Saturday, October 23, 2010

Don tells about his cancer

As you may know I have been monitoring a lump in my throat with my Dr, it is on the left side just under my jaw bone. 


First we thought it was a bug bite, it went away with an antibiotic, but it came back. 
After that we thought it was a limpoma, I have several of those harmless but ugly lumps in the fatty layer of my arms and chest. 


But it grew, so they took a CT scan, saw the masses on the scan, determined that a closer look was needed, then last Friday took a needle biopsy of the lump. This biopsy showed atypical (not normal) cells that 'could' be lymphoma cells (the bad ones). But there wasn't enough material from the needle biopsy to determine that. So the DR wanted to take the lump out, do a biopsy of it to determine what it is, then develop a treatment plan. 

     When I went in to surgery today (Thursday October 21st) , and as I was being preped for surgery the Dr said the plans may change, he had seen a spot in my throat on the CT scan that he wanted to biopsy prior to removing the lump, the dr continues, if it was cancerous he would know where the lump in my throat came from (the lump is actually a swollen lymph node) and would not have to do surgery to remove it, but treat it instead. The biopsy was obtained with "pliers" again, my throat is very sore.
 
     It turns out there is a small tumor at the base of my tongue, a squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer categories are basal, squamous, melanoma. So I got the two lesser ones, basal on my cheek from too much sun and squamous in my throat from smoking. I smoked for 30 yrs and quit 12 years ago. Not soon enough. 

     Anyway, we are going back to the VA on Monday to meet with all the Drs involved and develop a treatment plan, a combination of radiation and chemo. Treatments will be everyday, M-F I think, for 4 to 6 weeks. I asked him if I would lose my hair (he didn't get it), he said maybe.       

     Please continue to pray for me, we aren't done yet. I am excited for God's journey. Don

6 comments:

mlt said...

Don, I'm so glad to have this easier way of keeping up with the details of what's going on with your health.

Our pastor mentioned last Sunday that when he talks about a problem to a friend who's his spiritual mentor, the friend often says to him, "I'll be praying for you -- with a bias!" I like that idea, and I want you to know that I'm praying for y'all often, fervently, and with a bias.

mlt

Elisabeth said...

I am definitely praying. Every time Lance and I think of y'all, we say a prayer. Prayed last night at the supper table.

Unknown said...

Our hearts and minds are constantly filled with thoughts of healing, peace and strength through Christ for you and Mary. We love you both so much. "Heal me oh Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I will be saved." Jeremiah 17:14
Arlene

Unknown said...

Don, I left off a really important part of that verse "FOR YOU ARE THE ONE THAT I PRAISE!"

HopeOnRush said...

Don, my prayers are with you and your entire family. I love you very dearly and am going to fight the good fight with you in prayer. If there is anything you all need please let me know. Much Love!!! Faith

mark said...

Don-
I appreciate your Christ-honoring direction in this battle you have just begun, and I know He will be glorified in you! I love you, brother.
-Mark
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on You." -Isaiah 26:3