My husband James has been diagnosed with Stage IV Laryngeal Cancer. I am going to repurpose this blog to keep friends/family updated as we navigate treatment (surgery, chemo/radiation combo).
Stage IV Laryngeal (we have been told) is not staged in the same was as other cancers in that it tends not to metastasize and there are good odds for survival in the advanced stage with full laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) followed by 7 weeks of combined chemo/radiation. The high staging is due to advanced tumor growth, the tumor is located within the left side of larynx extending vertically above/below and also infiltrating the cartilage.
During diagnosis and testing James had a PET scan to confirm that the cancer is localized. The surgeon has high hopes of removing everything affected although at least one lymph node was found to be "hot" which is in a difficult spot to remove surgically. If the affected lymph node can't be removed they will address it with aggressive radiation treatment.
James is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning (1/24/18) with a 6 a.m. arrival at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. His surgeon is Dr. Vaezi. Assuming all goes as planned with the surgery he'll go to ICU and may be in hospital for up to a week. Chemo/radiation would start 6-weeks post-op depending on surgical outcome and recovery.
Removing the larynx entails a permanent stoma for breathing through the neck separating the breathing/eating pathways. The surgeon is planning on placing a voice prosthesis which will eventually allow James to speak with a light touch to the device located at the stoma. We have been told some people pick speech up quickly with the prosthesis while other have more trouble. Crossing fingers that James is the former!
We're envisioning a difficult and not pain free surgery but James is a strong person, he can do this. Post op as I'd mentioned he'll be in-patient in ICU at UMass with a feeding tube in place and instructed to rest no speech no swallowing to let his throat heal.
I'll add updates here throughout surgery and on to let you all know how he's doing! Thanks for sending love and healing vibes his way. xxoo Beth
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8 comments:
Hi Beth and James, Let us know what we can do for you. We will be sending prayers and good vibes for a quick recovery. My best friends father had the same surger, many years ago, and learned to speak very quickly. It's not to say that it isn't frustrating, but with patience and perseverance you will concur this and move on with your life. Please keep us updated. xxoo
Hi Beth and James, maybe in the future at some point you could share how the doctors were able to diagnose such a difficult cancer. Not anytime soon, but it might be something that may help someone else. In the meantime, lots of love and prayers. Deb
Thank you Jess, great to know that you have a family friend who had such success with the voice prosthesis! And Deb, maybe during surgery tomorrow I'll add more info about the pre-diagnosis story. It's a long one... xxoo to you both
Positive focus!!
Thinking of you all today and sending healing prayers.
Late to the blog but thanks for sharing news here for people to offer support. Love you both!
Holding you all up in love and prayers, we are only 8 miles away if you have a need.
I am a high school/ middle school/church school friend. How is Jimmy doing? I pray all is well. Thanks Alan Dahlqvist
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