For the third time Dr. Desjadins has removed a lump in right cheek this morning. What he removed was the size of two kidney beans laying parallel to each other, and """Thank God!""" this time he had no trouble finding it, feeling it, and removing it. The first two times he operated blindly as he couldn't feel or palpate the lump I kept insisting was there. The first surgery was in May of last year, then December, and again this morning. My cheek has been sliced, diced, and quartered, and I can tell you that I�m in considerable pain as I write this and the freezing is long gone.

Dr. Desjadins had the lab run �stat� results on the biopsy piece this morning and called me back this afternoon with the results. He said it is cancer of the salivary gland, a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the salivary glands. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a relatively rare form of cancer that microscopically appears as a low-grade malignancy and often has a history of slow growth, but is best approached as a high-grade malignancy. He said since mine is growing incredibly fast radiation, which is usually a sign of late stage ACC. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments will begin as soon as ten days from now. I have to see an Oncologist next week in Sudbury.

He also told me that this form of cancer has shown itself to be resilient and often metastasizes (travels) to other sites in the body, very commonly to lungs and other organs. It has also shown itself to have a tendency to microscopically travel along the nerve tissues around the tumor site, which creates a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. When distant metastasis does occur, it may happen 5 to 10 years after the initial primary tumor is found. I found the original tumor in the summer of 2001.

So, my dear friend, my worst fears have materialized. I have cancer. Now I'm busy researching the Internet to be as informed as I can for when I see the Oncologist next Friday. I want to know my options, how this cancer works, and all the things I need to ask him and what I can expect him to do.

I am frightened, and so very angry that this has taken three surgeries and two years to pin down. But at last I know. Friday the 13th--go figure! I have a lot to cope with, and am sort of numb as I write this. I'm seeing my family doctor on Monday to make him part of my treatment team--if you can call someone who spends two minutes total with you an active partner! I need a good doctor! I'm sure hoping the specialist I'm referred to is much more devoted, attentive, and sympathetic to my anger at having this take so long to be diagnosed. I could have had radiation and chemo two years ago and reduced my risk to metastasis considerably.



I'm going to let you go. My mouth is again cut from jaw to center of my front gums and killing me. I need to get ice on it and lay down for a while. Maybe have a pity party with myself, and then get on with the business of fighting this damn thing with all I've got. Please put me in your prayers, as I know you will, but it�s nice to feel surrounded by friends even in a spiritual way. It gives me strength to know others care enough to do that for me.



I love you all, and will keep you informed.

Hi Georgie, it certainly sounds as though you've been dealt a really rough hand.

I can well understand your being frightened. I doubt if any of us who have or have had cancer can truthfully say they're not frightened. We all deal with our fears differently - even if it's only by hiding them.

I've absolutely no medical knowledge so I can't comment on what you're suffering.

All I can do is assure you that you'll be in prayers and thoughts. Do try and stay positive and keep us advised how you go.

God bless

HI , ITS all be said I hope you are not suffering too much mate.
I will pray for you tomorrow at mass.

god bless

Paul

Hi Georgie,

I too was diagnosed with ACC coming up for 6 years ago. All I can say is be brave, don't give up. Things do get better.

My life is just about as normal now as you can get now, just takes a little longer to clean my teeth. There is life after cancer.

Georgie,
I wont be the only one to admit that this site is really helpful and where we can speak to others about the same treatment as it's pretty much the same for everyone.
Whenever you need people to talk to and ask their feelings just log on. It's also advantageous to have a doctor on line who know's his field!!

Alan

Hi Jules and others

Thanks so much for your advice and comments. It is your participation that makes this message board a meaningful online support group. Only you can truly appreciate what Georgie feels.

Georgie, I hope my reply helped you find the kind of information you were seeking. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Dear georgie. so sorry to read about your cancer and your fears regarding your diagnosis. Radiotherapy is something you will have to prepare yourself for mentally. There are many long lasting side effects from this treatment and you will no doubt experience problems with eating and mouth dryness for some time. A year after being zapped in three places in my throat and neck, my functions are slowly returning to normal.The first few months are without doubt the worst to contend with, especially if you have to peg feed. I'm not fully recovered yet and am resigned to going with the flow as my energy is so low. Fatigue and depression are also long term problems related to radiotherapy on head / neck cancers. Get yourself some good books and vids georgie and try to chill as much as possible during your recovery from radiotherapy and dont punish yourself for being tired and unable to do much while you tread the road to recovery. The radiotherapy killed my big tumour and for all intents and purposes....i think i'm clear of cancer now. Good luck with your research and i hope everything goes well for you in your fight with cancer. Most oncologists tend to steer clear of the after effects of radiotherapy and tend to focus on the discomfort you will feel for the first few months which can leave you wondering if you are making any kind of recovery. However, we all react differently so i cant be that precise. If you need to know anything about food and energy supplements which may be of use or you simply want to know a little more from people who have gone the course, so to speak, then either myself or Paul might provide the odd answer or two. Hang in there buddy and keep us informed of your progress. steve

My new cancer friend georgie,,, My heart goes out to u...They say """you are not alone""" sure is funny how alone we really are in all this...I am alone when they are x-raying,,taking blood,,i v's,,,sick at my stomach,,,yep I am alone...Please try to stay strong and remember when things were so much better,,, b.c. before cancer,,,God Bless you and I will pray for u, Always Vicki Lynn