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Author Topic: Capt Deb cancer update  (Read 43931 times)

Captain Deb

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Capt Deb cancer update
« on: September 02, 2010, 12:18:19 pm »
I originally broke the news that I have thyroid cancer in the Cognitive/Emotional issues section under "Can't I get a *** break."  Here's the update:  The type of cancer I have is called papillary thyroid cancer and has a very high survival rate if treated right.  I originally had outpatient surgery for a thyroid nodule 9 days ago and on Monday got a call from my ENT's office saying the mass they removed was malignant.  The first thing I did was have them fax me the pathology report.
Seems the little bugger was 1.5 x 1.2 x .7. (Maybe it is my AN's malignant evil twin!)  From what I have been researching, they do a pathology of the things while they have you under and go ahead and take out the whole thyroid at the same time, but for some reason this was not done in my case.
I don't know why they made the decision to not co-ordinate this with the pathologist, but I'm kind of glad because with this kind of majorish surgery I want to go off the mountain to a better hospital than the one in my small town.

I have made an appt with an ENT who works with Charlotte Presbyterian Cancer Center, which is considered a "center of excellence".  Lesson learned from having an AN.  My father had a highly curable stage 1 bladder cancer  treated locally and he died 2 years later because they were not agressive enough in his treatment.  That is NOT going to happen to me.

My appt is next week on the 9th.  Here is a link to papillary thyroid cancer:

http://www.endocrineweb.com/capap.html

Thanks for all your well wishes.  I'm sure I will be around for a long long time to harass all of you and create much more high seas hijinx!

Capt Deb
« Last Edit: September 02, 2010, 03:57:33 pm by Captain Deb »
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"You only have two choices, having fun or freaking out"-Jimmy Buffett
50-ish with a 1x.7x.8cm.AN
Mid-fossa HEI, Jan 03 Friedman & Hitselberger
Chronic post-op headaches
Captain & Designated Driver of the PBW

saralynn143

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2010, 12:25:53 pm »
Deb, it sounds like you have thoroughly researched your options and have a sound game plan. I'm here on your prayer team.

Sara
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MVD for hemifacial spasm 6/2/08
left side facial paresis
 12/100 facial function - 7/29/08
 46 - 11/25/08
 53 - 05/12/09
left side SSD approx. 4 weeks
 low-frequency hearing loss; 85% speech recognition 7/28/08
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Fitted for scleral lens 5/9/13

CHD63

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2010, 01:49:34 pm »
Deb .....

Thanks for the specifics on your diagnosis.  It sounds like you have an excellent medical facility close by.

Since I had radiation exposure to my sinuses as a teenager, I am at a much higher risk for thyroid cancer in later life.  My thyroid lab studies have always been in the normal range (except for a short period in my early twenties) and no doctor has ever felt any nodules.  I have become quite complacent about all of this ..... after learning of your experiences, I am going to be much more vigilant.

You will be fine, I know because there are many prayers going out on your behalf ..... including mine.

Best thoughts.

Clarice
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Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

jerseygirl

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2010, 02:29:49 pm »
Captain,

I am really happy that you are in fighting spirits and stay on top of your treatment. Loads of luck to you!

                Eve
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Right side AN (6x3x3 cm) removed in 1988 by Drs. Benjamin & Cohen at NYU (16 hrs); nerves involved III - XII.
Regrowth at the brainstem 2.5 cm removed by Dr.Shahinian in 4 hrs at SBI (hopefully, this time forever); nerves involved IV - X with VIII missing. No facial or swallowing issues.

Pooter

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2010, 02:34:15 pm »
Deb,

It certainly sounds like you have the determination to fight this thing tooth and nail.  Please keep us updated on things..

You wil be in my thoughts and prayers.

Regards,
Brian

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Diagnosed 4/10/08 - 3cm Right AN
12hr retrosig 5/8/08 w/Drs Vrabec and Trask in Houston, Tx
Some facial paralysis post-op but most movement is back, some tinitus.  SSD on right.
Story documented here:  http://briansbrainbooger.blogspot.com/

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Jim Scott

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2010, 02:48:48 pm »
Deb ~

Your prognosis seems good and with your thorough research and indomitable spirit I think you'll get through this just fine.  Beside, you have a shipload of supporters cheering and praying for you!

Jim
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4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

ombrerose4

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2010, 05:39:40 pm »
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but glad the prognosis is good. You are strong and a fighter and will get through this with flying colors. :)
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Retrosigmoid 9/24/09
AN 2.4+ cm left side
Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC (Dr. Bederson and Dr. Choe)
BAHA surgery 1/4/2010

iluuvpups

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2010, 07:00:56 pm »
I wish you strength to get through this and good health as soon as possible!
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Original 1.75cm left-side AN diagnosed Feb 2010
Translab surgery May 27, 2010 with Drs. Kartush and Pieper of MEI
SSD on left side, some facial weakness, tear duct doesn't work
Found I actually had a facial neuroma during translab
Remaining 6mm facial neuroma - watch and wait

Captain Deb

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2010, 07:26:49 pm »
Thanks, ye scurvy scoundrels and wicked wenches!

Check out these odds:

Less than one in 100,000 people get an acoustic neuroma.

Less than 5% of people who have AN surgery have headaches

Less than 1% of thyroid nodules are malignant.

I have all three!!!

I really need to go to Vegas and start gambling my a$$ off considering my history.

Capt Deb
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"You only have two choices, having fun or freaking out"-Jimmy Buffett
50-ish with a 1x.7x.8cm.AN
Mid-fossa HEI, Jan 03 Friedman & Hitselberger
Chronic post-op headaches
Captain & Designated Driver of the PBW

Kathy M

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2010, 07:51:43 pm »
Capt Deb, you and I would just clean up in Vegas.  I'm in those one-in-a-million categories for AN and Breast Cancer.  I guess we are just intended to demonstrate how to constantly beat the odds! 

I wish the very best for you and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Kathy
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AN diagnosed 11/14/08, 3+cm, Retrosigmoid 1/13/09, Univ. Hosp., Cincinnati, Drs. Tew and Pensak
no facial nerve or eye issues!
3 more surgeries related to staph infections & osteomylitis over next 13 months.  New diagnosis of breast cancer.  Treatment completed 08/27/10.  Moving on!!!

Soundy

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2010, 07:56:31 pm »
Your attitude will carry you the distance ... will hold my rock in my hand for you on the 9th
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3mm AN discovered Aug 2004
Translab July 2 ,2007
3.2cm x 2.75cm x 3.3cm @ time of surgery

Captain Deb

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2010, 07:57:48 pm »
You know Kathy, I have been thinking of you since my diagnosis and I am glad you posted.  I guess we are in our own little club!

Hugs,

Capt Deb
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"You only have two choices, having fun or freaking out"-Jimmy Buffett
50-ish with a 1x.7x.8cm.AN
Mid-fossa HEI, Jan 03 Friedman & Hitselberger
Chronic post-op headaches
Captain & Designated Driver of the PBW

leapyrtwins

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2010, 08:44:18 pm »
Gamble away, Deb.

If you win though, I want a share  ;D

Jan
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Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

HeadCase2

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #13 on: September 03, 2010, 06:35:23 am »
Capt,
 Arrrrgh.   Wishing you the best in getting rid of the "evil twin".  Hugs to ya'
Regards,
  Rob
« Last Edit: September 03, 2010, 06:36:57 am by HeadCase2 »
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1.5 X 1.0 cm AN- left side
Retrosigmoid 2/9/06
Duke Univ. Hospital

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MLB57

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Re: Capt Deb cancer update
« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2010, 07:37:20 pm »
Hi Captn Deb--Sending my very best well wishes that your stormy seas will soon be clear and calm...

Mary (akaGrammyMary--"Mimi" to grandson Matthew)... ;D
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1 cm rt AN (retrosigmoid Jan 2001 UMASSMed Ctr/Worc, MA)
Residual left--continued growing--finished 30 FSR w/Dr Loeffler (Mass Gen/Boston MA) on Oct 22 2007... --April 2010--tumor shrank to 8mm and is a dark spot!!  Latest Update: April May 2017 scan shows no change!--Next MRI 2020!!  Life is good!!
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