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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Cancer / November 2005Diary of a treatment
The thread "NPC diagnosis" of my NPC ordeal became too cumbersome so I am starting this new thread. November 15: I've got my bone scan report from the MO nurse. It's impression is "No definite evidence of met. disease to the bones.", though it has "minimally increased uptake(MIU) in the nasopharyingeal(NP) region and a small focuse of MIU in the left frontal skull which are of uncertain/unclear clinical significance and may represent a normal variant." Somewhat vague the wording( "No definite evidence" vs "No evidence"), but so far so good. November 16: I’ve got my braces from dentist to use with fluoride foam once a day on the rest of my life. November 16: I’ve got reports of my November 10 chest/abdomen/pelvis CAT SCAN and head/neck MRI from the hospital. Though the RO nurse had told me they’ll be at front desk, they were not ready and the other, junior nurse presented me them for her. Surprisingly they were still not signed and were the same copies with “preliminary report. Not for patient medical report” mark that she vigorously refused to give me on November 14. Reading about the hospital’s Holiday schedule, I asked her that I have a question to the nurse or doctor. She said that they are both very busy and I can ask my question to her. My question: My first RT is on Friday, then rest for 2 days. Then RT for 3 days. Then again rest for 4 days. Isn’t it good for not interrupting treatment to start it right after holidays? Her response: It will be open Sunday, (so it goes first day RT + 1 day off + 4 days RT & 1 chemo + 4 days off. Only after then starting 5 day routine ...) and they will do double doses before holidays. I said that it may kill me to get double doses at the start of treatment. She said that they don’t kill there but they treat. Questions for Steph or other profs.: 1. Is it safe and effective to start RT with such interruptions and with double doses? (I assume it can be around 4Gu if daily dose is around 2 Gu). 2. Will you comment and is it n-ethical if I post my SCAN/MRI reports?  SignatureThanks, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > The thread "NPC diagnosis" of my NPC ordeal became too cumbersome so I am > starting this new thread. [quoted text clipped - 55 lines] > double doses? (I assume it can be around 4Gu if daily dose is around 2 > Gu). There is evidence that uninterupted courses are better. I suspect that they will double by doing 2 treatments on the same day, not doubling the dose. > 2. Will you comment and is it n-ethical if I post my SCAN/MRI reports? I have no problem with that November 16: CAT SCAN of chest+ abdomen+pelvic of 11/10/05: Report is short and contain a puzzling first line: Patient: Araik Margarian DOB: 1/2/58 Age: 47 Sex: U What that means? “Unknown”, “Undisclosed”, “Undifferentiated” or “Unimportant”? Araik, learn to laugh not to swear. CAT SCAN on Chest: “There is dependant atelectasis bilaterally. No pulmonary consolidation, nodule, or pleural effusion is seen. The cardiac chambers and great vessels are unremarkable. There are scattered right supraclavicular and paratracheal nodes which do not meet strict CT criteria for pathologic involvement…”. CT Abdomen and Pelvis: “A punctate calcification is seen within the right lobe of the liver that may be a sequela of prior granulomatous disease …<everything else in the area appear intact> ... There is no evidence of free fluid. Prosthetic calcifications are present. The visualized osseous structures are unremarkable.” Impression: No evidence of mets to the lungs, abdomen or pelvis.” My comments: I like the "impression". But "dependant atelectasis bilaterally" which can be due to general anesthesia and "punctate calcification" are worrysome. While "prior granulomatous disease" is simply nonesense, it's puzzling how suddenly I've got something different in different organs, otherwise being completely healthy until few months ago. P.S. I got a lilltle idea about the terms from online Wicipedia and Medcyclopaedia. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/nDream/ > November 16: > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > What that means? Unknown, Undisclosed, Undifferentiated or > Unimportant? Unknown, Araik. Either it was filled in ahead of time and the computer requires an answer (and they weren't sure by your name) or someone left it blank (on a form) and so the clerk wrote "U" (because they didn't know, from your name). So rather than offending by putting the wrong gender, they put "U". > Araik, learn to laugh not to swear. Good philosophy. J > November 16: > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Araik, learn to laugh not to swear. I just thought of a few more (wrong) guesses, since it says "sex" (not gender). Undecided <transgendered person, in the middle of sex reassignment surgery> Unavailable <smile> Undressed Unpaid Underrated (wink> unceremonious ultraconservative unenthusiastic unsatisfactory uninhibited unanticipated Anyone got any amusing ones ? Steph? Mike R? Alayne? J s.m.d.c. trimmed >> November 16: >> [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > J > s.m.d.c. trimmed unimaginative unexpected unbelievable?? J for sex: I usually have the impulse to write YES! Now I think I will write....Invitation?? J for sex: I usually have the impulse to write YES! Now I think I will write....Invitation?? Thanks turletrot, So how are you doing? Still in Germany? Hugs J >> Patient: Araik Margarian DOB: 1/2/58 Age: 47 Sex: U >> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > uninhibited > unanticipated Ubetcha! SignatureIf John McCain gets the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, my vote for President will be a write-in for Jiang Zemin. > >> Patient: Araik Margarian DOB: 1/2/58 Age: 47 Sex: U > >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Ubetcha! ROTFL Quitting now. J >> November 16: >> [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > J > s.m.d.c. trimmed Wow! So funny. Fooling around far more preferable than address real concerns. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > Wow! So funny. Fooling around far more preferable than address real > concerns. This is alt.cancer.support and that's what humor is, a support mechanism. And at the risk of sounding like the electrolyte and iron salesfools, your attitude has everything to do with the healing process. Depression becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A good attitude and high spirits aid the body in its healing process. >> Wow! So funny. Fooling around far more preferable than address real >> concerns. > > This is alt.cancer.support and that's what humor is, a support > mechanism. It appears that I am arguing on any small thing; OK, let's do this too: I posted seroius notes (nobody else post their reports dealing with treatment in so much details - may be I shouldn't either) and the one half-funny paragraph that was all to deserve comments? After all, there are humor and other groups. ACS is anything but humor. > And at the risk of sounding like the electrolyte and iron > salesfools, your attitude has everything to do with the healing > process. Depression becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A good > attitude and high spirits aid the body in its healing process. If you are not at least mildly depressed in such bizzare situations, you are either superhuman or hypocrite or robot. I have good attitude and high spirit that expressed in: 1. I'll do all I can to be cured. 2. I trust medicine. 3. I trust doctors apriori. 4. Healthy scepticism only helps, specially in light of what I have in my diaries. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 16: > > CAT SCAN of chest+ abdomen+pelvic of 11/10/05: Remember that all medicine these days is driven by lawyers and the fear of malpractice suits. It's a terrible shame that this is such a litigious country. Everything is "suspicious" or "atypical" or "reminiscent of" or "approximate". Just in case. Remember the Doctor is looking at shadows and doing his best. There are things in life we will never know. That may be, but now there are things never said for fear of being wrong. >> November 16: >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > fear of malpractice suits. It's a terrible shame that this is such a > litigious country. I don't think that's the case here. I think that everything in this country is well planned and sophisticated. > Everything is "suspicious" or "atypical" or "reminiscent of" or > "approximate". Just in case. >Remember the Doctor is looking at shadows and doing his best. I hope. But why at shadows? Nothing good comes from shadows. Only openness can contribute to hope and right things. That's why I am posting here; even long ago of my illness in other ng'; Even many times having been offended and ridiculed, to avert the real context. >There are things in life we will never > know. And we don't care to know until things "we should never know" hurt us too much. >That may be, but now there are things never said for fear of > being wrong. You mean I may have mets? I pray it's not the case... But it's not the "fear of being wrong" if that's the case. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ >>> November 16: >>> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I don't think that's the case here. I think that everything in this > country is well planned and sophisticated. I won't go that far, but as a society we have a universal expectation of prefection where we are really dealing with an imperfect world. >> Everything is "suspicious" or "atypical" or "reminiscent of" or >> "approximate". Just in case. > >>Remember the Doctor is looking at shadows and doing his best. > > I hope. But why at shadows? Nothing good comes from shadows. Because that's what an X-ray or a CT scan is. Even an electron microscope gives a shadow image. >>That may be, but now there are things never said for fear of >> being wrong. > > You mean I may have mets? I pray it's not the case... But it's not the > "fear of being wrong" if that's the case. No, I mean when the Pathologist knows that what he is seeing are cancer cells, but he hedges his report to says "the presence of atypical cells". >>>> November 16: >>>> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I won't go that far, but as a society we have a universal expectation > of prefection where we are really dealing with an imperfect world. Nevermind, OT. >>> Everything is "suspicious" or "atypical" or "reminiscent of" or >>> "approximate". Just in case. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Because that's what an X-ray or a CT scan is. Even an electron > microscope gives a shadow image. Ah, that's my mistake: I messed "at" with "from", like "Doctor is looking from shadows" >>> That may be, but now there are things never said for fear of >>> being wrong. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > cancer cells, but he hedges his report to says "the presence of > atypical cells". I see. "Doublespeak". SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > "Chris Ness" <mness215@comcast.net> wrote in message ... >>There are things in life we will never >> know. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > You mean I may have mets? I pray it's not the case... But it's not the > "fear of being wrong" if that's the case. I personally would rather my doctor told me point blank "I think you might have and I am looking for metastases" than "Hmmmm. That's interesting". >> "Chris Ness" <mness215@comcast.net> wrote in message > ... [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > might have and I am looking for metastases" than "Hmmmm. That's > interesting". Of course. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > You mean I may have mets? I pray it's not the case... But it's not the "fear > of being wrong" if that's the case. Once it's in the lymph nodes.... That's why it's best that you hit it with chemo (along with RT). it's your best chance. J >> You mean I may have mets? I pray it's not the case... But it's not >> the "fear of being wrong" if that's the case. > > Once it's in the lymph nodes.... Wait, every met has its own merit. We were talking about distant mets. That would be much more troubling (but still not hopeless with Good Will). > That's why it's best that you hit it with chemo (along with RT). > it's your best chance. > J SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 16: > [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > P.S. I got a lilltle idea about the terms from online Wicipedia and > Medcyclopaedia. Lung calcifications are common, and usually due tp previous infections. The atelectasis is of no consequence November 16: MRI of head and neck of 11/10/05: Comparison with prior CT dated 07/29/05 performed at LC. Centered along the right nasopharyngeal region there is a large enhancing heterogenous mass which extends posteriorly along the right retropharyngeal region and abuts a large right lateral retropharyngeal lymph node. The mass also extends to the right foramen ovale but does not extend through to the cavernous sinus. The tumor surrounds the right internal carotid artery and also posteriorly abuts the anterior aspect of the right basiocciput which has subtle low signal within marrow on the right. Size comparison is slightly difficult due differences in technique, although the mass appears slightly larger. There are bilateral lateral retropharyngeal nodes, right greater than left. Innumerable cervical lymph nodes are again seen along the jugular and spinal accessory chains, right greater than left. The largest lymph node is seen in the jugulodigastric region and is measured 2,7 cm in greatest dimension. Also seen is a large right supraclavicular lymph node. The right jugular vein is compressed by lymph nodes as it approaches the base of the skull. Again seen is a retention cyst in the right maxillary sinus. The nasal septum has a large left spur. Major flow voids at the skull base are normal. Impression: 1. Large right NP mass which abuts the right foramen ovale and the right basiocciput and surrounds the right internal carotid artery. The mass has increased in size since the most recent study. 2. Innumerable bilateral cervical lymph nodes as described, which have also slightly enlarged in the interval. My comments: "Size comparison is slightly difficult due differences in technique, although the mass appears slightly larger. " In compared CT Scan, it mention 28X18mm the size. If size can not be measured, how it appears slightly larger" and then in impression it get definitive statement: "The mass has increased in size since the most recent study." By the way, the mentioned 2,7cm lymph node a second opinion doctor assessed 3 weeks ago as ... 7cm. Medicine is becoming very individual science? As MRI is compared with CAT SCAN of 7/29/05, I bring here that too: CAT SCAN soft tissue neck of 7/29/05: There is diffuse pathologic lymphadenopathy involving the right level 2 through 4 and left level 2A and 2B. The enlarged lymph nodes display moderate rim like to uniform pathologic enhancement without centeral necrosis. There is 28mm craniocaudal by 18mm maximum transverse diameter centeral and right lateral nasopharyngeal rim-enhancing mass. The mass abuts but does not encase the right internal carotid artery at the skull base. There is an associated right lateral retropharyngeal pathologic lymph node. Mastoid aeration is preserved. While there is no apparent skull base erosion or sclerosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is favored over lymphoma with assimetric extranodal lymphatic dissemination. The palatine tonsils are are unremarkable. There is multinodular prominence to the lingual tonsils. Thyroid gland evakuation is unremarkable. There is an inferior right maxillary retention cyst or polyp with otherwise unremarkable paranasal sinusis. The salivary glands are normal. Visualized brain substance is unremarkable. Impression: Nasopharyngeal malignancy with right greater than left pathologic lymphadenopathy versus lymphoma with extranodal/lymphatic dissemination. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/nDream/ > November 16: > [quoted text clipped - 78 lines] > pathologic lymphadenopathy versus lymphoma with extranodal/lymphatic > dissemination. I think you should stop ruminating about the reports >> November 16: >> [quoted text clipped - 80 lines] > > I think you should stop ruminating about the reports Steph, on my question: "Will you comment and is it n-ethical if I post my SCAN/MRI reports?" You responded: "I have no problems with that" And the same time I recieved a surprise email: "Araik Margarian, You are receiving this email in behalf of Steph who has just replied to your newsgroup message. Date: 11/16/2005 7:59:18 PM Newsgroup: alt.support.cancer Subject: Diary of a treatment From: Steph Click on the link below to view the reply. http://www.healthnewsgroups.com/go.asp?GUID=2306379020 If you do not want to receive any more instant notifications click here: http://www.healthnewsgroups.com/go.asp?A=1&GUID=2306379020" Encouraged with your atttention I posted reports and all your answer was "stop ruminating". So, be as dummy as possible? A "political correctness/agenda" is much more important that a man's inquiry of his own health and life? Who said that Stalinism is dead? SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > And the same time I recieved a surprise email: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > http://www.healthnewsgroups.com/go.asp?A=1&GUID=2306379020" This has nothing to do with us or Steph. You must have registered and/or posted through that webpage, so they've notified you that: a) Steph replied to you on newsgroup b) you can stop the notification (which it looks like you stopped). That webpage archives the posts from this (and other) newsgroups. J scdc trimmed >> And the same time I recieved a surprise email: >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > This has nothing to do with us or Steph. I don't insist on it. > You must have registered and/or posted through that webpage, so > they've notified you that: Neither of them. I didn't recieve anything like that before or after. That's just one mini manipulation of Hocus-Pocus Invisible Hand. > a) Steph replied to you on newsgroup > b) you can stop the notification (which it looks like you stopped). I didn't start or stop either. > That webpage archives the posts from this (and other) newsgroups. > > J > scdc trimmed SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > "J" <studydras@anon.inv> wrote in message > > [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > I didn't recieve anything like that before or after. > That's just one mini manipulation of Hocus-Pocus Invisible Hand. Yes, I guess. Automated software picks up our emails addressses from our posts. So perhaps that's what happened. The web page "healthnewsgroups" tries to draw people there to view replies and/or postings, in order for people to see the advertising there. Some of our ISP's have a spamtrap - they catch emails that are obviojusly spam. AOL might have that as well, but let that one through to you. Many of us munge our email addresses. You can do it as well, with AOL.http://members.aol.com/emailfaq/mungfaq.html if you wish. I'm considering this matter closed. J >> "J" <studydras@anon.inv> wrote in message >>> [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > You can do it as well, with > AOL.http://members.aol.com/emailfaq/mungfaq.html if you wish. > I'm considering this matter closed. > J Every wrong, smal or big gets and can get very "innocent" justification. Of course this matter is closed and I don't point to you or Steph. But your explanation is definitely is not the case. This is almost an invisible minuscule of the web of horribly immoral, monstrous, inhuman, and ungodly fake socio/political game that played in shadows. That is, the outer cancer of mine. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > "Steph" <steph@vancouvers.island> wrote in message > Encouraged with your atttention I posted reports and all your answer was > "stop ruminating". So, be as dummy as possible? A "political > correctness/agenda" is much more important that a man's inquiry of his own > health and life? Who said that Stalinism is dead? No, I thinks he's saying you are worrying yourself needlessly into a frenzy. Not to make light of what you are about to go through, but worry is part of the problem, not part of the solution. The other day you wondered about my "???????". Maybe a little too cutesy, I was trying to tell you not to be paranoid about all this. Don't think about it too much. My brother calls paranoia "the thinking man's mental illness. The more you think about it, the more certain you get that they are out to get you." I see Steph's comment to you about "stop ruminating" as a medical instruction, not a newsgroup instruction. He doesn't want you fretting so much. It isn't healthy. Steph, am I right? >> "Steph" <steph@vancouvers.island> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > instruction, not a newsgroup instruction. He doesn't want you fretting so > much. It isn't healthy. Steph, am I right? I want him to get on with getting cured >> "Steph" <steph@vancouvers.island> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > frenzy. Not to make light of what you are about to go through, but > worry is part of the problem, not part of the solution. I was waiting for comments about report itself. He made several reasonable remarks before that I appreciated. > The other day you wondered about my "???????". Maybe a little too > cutesy, I was trying to tell you not to be paranoid about all this. > Don't think about it too much. I get it as friendly advice that in any case, you are too powerless to change what is designed for you. > My brother calls paranoia "the > thinking man's mental illness. The more you think about it, the more > certain you get that they are out to get you." Unfortunately I don't have paranoia. Unfortunately there is one thing that I agree with "them": I have cancer. > I see Steph's comment to you about "stop ruminating" as a medical > instruction, not a newsgroup instruction. He doesn't want you > fretting so much. It isn't healthy. Steph, am I right? I am not "crying". I am presenting facts as there are. But I agree that it's almost useless. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ "Steph" <steph@vancouvers.island> wrote in message news:k82ff.525098$tl2.362935@pd7tw3no > "Araik Margarian" <aramargar1@aol.com> wrote in message > news:1132206932_1265@spool6-east.superfeed.net... >> November 16: >> >> MRI of head and neck of 11/10/05: >> >> >> Comparison with prior CT dated 07/29/05 performed at LC. >> >> >> Centered along the right nasopharyngeal region there is a large >> enhancing heterogenous >> mass which extends posteriorly along the right retropharyngeal >> region and abuts a large right lateral retropharyngeal lymph node. >> The mass also extends to the right foramen ovale but does not extend >> through to the cavernous sinus. The tumor surrounds the right >> internal carotid artery and also posteriorly abuts the anterior >> aspect of the right basiocciput which has subtle low signal within >> marrow on the right. Size comparison is slightly difficult due >> differences in technique, although the mass appears slightly larger. >> There are bilateral lateral retropharyngeal nodes, right greater >> than left. Innumerable cervical lymph nodes are again seen along the >> jugular and spinal accessory chains, right greater than left. The >> largest lymph node is seen in the jugulodigastric region and is >> measured 2,7 cm in greatest dimension. Also seen is a large right >> supraclavicular lymph node. The right jugular vein is compressed by >> lymph nodes as it approaches the base of the skull. >> >> Again seen is a retention cyst in the right maxillary sinus. The >> nasal septum has a large left spur. Major flow voids at the skull >> base are normal. >> >> >> >> Impression: >> >> 1. Large right NP mass which abuts the right foramen ovale and >> the right >> basiocciput and surrounds the right internal carotid artery. The >> mass has increased in size since the most recent study. >> >> 2. Innumerable bilateral cervical lymph nodes as described, >> which have also slightly enlarged in the interval. >> >> >> >> My comments: "Size comparison is >> slightly difficult due differences in technique, although the mass >> appears slightly larger. " In compared CT Scan, it mention 28X18mm >> the size. If size can not be measured, >> how it appears slightly larger" and then in impression it get >> definitive statement: >> "The mass has increased in size since the most recent study." >> >> By the way, the mentioned 2,7cm lymph node a second opinion doctor >> assessed 3 weeks ago as ... 7cm. >> Medicine is becoming very individual science? >> >> >> >> As MRI is compared with CAT SCAN of 7/29/05, I bring here that too: >> >> >> >> CAT SCAN soft tissue neck of 7/29/05: >> >> There is diffuse pathologic lymphadenopathy involving the right >> level 2 through 4 and left level 2A and 2B. The enlarged lymph nodes >> display moderate rim like to uniform pathologic enhancement without >> centeral necrosis. >> >> There is 28mm craniocaudal by 18mm maximum transverse diameter >> centeral and >> right lateral nasopharyngeal rim-enhancing mass. >> >> The mass abuts but does not encase the right internal carotid artery >> at the >> skull base. There is an associated right lateral retropharyngeal >> pathologic >> lymph node. Mastoid aeration is preserved. While there is no apparent >> skull >> base erosion or sclerosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is favored over >> lymphoma >> with assimetric extranodal lymphatic dissemination. The palatine >> tonsils are >> are unremarkable. There is multinodular prominence to the lingual >> tonsils. Thyroid gland evakuation is unremarkable. There is an >> inferior right maxillary retention cyst or polyp with otherwise >> unremarkable paranasal sinusis. The salivary glands are normal. >> Visualized brain substance is unremarkable. >> >> Impression: Nasopharyngeal malignancy with right greater than left >> pathologic lymphadenopathy versus lymphoma with extranodal/lymphatic >> dissemination. >> >> > > I think you should stop ruminating about the reports Steph, on my question: "Will you comment and is it n-ethical if I post my SCAN/MRI reports?" You responded: "I have no problems with that" I did comment about your CT scan And the same time I recieved a surprise email: "Araik Margarian, You are receiving this email in behalf of Steph who has just replied to your newsgroup message. Date: 11/16/2005 7:59:18 PM Newsgroup: alt.support.cancer Subject: Diary of a treatment From: Steph Click on the link below to view the reply. http://www.healthnewsgroups.com/go.asp?GUID=2306379020 If you do not want to receive any more instant notifications click here: http://www.healthnewsgroups.com/go.asp?A=1&GUID=2306379020" The email wasn't from me............ Encouraged with your atttention I posted reports and all your answer was "stop ruminating". So, be as dummy as possible? A "political correctness/agenda" is much more important that a man's inquiry of his own health and life? Who said that Stalinism is dead? -- Regards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ I'm trying to give you good advice, mate > Questions for Steph or other profs.: I'm neither, but you know I just finished RT/chemo in August. > 1. Is it safe and effective to start RT with such interruptions and with > double doses? (I assume it can be around 4Gu if daily dose is around 2 Gu). I didn't get any doubles, but I can say that my course of RT was interrupted a couple of times unexpectedly, as well as having scheduled weekends off. My PET report (which I now have a copy of) says we got everything we aimed at. SignatureIf John McCain gets the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, my vote for President will be a write-in for Jiang Zemin. November 17, 5:30pm I had my first RT scheduled tommorow at 9:00AM. I just got a surprise phone call from RO Doctor's office telling me that the appointment is canceled as they didn't come to a better treatment plan yet. I asked if it will be Monday? He said no and he don't have idea when and they will contact me whenever ready. He said I have to contact to MO to reschedule chemo too. My God...So many manipulations...In such extent... A couple days ago I read in a newspaper a quote from Lewis Caroll defining nonsense: "...Nothing should be what it is as everything should be what it is not". Could not be said better. May be I should not talk about my treatment details here? SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 17, 5:30pm > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > is not". Could not be said better. > May be I should not talk about my treatment details here? They'll be fast. Good IMRT takes a lot of planning. They have to program the shutters and guides of that thing on the gantry to a fine degree. And the nasal area is even more complex than the upper throat. I had a delay after the dry run as they went back to the drawing board to recompute the grays. But if I had to guess, they are probably trying to slide you past Thanksgiving so you don't have an interrupted course of treatment. Just as well, once you get going on the treatment you'll count down the days till its over. I remember how disappointed I was when they took Good Friday off. Have you been fitted for your mask yet? Or are they going to do it with the dry run? I may have mentioned I posted a pretty good picture of mine on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ThroatCancerSupport . >> November 17, 5:30pm >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > I had a delay after the dry run as they went back to the > drawing board to recompute the grays. The simulation is done on November 7. They even didn't tell me when they will reschedule. > But if I had to guess, they are > probably trying to slide you past Thanksgiving so you don't have an > interrupted course of treatment. Cool! I like your comments. Creating a tiny-politikal aura around a patient. Why they could not say that straight and friendly that would benefit to trust? The "official version" is to come to better treatment plan. Anything else is "conspiracy therory" - like yours or "paranoia" - like mine (for some reason delaying the treatment, as it was the case from July; This time I stayed firm for the treatment despite deliberate unfriendliness, and they had to cancel themselves). (Accept all above as nasty humor). I adhere to your guess with love. > Just as well, once you get going on > the treatment you'll count down the days till its over. I remember > how disappointed I was when they took Good Friday off. I know. But you don't go to treatment for fun. > Have you been fitted for your mask yet? Yes, at simulation; overall took 30 min. > Or are they going to do it > with the dry run? What's that? > I may have mentioned I posted a pretty good picture > of mine on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ThroatCancerSupport . Yes, I looked at that before. Mine was similar. Like a medieval knight. If I survive, I'll go out next Halloween with that :) SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 17, 5:30pm > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > should be what it is not". Could not be said better. > May be I should not talk about my treatment details here? SignatureNovember 18: 3:30 I’ve got call from assistant Dr. of my RO Dr. office who told me that I have sceduled simulation on Monday November 21 and then start treatment on November 22. I said that in that case I’ll get just 2 first treatments before 4 days interruption. He said that all hospital patients get the same interval and asked what I’d like to. I said that you the doctors know better but I think it’s reasonable to start treatment just next Monday after this Monday to not get interruption at the start of treatment. He said come on Monday simulation then they will decide it. He said that it is not redoing first simulation but testing the actual treatment which plan he said is done well. So, Chris, nor mine, nor yours, nor even their version of "why?" was right. "We will never know". That should suffice us mere mortals. That's good philosophy to not question anything but "be happy". As long as one can. P.S. I am acting like self-appointed freelance reporter of my treatment process :) Regards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ November 22: I went for simulation today. Then they arranged my treatment starting next week. The good thing was my tensed nurse was smiling today. :) They assured me that my RO is good Doc. and will heal me. I told the MO nurse that I feel that my pains in abdomen area, pelvice, neck are connected to c. and expressed my worries that the delayed treatment (I had my nasal biopsy on October 14, FNA of neck on July 29) make the illness to progress. I didn't use the word met. She said that nothing else help before treatment began, just don't drink and smoke. But I still smoke a few cigarette a day. I have to fight it. I read that if you get distant mets it's incurable. May be that's why they don't pay much attention to my other symptoms that don't go away? Though just an advil once a day or two keep me feel completely healthy. But I am optimistic in cure, even if it had spread. My faith is into life. I don't believe to death. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 22: > I went for simulation today. Then they arranged my treatment starting next [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > cure, even if it had spread. My faith is into life. I don't believe to > death. Well, I can explain the neck problem with c. The abdomen gastro related, maybe even an ulcer, but your pelvis? Do you do manual labor? I imagine a person with cancer would have problems doing manual labor. Another thought is an infection. Has someone checked your urine lately? Araik, I suppose if you have doubts about your staging or think you might have two cancers, the best thing would be to go to a large cancer centre and ask them for bloodwork and a scan of your body. Maybe it's lymph nodes (throughout the body) acting up, but I really don't know. It (asking for a scan and bloodwork) could be for nothing, it could just be nerves, but your pelvis? It's really up to you and your insurance. I imagine a major centre could get those tests done quickly (but not perhaps have the results back before the treatment starts), which is probably best that you get it done for the nasopharnyx anyway. J >> November 22: >> I went for simulation today. Then they arranged my treatment [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > The abdomen gastro related, maybe even an ulcer, but your pelvis? > Do you do manual labor? Manual labor on pelvis? :) >I imagine a person with cancer would have > problems doing manual labor. > Another thought is an infection. Has someone checked your urine > lately? No, I don't do any labor. Besides, on my shoulder bones I feel something I haven't feel before. And symptoms are not infection-like. > Araik, I suppose if you have doubts about your staging or think you > might have two cancers, the best thing would be to go to a large > cancer centre and ask them for bloodwork and a scan of your body. > Maybe it's lymph nodes (throughout the body) acting up, but I really > don't know. I too think that it's most likely. > It (asking for a scan and bloodwork) could be for > nothing, it could just be nerves, but your pelvis? It's really up to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > the nasopharnyx anyway. > J SignatureBut I think I am at a large center, and they did all the tests and said no mets which I presented here a week or so ago. I like to believe to that but that didn't make the symptoms go away and didn't give convincing reasons. Why I didn't have such symptoms before, why they all started appear in choir - itchy and mildly painy abdomen, pelvic lymph are and bones under shoulder? And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them to reply :) Regards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > "J" <studydras@anon.inv> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Manual labor on pelvis? :) Hernia. > > Maybe it's lymph nodes (throughout the body) acting up, but I really > > don't know. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > choir - itchy and mildly painy abdomen, pelvic lymph are and bones under > shoulder? Quit it. Now I wonder if you have lymphoma. Seriously though, I think I've read that cancer can cause inflammation. So maybe that's what's going on. Is there an anti-inflammatory component to that medication that seems to help the pain? If so, maybe that's your answer. But stop it before your treatments. (or check with doctor). And yes, stop the smoking. I hear the side effects of RT can be worse if a person smokes. > And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. Is that why you keep crossposting, when I uncrosspost? They're probably thinking we should stop ruminating about your symptoms. :-) > May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them to > reply :) Won't work now. You've tipped them off. :) Best wishes J >> "J" <studydras@anon.inv> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Hernia. Not in pelvis area. One abdominal test said "hiatus hernia" but it is connected with reflux-heartburn that I don't have. >>> Maybe it's lymph nodes (throughout the body) acting up, but I really >>> don't know. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Quit it. Now I wonder if you have lymphoma. If I read the symptoms of NPC and some types of lymphoma, the latter is more like to my symptoms. But what about SCAN/biopsy/ MRI ? Though I read here once an article from a serious newspaper that more than 10% of diagnosed can be wrong. From another point, I couldn't find anywhere symptoms for advanced or met. NPC. > Seriously though, I think I've read that cancer can cause > inflammation. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > If so, maybe that's your answer. But stop it before your treatments. > (or check with doctor). I don't have (thanks God) so much pain to use serious medication. Once a couple or three days an Advil completely removes the feelings. For example, right now, all day long I didn't have any symptoms at all. Again, I wouldn't make much attention to these symptoms before. I remember, just before I went to doctor in June first time for the tumor, I had for some period that coming and going feelings in the ears; Some very unusual headaches; the quick numbness in right leg ( which I don't feel for about 2 weeks now); And, most amazing, almost a month, totally shifted sleep habit: Whatever I try, I couldn't fall asleep at night. But around 6AM or so, I'd fall to sleep for a normal 8 hour. > And yes, stop the smoking. I hear the side effects of RT can be worse > if a person smokes. That's answer to previous post. I smoke a few. I'll stop right before treatments started. Life and saliva are more precious than habitual urge. >> And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. > > Is that why you keep crossposting, when I uncrosspost? > They're probably thinking we should stop ruminating about your > symptoms. :-) Not that, I think they respond to both. Call it "paranoia", I have many evidence to believe that there is double reality created around me, and that's why I think as much I have opportunity to publisize reality (though I realized, after posting for a year, that this "virtual" publicity is as meltable as snow) as less space will remain for "fictitious reality". That's my way to follow Steph's N4 advice: 4) Try not to meet up with any shape-shifting reptilian illuminati) :) >> May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them >> to reply :) > > Won't work now. You've tipped them off. :) That's me: Ability to see some things and unability to use for my advantage :) > Best wishes > J SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. > May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them to > reply :) Not true or fair, Araik. We've done our best to help, but you only want to hear what you want to hear.......... After a while it's annoying. >> And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. >> May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > to hear.......... > After a while it's annoying. Not true or fair: Except responding to language like "paranoid poet", "cat skinning" and so, I respected both of yours opinions. The way I response could be annoying. That's different. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > Not true or fair: Except responding to language like "paranoid poet", "cat > skinning" and so, I respected both of yours opinions. I think the "more ways to skin a cat" derives from difficulties skinning catfish. (and means there's more than one way to solve a problem and/or treat a symptom or cancer) Any better? or are you a vegan? There's some meat I want and the grocery stores don't carry it anymore. I'd have to go to an abattoir. I can't bring myself to go there (for several reasons) one of which is I'm concerned that it'll turn me off meat forever. J >> Not true or fair: Except responding to language like "paranoid poet", >> "cat [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > that it'll turn me off meat forever. > J Ah, "more that one way to skin a cat". I did post that. It means that there is more than one recipe for good treatment. >> Not true or fair: Except responding to language like "paranoid poet", >> "cat [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > cancer) > Any better? I don't need explanations, I am not dummy. When you are terrified with the only choice to get into such "brutal" treatments as RT and Chemo, the last thing you want to hear is comparing it with to "skin a cat" and by nobody else but a RO doctor. > or are you a vegan? No. Still regular. > There's some meat I want and the grocery stores don't carry it anymore. > I'd have to go [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > that it'll turn me off meat forever. > J Try alt.support.food. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ >>> And two profs, Steph and "madiba" do not "notice" my posts more. >>> May be I should wonder about alternative treatments options for them [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > skinning" and so, I respected both of yours opinions. The way I response > could be annoying. That's different. Not fair again...........I said neither of those things > I told the MO nurse that I feel that my pains in abdomen area, pelvice, neck > are connected to c. > [...]. May be that's why they don't pay > much attention to my other symptoms that don't go away? Any nausea or vomiting? I was thinking of appendicitis - my friend was about your age and had it for approx 3 years until somebody figured it out. J >> I told the MO nurse that I feel that my pains in abdomen area, >> pelvice, neck are connected to c. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > it for approx 3 years until somebody figured it out. > J No. The symptoms are so mild and even not existing most of the time, exposing themselves more at night times, that I would not make attention to them before. Not counting neck nodes, which now are becoming more stiff and "boiling". SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 22: > I went for simulation today. Then they arranged my treatment starting next > week. Starting this week? Good luck with the treatments, Araik. May the side effects be minimal for you. J November 27: For one week, started from last Monday, the symptoms in my pelvic area and bones under neck are completely gone. The abdomen symptoms unremarkable, the initial tumor on right side of the neck became smaller, even not noticeable if not touching (I measured it around 2,3cm), though it's very firm. No headaches and other feelings in ears and nose at all, except once a while as a light needle feeling in the right ear (like after shower). On right side of neck I can pulp 2 very small, 0.4 mm nodes and one on left side, and my throat feelings are normal too. I didn't try anything different from usual. The only thing (don't stone me, Steph) after reading "The Nude Mouse Tale: Omega-3 Fats Save The Life Of A Terminal Cancer Patient" here, I get increased doses of Flash Oil. I didn't need a single Advil for this period. My question to "J", Steph, - what you think it could be - some sort of placebo effect, prayers, smile of the nurse, cold weather, Omega-3, positive attitude, or something else? Could many of that symptoms were due to a mild infection which healed by itself? SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian. http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > November 27: > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > positive attitude, or something else? Could many of that symptoms were > due to a mild infection which healed by itself? Impossible to say.......... But you're feeling better, which is good > "Araik Margarian" <aramargar1@aol.com> wrote in message > > November 27: [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Impossible to say.......... > But you're feeling better, which is good Seconded, J |
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