jacquesusa's Cancer Blog
April 17, 2008
| Chapter 4 | Views: 700 |
What a busy couple of weeks!
Following a very sore throat from the new left tonsil surgery on March 28th, i finally got my 3rd opinion before starting treatment.
On Friday April 4th, i drove into NYC and got my long anticipated appointment at Sloan Kettering with a neck cancer specialist.
The treatment offered there was basically the same as at Stony Brook Hospital except that they recommended also chemo.
I consulted with my oncologist at Stony Brook regarding the variances in approaches, and even had Stony Brook Doc have a consult with the doc at sloan to make sure all were on the same page.
After agonizing over a few days on where to go, i decided on Stony Brook. Stony Brook’s technology is just as good, it’s only 30 miles from where i live as opposed to 85 miles to the city, and the atmosphere at the hospital is actually a lot more friendly and less institutional feeling. And considering the cancer i am facing, I am not convinced that in my case, Sloan would give me better treatment.
Just as my throat started to feel better, i had my 2 upper wisdom teeth pulled on Monday April 7th. Didn’t hurt nearly as bad as i thought, though i did bleed for 3 days, changing the gauze in my mouth several times a day. And leaving some Godfather movie like blood stains on my pillow during the night!
Friday April 11th, was a sad day, marking the one year anniversary of my father’s passing.
However I called Stony Brook and confirmed that i was ready when they were. So they called me in, rechecked that my mask fit ok, and now i am scheduled for radiation simulation tomorrow, with the actual radiation starting on Monday April 21st. Although radiation is the treatment, the chemo option is still on the table.
I feel mentally ready and prepared for what is ahead. Although i still dread the unknown radiation pain and damage that i will undoubtedly suffer, i did find inspiration in a special person i met over the weekend at a “Support the Troops” event. Lance Cpl. Ian Lennon was there. He had fought in Iraq and had been severely injured in 2003. The extent of his injuries were so far reaching, that i won’t describe them to you. All i will say, that this hero who paid a high price for defending our country inspired me greatly. No matter how painful my therapy will be, it will pale in comparison to what this man went through, still does to this day and will probably for the rest of his life.
It was an honor to meet this man, and I thanked him for his service. I prayed for him, and I will think of him everyday, especially in my darkest hours.
Starting Monday, i will take a picture a day and post it, to document the progressive changes to my neck, of the 6 weeks of radiation.
Carpe Diem!
06.22.08 - 
tpalombo 
Thanks for your support -
Thanks for the update. We will be thinking of you as you begin your treatment.
If you can check out the blog I posted today. Daddy Lane is a Red Cross volunteer at Walter Reed and has contributed a great deal to our service people that have made the “ultimate sacrifice” that you speak of.
Take care brother,
Timothy
Been there and done that. Wishing you the best and sending words of encouragement. The treatment is tough but I’m here 1 year 4 months later, doing well. Was it worth the agony? You bet!