While in Panama

I felt a lump on the left side of my throat three months ago and went to the Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT) doctor. After having a long tube put through my nose down to my throat and a CT scan AND two biopsies of the lump and my tongue it was determined that I have cancer. I was then sent to another hospital and another doctor. He and an associate confirmed the diagnoses and then sent their findings to a committee to decide how they were going to best treat cancer.

Now I have to see seven other doctors for various tests before they will start the radiotherapy! Part of the reason for this is because I have a bad heart. Nothing happens quickly here in Costa Rica. If the radiotherapy does not render the results needed then I will be changed to chemo. Either way, they will put a tube thru my belly into my stomach and that is how I will receive my nourishment for the duration of the treatments.  

I have a friend in North Carolina whose son had the same type of cancer. He recently completed his treatment and it was successful. But as most already know treatment has side effects. 

 

Currently other than the tumor, my problem is eating. My tongue hurts from the piece clipped out for the biopsy. In addition, the side of my mouth is sore along with my throat. Soft food, soup, and pudding are the delicacies I get to enjoy. Oh yeah, I get to drink various fruit juices to chase down the 7 pills I take each day.  

 

My mother had three different types of cancer and beat two of them. The last one got into her thyroid glands and spread throughout her body and took her life.

 

Some are devastated when they are diagnosed. Some simply give up. Others begin feeling sorry for themselves and place a burden on their family and friends. Woe is me. I am not any of these. I understand that this is simply a part of my life and I need to view it as I have viewed all of my life. Stand strong and push ahead!

 

I plan to give updates as my condition allows.