I have to have surgery

10 years ago

It was not the news I wanted to hear, that's for sure. I had a needle biopsy at the ENT earlier this month and the results show the cancer is still in the area of the right tonsil. The good news is the tumor in the soft palate is gone. I won't know any details until the surgeon's office calls.

I do know the surgery will be at Shands in Gainesville and the surgeon is the head of the department. He'd better be ready to listen and talk because I sure have a lot of questions.

I'm so bummed. After seven months, I thought I was getting better. I have 4 more days of Prednisone--which I hate taking. They make me weird! Ah, well. This too shall pass.

Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts.

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Comments (49)

lindyluwho
10 years ago
Patti, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Hopefully this will take care of it once and for all.
satine_gw
10 years ago
Oh Patti, Im so sorry. I have been watching the posts because I knew you were waiting to hear from the dr. You have been through so much but you will get through this. Wish there was something to say or do that would be helpful. Thinking of you.
Satine
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First off let me say thank you to Linda for posting that image... I still really want that DL ;-) I would love to reply individually to each of you but as I can only sit for short periods right now due to the pain... plus the meds the doc has me on don't help my brain to function properly LOL... so I am just going to post a single reply.. even though so many of you were sooooooo kind to offer advice from your experiences, advice which I'm going to heed BTW.. I am calling up a specialist tomorrow as the doc that saw me was just an ER doc.. not a specialist and even he suggested that I go to a spine doc to get a more thorough review of my case but he told me that I better schedule the surgery now or I'd be waiting for at least a month or so from the date I schedule to get it done... so I did. From what I read out of the paper the doc gave me the surgery is supposed to fuse my spine over the herniated discs... supposedly this will relieve the pain.. but what I was told 15 years ago when they wanted to do this was that it would reduce my range of movement and that is something I absolutely DO NOT WANT! That is the main reason I don't want surgery... I've done a lot of research in the two years following my initial injury back then and did some more tonight but I will wait until I get a copy of my records from the hospital to do more research as it should have the diagnosis written on them... somewhere. The ER doc also suggested that I will have to get an MRI as the X-ray can't show tissue damage just bone... DUH!! Like I didn't know that already *sarcasm here* I used to work in a vet clinic so I have actually seen a surgery done on a dog with a herniated disc.. and although the dog appeared to be better after he still had lingering problems... they did something called a laminectomy to the dog... something which I have read tonight they can do for me to help but something about the instability of the spine caused by degenerative disc problems... I'm not sure... and I'm not thinking all too clearly as the meds are kicking in.... so I'll let it go for now.. and post more when I'm more conscious. LOL ttfn Mystic.
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socks
10 years ago
Sincere best wishes for a successful surgery. Any idea when?
glenda_al
10 years ago
Big hugs, patti!
susanjf_gw
10 years ago
take care and hoping you recover asap!
gadgets
10 years ago
Patti: You most certainly have my prayers for this upcoming surgery. I pray that this time gets rid of it all, and that it never returns.

Shirley
jkayd_il5
10 years ago
So sorry Patti. Hope this surgery gets it all and you will be cancer free forever. Hugs!!
WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
10 years ago
Take good care of yourself, Patti, and get well fast.
mare_wbpa
10 years ago
I'll be praying for you and sending good thoughts your way for healing, strength and an easy journey thru treatment.
sweet_betsy No AL Z7
10 years ago
Hope surgery will take care of this for good. Be well soon with lots of good thoughts.
Granlan_TX
10 years ago
Hugs and prayers for you dear Patti.
alisande
10 years ago
I'm sorry to hear that your ordeal continues, Patti. But you're right--it will pass. I hope this surgery will take care of it completely.
sjerin
10 years ago
Well shoot, what a disappointment to have to have this surgery--I'm sorry Patti. I keep you in my prayers and will hope this surgery will be the final step in the cure.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
I am sending you warm hugs and lots of prayers for a complete recovery and the all clear that you so deserve.
morz8 - Washington Coast
10 years ago
I'm sorry, I hope this is the last fork in this long road to recovery you've had. Let us know how you like the doctor and what he has to say when you've met him - I hope you'll be as impressed by him as we know he will be by you.
pianolady2008
10 years ago
((((Patti)))) Praying you will soon be A-1 !!!!! : )
chisue
10 years ago
Fooey! Will you have to have more radiation or chemo after the surgery? I always request a sleep aid when I have to take Pred.

Maybe tonsils ARE useful -- after so many of us had ours removed as little kids. Yours has mopped up these bad cells for you, and is saying, "OK, I got it all. Ready to exit with my catch."
Jasdip
10 years ago
Aw crap. I didn't want to read this post.
Dear Patti, you are so strong, at least here at the Table. At home, alone, I'm sure it's much different.

We're here with you throughout your ordeal. A few years ago, our news anchor had tonsil cancer and came back on-air after several months. She spoke candidly about it, and what she went through.

Just when you were starting to eat real food again, too.

Lots of hugs and good thoughts from me, my friend.
Fun2BHere
10 years ago
I'm sorry to hear that you will have to have more surgery, but I pray that they can get clear margins and you can move forward to restored health.
kayjones
10 years ago
Patti, you will be in my prayers - keep us posted - we love you!
nanny98
10 years ago
Wow.... I just know that this news was hard to bear. Remember you have ALL of us here at the table sending up bushels of good thoughts and healing prayers that you will be moving forward again. Many Hugs to you..... Nanny
clubm
10 years ago
(((HUGS))) Sending special thoughts & prayers your way.
User
10 years ago
So sorry to hear this Patti. Hope all goes well for you .
Prayers
Lily316
10 years ago
Sending very good thoughts your way, Patti. You sound like you have a wonderful attitude and that's a big help in your struggle.
dedtired
10 years ago
I certainly wish you well with this little set back. I hope this will resolve your problem once and for all.
Marilyn Sue McClintock
10 years ago
I sure do hate to hear this! You know my thoughts and prayers are with you all the way. Keep your chin up.

With Love,

Sue and Izzi Too
caroline94535
10 years ago
Ahhhhh ((((Patti))))

You will continue to be in my prayers.
Georgysmom
10 years ago
Oh Patti, it's not the news I wanted to hear either. I sure hope this will be the answer and take care of it all. We here at the KT are with you all the way in spirit and in prayer. (((Patti))))
jackie_ok
10 years ago
Prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.
hounds_x_two
10 years ago
I am sorry!
Remembering you in my prayers.
lindaohnowga
10 years ago
Keeping you in my prayers.
Pieonear
10 years ago
I sure hate hearing this Patti. Prayers and hugs
sandiefl
10 years ago
Patti, you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
matti5
10 years ago
Patti, hugs to you!
Terri_PacNW
10 years ago
Well...that just sucks!
But I believe you will do just fine!
kittiemom
10 years ago
Patti, I'll keep you in my prayers.
joyfulguy
10 years ago
Good thoughts and hopes for an excellent surgery and full recovery are going your way, Patti

Some prayers offered on your behalf, as well.

(((((Patti)))))

ole joyful
stacey_mb
10 years ago
All the best, Patti, for a speedy and easy recovery. And fingers crossed that this surgery will put an end to the problem.
patti43
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you all for the prayers, thoughts and hugs. I feel a little better about it today and I'm just keeping busy. I'll have plenty of time to think about it, I'm sure.
mary3444
10 years ago
Patti, no wonder you were cooking & baking today. It helps to keep your mind occupied.

With everything you have been through I know you are very strong & will get through this too.

My prayers are with you, please keep us updated.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
I believe in YOU, Patti.
cheryl_ok
10 years ago
(((Patti)))
You are in my prayers
Cherryfizz
10 years ago
Sending you good thoughts Patti!
jannie
10 years ago
Add my prayers.
susie53_gw
10 years ago
Wishing you the best, Patti.
FlamingO in AR
10 years ago
Thinking of you, Patti! I hope everything goes super well and that you're back to 100% in no time!
suzieque
10 years ago
So sorry for this news, Patti. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
patti43
Original Author
10 years ago
I love you guys. You have to be the best people in the world. My sister will be up to stay a few days after I come home, but at this point I don't even know if they'll keep me in the hospital overnight. You know how it goes these days--in and out. I'll let you know when I find out.

Again, I so appreciate your kindness. Makes me stronger and more confident that things will be fine.
Sue_va
10 years ago
Pattie, I've been waiting see if you would be having someone with you during this. Now I see your sister will be there. That is great. I hope the surgery will be an easy one and you and Sis can just enjoy the visit.

Sue

I have to have surgery

Comments (49)

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