Jaguar
Administrator
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
Joined: Dec 20, 2011 6:07:45 GMT -5
Posts: 50,108
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IZlZ65.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Text Color: 290066
|
Post by Jaguar on Mar 18, 2013 15:50:39 GMT -5
Healing Hugs sent. ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif)
|
|
bean29
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 22:26:57 GMT -5
Posts: 10,025
|
Post by bean29 on Mar 18, 2013 16:44:32 GMT -5
Healing Hugs sent. ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif)
![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yeahthat.gif) . Keep us posted. I hate the thought of you waiting alone, so know your virtual friends are here for you.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 2, 2024 22:32:00 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2013 16:53:16 GMT -5
Many hugs to both of you GG!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 2, 2024 22:32:00 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2013 18:56:47 GMT -5
So sorry to hear you and your husband are going through this.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Mar 19, 2013 7:23:16 GMT -5
Keep putting one foot forward at a time and be thankful for the good news along the way.
{{{{hugs}}}}
|
|
taz157
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:50:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,881
|
Post by taz157 on Mar 19, 2013 7:34:25 GMT -5
Healing Hugs sent. ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif)
![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yeahthat.gif) . Keep us posted. I hate the thought of you waiting alone, so know your virtual friends are here for you. ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/grouphug.gif)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 2, 2024 22:32:00 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2013 7:38:48 GMT -5
[/img] [/b][/font][/font][/font][/quote] ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yeahthat.gif) . Keep us posted. I hate the thought of you waiting alone, so know your virtual friends are here for you. [/quote] ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/grouphug.gif) [/quote] ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/grouphug.gif)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 2, 2024 22:32:00 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2013 7:39:02 GMT -5
Double post.
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Mar 20, 2013 22:58:29 GMT -5
Hugs, thoughts and prayers to your DH and you during this difficult time! As others have said, one day at a time.
|
|
Happy prose
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 3,230
|
Post by Happy prose on Mar 21, 2013 17:28:10 GMT -5
Please keep us posted GG. Many prayers being said.
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,200
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Mar 21, 2013 17:48:53 GMT -5
Sending good thoughts that the news continues to be encouraging.
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Mar 25, 2013 13:33:36 GMT -5
Any update ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/huh.gif)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 2, 2024 22:32:00 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2013 14:39:36 GMT -5
Good thoughts coming your way GG.
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Mar 25, 2013 15:49:18 GMT -5
Any update ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/huh.gif) We are seeing the surgeon for a follow up tomorrow. He has referred us to a radiation oncologist who we will see afterwards. We are expecting her to set up a tratment plan. What puzzles me is that the pathology report said "basel cell carcinoma" which I know is a common skin cancer (we've had them removed in a dermatologist's office). How does a skin cancer get into a lymph node? And what questions should we be asking? Beside an assurance that it has not metasized?
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Mar 25, 2013 15:58:44 GMT -5
GG, just make sure to write down any questions in advance. Cancer can do some really weird things. My SIL had lung cancer and it decided to move to her brain - only the oncologist can accurately explain all this stuff to you. From out house to yours ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/rose.gif) ETA In my case they said it would migrate to my lymph nodes and then to my bones. It didn't happen so I'd say each case is somewhat unique.
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Mar 25, 2013 16:07:40 GMT -5
The basal cell carcinoma reaches the lymph node via a lymph vessel near the site of origin, GG. The things you want to know would be how many lymph nodes were involved, where was the original site and what was done about it and, of course, whether there is any indication of metastasis. At least, that's what I'd ask first. Then, I'd want to know exactly what the plans were going forward.
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Mar 25, 2013 16:10:03 GMT -5
I guess I'm not exactly sure - did they say it was primary BCC from the lymph node? Or did they say it specifically was metastasis from a BCC primary? It would seem to me that (unfortunately) was the site of metastasis, and they haven't found the site of primary disease yet. However, metastasis of BCC is very rare. So I'm a bit perplexed.
You said his PET scan was clear - you might ask if they are going to look at that again. It seems like BCC may or may not be found on PET (PET-avid, so to speak) so it may not be able to be used to find the site of primary disease (if necessary).
Depending on the answers to those questions, I guess I'd ask if they were going to do any further imaging studies to determine the primary site (if necessary). I think you also need to ask if it is histologically aggressive, and if so, what you can do to mitigate it. Ask what they are going to do to contain it besides radiotherapy. Is chemo on the table? If it is metastasis, I think there are some other questions you need to ask, but let's wait for that bridge...
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Mar 25, 2013 16:15:54 GMT -5
mmhmm and honeybbq Thank you. I am writing down those questions. The surgeon called DH on his cell phone so I did not hear the conversation: I THINK the surgeon said it had not metasticised, but not sure. And DH gets testy when I ask hm to repeat. So I'm saving my questions for tomorrow.
PS What does "histologically aggressive" mean?
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Mar 25, 2013 16:20:39 GMT -5
Basically there are different cellular make-ups that can create the same kind of cancer. So you could have really slow growing, boring breast cancer, or hyper-aggressive, super dangerous breast cancer. It's all in the histology of the cancer.
The women that get breast cancer at 35 and die at 36 have aggressive cellular make-ups, and the women at 80 that get breast cancer and that live to 105 have non-aggressive. They both had breast cancer but some are inherently more dangerous than others.
Also why there's a million types of HPV - some cause cervical cancer and some don't do anything.
So you could also just ask how aggressive it is.
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Mar 25, 2013 16:22:48 GMT -5
Thanks again, honeybbq
That does help. I feel like I am learning a whole new language.
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Mar 25, 2013 16:26:14 GMT -5
Thanks again, honeybbq That does help. I feel like I am learning a whole new language. Sorry you have to learn it. ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/wilted.png)
|
|
mrsdutt
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 12, 2012 7:39:38 GMT -5
Posts: 2,097
|
Post by mrsdutt on Mar 25, 2013 16:38:39 GMT -5
The basal cell carcinoma reaches the lymph node via a lymph vessel near the site of origin, GG. The things you want to know would be how many lymph nodes were involved, where was the original site and what was done about it and, of course, whether there is any indication of metastasis. At least, that's what I'd ask first. Then, I'd want to know exactly what the plans were going forward. At the end of the conversation ask if there is anything you forgot to ask. This usually brings more information your way. Good luck. The other thing I used to ask was, 'Can you fix it?' Sometimes the information is so overwelming that a simple question like this puts you in a better place. Then you can go on to fight the good fight. My DH made our son a wooden sword, at son's request. He used it to fight the 'dragon'. (His word for cancer) I hope you can picture these words when you are feeling helpless. Get out the sword and fight. ( DS is now 31.)
|
|
happyscooter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 5, 2011 9:04:06 GMT -5
Posts: 2,416
|
Post by happyscooter on Mar 27, 2013 8:43:18 GMT -5
I like what lduttinger said. " Can you fix it?" Sometimes we focus on the negatives and not the positives. So ask "Can you fix it"? If the answer is 'yes', then ask 'When, how, where'?
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Mar 27, 2013 10:38:57 GMT -5
OK. Here is an update. The surgeon was happy with the healing of the incision, but volunteered no information. I did ask if the tumor removed was the primary site and he said "yes". That rarely, the basal cell carcinoma, instead of growing on the skin surface, had grown downward into the lymph node. He said the prognosis was "excellent". As we were leaving, he handed us the pathology report:
This is exactly what the pathology report said: A Basal cell carcinoma extensively involving soft tissue (see Comment) B Forms a 4.0 cm matted mass of tumor C. Basal cell carcinoma involves at least one lymph node (1/1) D. Perineural invastion is identified E/ Lymnphatic/vascular invasion is identified F. Portion of skin with basal cell carcinoma in deep dermis/subcutaneour tissue.
Comments The findings are consistent with direct extension/metastasis from a cutaneous basal cell carcinoma. Clinical correlation is needed to determine the site of origin of this tumor. Finding discussed with Dr. B on 3/202013 at 11:09 am.
Then we saw the radiation oncologist. She actually went through the report (and I regret not taking notes). She explained the need for radiation (we are already convinced) and described the process as well as possible side effects. She, however, does not think the tumor removed was the primary site. And she said they did not know where the primary site was. Not very reassuring.
Here are my questions for those of you with some medical knowledge: What do these terms mean? Perineural invastion is identified Lymnphatic/vascular invasion is identified Portion of skin with basal cell carcinoma in deep dermis/subcutaneour tissue
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Mar 27, 2013 10:59:36 GMT -5
GG, I've got to go get mother's lunch. As soon as I can, I'll try to answer your questions, hon. ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/rose.gif)
|
|
Waffle
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 12, 2011 11:31:54 GMT -5
Posts: 4,391
|
Post by Waffle on Mar 27, 2013 11:05:54 GMT -5
GG - sorry I have no medical expertise to share. Just wanted to let you know that you and DH are in my thoughts. I hope it turns out that the doctor who said yes, it's the primary site and the prognosis is excellent is correct. If he isn't, I sure hope they find that primary site soon. Prayers and best of luck to both of you. ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif)
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Mar 27, 2013 11:30:49 GMT -5
Okay, hon. Perineural invasion means the cancer was found to have spread into an area surrounding a nerve. Lymphatic/vascular invasion means the cancer was found to have spread to a lymph node and/or lymph vessels. The last question, about the skin, indicates the carcinoma was deep into the tissue and not just in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). I hope that helps.
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Mar 27, 2013 11:35:36 GMT -5
(emphasis added) This is REALLY good advice! ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/thumbsup.png)
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Mar 27, 2013 11:47:05 GMT -5
GG
"Clinical correlation is needed to determine the site of origin of this tumor" that means it's the metastasis from another site... they don't know where that site is yet. But that is not what your surgeon said, so I'm again, confused. But the words " direct extension/metastasis from a cutaneous basal cell carcinoma." may mean that the original site was skin and like said before, it grew downward into the lymph node which they are now considering the metastasis site. Very confusing, even to us in the medical profession! They may be saying it has metastasized just by the method that it grew (see below). Did they give staging? Like numbers that say T2N1M0? or anything like that? That would help identify more for me.
Is the term "perineural invastion" possibly perineural invasion? That just means the tumor grew around a nerve (through the nerve or along the nerve).
Same with lymphatic/vascular invasion - it grew along a vascular structure (blood vessel, etc) or through the lymphatics.
Basically, I think it's just saying it was a big tumor that invaded various normal tissue structures.
Not sure about the last statement, but dermis is a layer of the skin, subcutaneous just means below the skin, so I think it's just saying "deep" tumor.
What kind of prescription did the radiation oncologist give? 6 weeks or 10 days? Or something else?
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Mar 27, 2013 12:19:31 GMT -5
Okay, hon. Perineural invasion means the cancer was found to have spread into an area surrounding a nerve. Lymphatic/vascular invasion means the cancer was found to have spread to a lymph node and/or lymph vessels. The last question, about the skin, indicates the carcinoma was deep into the tissue and not just in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). I hope that helps. It does. Thank you. honeybbq Is the term "perineural invastion" possibly perineural invasion? That just means the tumor grew around a nerve (through the nerve or along the nerve).Yes - my typo Did they give staging? Like numbers that say T2N1M0? or anything like that?No, no reference at all to anything like that What kind of prescription did the radiation oncologist give? 6 weeks or 10 days? Or something else?6 weeks @ 5 days/week. But that would be downtown. When we asked to be referred to an oncologist closer to home, she said that oncologist would come up with their own plan.
|
|