DH has cancer

[Gardening Grandma]

lonewolf, you are right.

I need to focus on one step at a time - and right now the spring weeds are springing up everywhere.  Less time on the computer and more time in the garden.

Thank you, kittensaver.

I was reluctant to post, but am now glad I did.  You guys are the best. 

[Tennesseer]

Mar 14, 2013 13:12:54 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

lonewolf, you are right.

I need to focus on one step at a time - and right now the spring weeds are springing up everywhere.  Less time on the computer and more time in the garden.

Thank you, kittensaver.

I was reluctant to post, but am now glad I did.  You guys are the best. 

I would hate to see you change your posting name to computeringgrandma.

[Deleted]

Mar 14, 2013 13:12:54 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

I need to focus on one step at a time - and right now the spring weeds are springing up everywhere.  Less time on the computer and more time in the garden.


Grandma,

It's so wonderful to hear what you just said!! 
The Spring is here with you.... With, best. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

But now I'm getting ahead of myself (again).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

It’s a really overwhelming subject matter and very scary when it happens to a loved one.  I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen my dad cry and the day he called me to let me know grandpa had cancer was one of them.

Focus for now on step one which sounds like getting the collar tumor removed.  Worry about the next step after you get thru that one.  Otherwise your head is going to explode.   This subject is complicated enough without putting the cart before the horse.

[daisylu]

 

I need to focus on one step at a time

This is the best that can be done in such a situation. Thoughts and prayers going out for both of you.

[MarleyKeezy78]

Well wishes and prayers for your DH and you   I hope for quick easy recovery!

[hurricanegirl]

GG- I agree with Kent.  Dont get ahead of yourself.  Thi is a one step at a time exploration

Stay off the random internet sites,  If you must "google' stay with Mayo Clinic type sites where you get GOOD info

Best wishes being sent your way

Sleep well and keep your spirits up

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

GG, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your DH.  

As others have said, and as difficult as it may be to actually do, try not to dwell on the cancer for now.  You still need a lot of information to know what you and your DH are dealing with.  No sense in wasting emotional and physical energy until you know more.

For now, take DH out for a really great meal, see a movie or a concert, talk about a future vacation, and look and think forward.  

And, by all means, take care of *yourself*.  Your DH might have the cancer, but you will be with him every step of the way.  Pace yourself and stay rested.  Take care.  

[Deleted]

[Happy prose]

GG..good luck to you both. You mentioned if DH needs daily treatment it's a 2 hour drive. You can have your dr prescribe the treatment and get it closer to home if you have a closer center. It the prescribed treatment that does the trick.

I'm also a survivor. If you have questions down the road, feel free to message me. Prayers being said.

[kent]

GG,

I missed the following info from your OP -sorry

In addition, we found out that he in in the early stage of prostate cancer. The urologist said treatment can wait

Given the doctor said you can wait, am I correct in presuming he's actual done a biopsy to confirm prostate cancer?   If a biopsy hasn't been done and he's basing his opinion solely on past experience relative elevated PSA readings, you need to take a breath. 

If there hasn't been a biopsy, you need to confirm he actually said "its cancer" rather than it "might be" or "it could lead to" (almost EVERY man will contract prostate cancer in his lifetime).

It's very easy to hear the word "cancer" and have your mind take off on a tangent leading you to a completely inaccurate conclusion - fear can do that to us.  I've seen this way too many times and it's why I always recommend people have a friend accompany them (and take notes) when getting results - that person almost always has a more accurate recollection of what's said than the principles do.

Just an FYI here.  An elevated PSA reading can result from strenuous physical activity, sexual activity, or even riding bike within a couple of days PRIOR to the test - this is something many doctors forget to tell men.  While the elevated PSA is temporary, it can sure cause a LOT of needless concern if a man has engaged in the aforementioned activities.

Oh, one other thing.  Certain medications can also lead to erroneous PSA readings (high or low) so discuss this with your doctor as well.

Just my two cents

[Malarky]

(((Hugs)))s  and good wishes.

Cancer isn't the sentence it used to be. 

Keep us posted and vent, scream, cry, rail against the powers that be, as much, as often, and in as many ways as you need to. 

We're here for you.

[Plain Old Petunia]

Mar 13, 2013 19:12:11 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

I'm not joking.  When he went for his annual physical, the dr noted that a lump on his collar bone had doubled in size from the previous year. She scheduled him for a CT scan. The scan showed nothing, so she sent him to an ENT for a needle biopsy. The biopsy showed cancer cells, but the sample was too small to identify the type of cancer. A PET scan was ordered (the cost of the PET scan alone was nearly $7500!).  We waited 3 days for the PET scan (wondering if we would be told that he had multiple tumors). The PET scan showed no other activity than the lump. He is now scheduled to have the lump removed (under general anesthesia because the ENT wants to do some exploratory scoping and will likely remove one or two lymph nodes). That is scheduled for next Monday.

In addition, we found out that he in in the early stage of prostate cancer. The urologist said treatment can wait - that the collar bone lump is the priority right now.

The last ten days have not been a lot of fun.  I just needed to get that out there. I'm spacey and distracted.

{{{{{Gardening Grandma}}}}}}  best wishes to DH for a full recovery.

[Gardening Grandma]

Kent,
Yes, he had a prostate biopsy (in addition to the lump biopsy).  They ordered the biopsy because of his high PSA (6.88).  The prostate report said a Gleason score of 6.  I am taking your message to heart about staying off random cancer boards. 

His urologist is not pushing any one treatment for the prostate cancer (he is a surgeon). He did have us talk to a radiation oncologist to answer questions, but both of them said there was no reason to make a hasty decision re the prostate cancer.  They both said the important thing was to find out what is going on with the clavicular lump. And then take it from there.

I talked to a good friend today who while not a nurse, does have a lot of medical knowledge due to her job. She recently lost her sweetheart to an agressive brain tumor.  She is a very wise, supportive person. She also said there are a lot of excellent facilities on our side of the water if he does need radiation and/or chemo.  So, if/when that time comes, we'll explore those options.

I'm spending less time online and more in the yard.  I am reading every post and I truly thank each of you.  

[InsertCoolName]

Mar 14, 2013 8:03:37 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Mar 14, 2013 8:02:23 GMT -5 InsertCoolName said:

Sending healing and calming thoughts your way!

HOw are you doing ICN? 

Still taking it one moment at a time. Thank you for asking.

[Deleted]

Best Wishes to your DH GG.  It is good that it looks contained, but yes they have to go on a hunt to try to find the origin.  I am glad that both sound treatable at this point and will wish for good outcomes for both of you!

[Deleted]

Oh GG I am so sorry that you and DH are going through this!

I wish DH a smooth and speedy recovery. It sounds like he is being well cared for. We are here for you.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Mar 15, 2013 0:31:52 GMT -5 InsertCoolName said:

Mar 14, 2013 8:03:37 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

HOw are you doing ICN? 

Still taking it one moment at a time. Thank you for asking.

I wish I could do more than offer e-hugs to you and GG. 

[Deleted]

GG, I'm wishing you and your DH well.... hopefully things will turn out all right.

[zibazinski]

I'm so sorry, GG. 

[Nazgul Girl]

   Best wishes G.G. and DH.  I'm glad the PET scan didn't show any other tumors.   I will keep you and your husband in my thoughs and prayers.   We are going through a similar experience as I posted several months ago. 

[Gardening Grandma]

Mar 15, 2013 19:40:38 GMT -5 Nazgul Girl said:

   Best wishes G.G. and DH.  I'm glad the PET scan didn't show any other tumors.   I will keep you and your husband in my thoughs and prayers.   We are going through a similar experience as I posted several months ago. 

 

(and thank you, zib, and moneyjenny, and beth, and every one of you- gulp)

[TheOtherMe]

Best wishes for a successful outcome for your DH, GG.  

Thoughts and hugs coming your way.  

[kgb18]

Hugs and prayers to you both. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

[busymom]

Hiya GG!  Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you today, & sending prayers for you & your DH. 

[Gardening Grandma]

Thank you guys. I really appreciate it. We are going over tonight to avoid the ferry hassle in the morning. Sitting in line now waiting for a ferry. I hope he gets some sleep tonight.

[NastyWoman]

 For you and DH

[Jaguar]

All the best to your husband, you and your family GG.

[Gardening Grandma]

Update, Mon Mar 18

They removed the lump. Looked down his throat area with an endoscope, but found no source of the cancer. Said we will have to wait for a complete pathology of the lump.  They are going to set him up for radiation.  I'm still waiting to see him.

It is about the best outcome I could hope for - I think.

[kittensaver]

Continued hugs and prayers going out to you, GG!