well, and you find a cure. Hang onto each other and please keep talking to us! We want to be with you both.

[Heather1959]

Hi, I was 52 when I had my lower right lobe removed. It wasn't easy but following the doctor's suggestions and taking the pain meds are the nest ideas.

It is important to do the post breathing exercises and try to do some walking each day.

He needs to take it easy for a bit but if I can get through it I'm sure anyone can. We have no choice and it is our best option.

My surgery was almost 5 years ago so just take one day at a time.

[kikamac in reply to Heather1959]

Thanks so much for your reply. It really helps us both. We got a second opinion from the head surgeon and turns out he cannot have the surgery because they would not be able to properly intubate him due to the stoma. So we are going for full blast radiation and chemo and the doctors are confident that will CURE him! Of course he has had radiation before so he knows what to expect. Thanks again, and take care.