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Vital Info


Dan (danonthedrive)


November 25, 2011


Vancouver, Canada

Cancer Info


Throat Cancer


October 12, 2011


Stage 1


Yes


Radiation Therapy


Cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ)

Stats

Posts:15
Photos:2
Events:0
Supporters:30
Supporting:26
Comments
-Made:189
-Received:181
Views:19348
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Dan's Cancer Blog

Good News

I got the results on my follow up ultra sound guided biopsy and the mass in my neck is just a bunch of dead cells. I was more nervous about these results than I was about my first pet scan, but what a relief.
My oncologist reminded me that the regeneration of the taste buds is very difficult to predict but this and the dry issues are an acceptable annoyance.
Also had a good visit with the dentist at the cancer agency who says my teeth are fine (the ones they didn’t extract prior to treatment)so they are going to start fitting me for bridges shortly.
The dentist also gave me a solution for my tongue called Nystatin to help get rid of the black build up on my tongue and it seems to be working.
All’s good for now, thank you all for your support and
even though I don’t post often I do read your posts and will continue to do so as there are so many of you that I feel close to. Always know that I care deeply for you and continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:16 AM PDT by Dan (, 4 comments, 1462 view)
fred likes this post.

Glad to heat the biopsy was negative! Keep up the good work.

Private UserPosted on July 14, 2012 at 11:01 AM PDT by Private User

 Thanks Paul – thinking of you during your tough decision making time and keeping you in my prayers. I know you will make the best decision for you.
Keep up the good fight.

DanPosted on July 14, 2012 at 11:05 AM PDT by Dan

 Thanks Dan!

Private UserPosted on July 14, 2012 at 1:34 PM PDT by Private User

Great news. What a relief for you.
Angie

BillanPosted on July 14, 2012 at 1:24 PM PDT by Billan

 Thanks Angie, I hope that all my friends here (well everyone suffering with this monster) gets the same result down the road.

DanPosted on July 14, 2012 at 2:04 PM PDT by Dan

I’m glad it was not cancer! What a relief!
take a long bike ride to celebrate.

SandyjoPosted on July 15, 2012 at 11:04 AM PDT by Sandyjo

 Thanks Sandyjo. I am looking forward to spending more time on my bike.

DanPosted on July 16, 2012 at 5:47 PM PDT by Dan

Good to hear the ultra sound and biopsy came out ok Dan. Sounds like you’re getting back into your rythem. You look good man. I see no beard so I’m assuming hair hasn’t grown back. It takes time. Hope you’re eating well and no throat restrictions. Regards, Frank

Frank BaldizanPosted on July 16, 2012 at 1:10 PM PDT by Frank Baldizan

 Thanks Frank, I always benefit from your advice and comments. No beard yet, and still not swallowing like normal, but maybe I have a new normal now :)
The doc reminded me that the return of taste is one of the hardest things to predict – but I am not complaining. Hope you are well

DanPosted on July 16, 2012 at 5:50 PM PDT by Dan

Hate it when the oncologist adds a "but"

First thanks for all the warm wishes, prayers, hugs – they are all very much appreciated.

The results from my PET Scan weren’t terrible. As my Dr. said “the results aren’t bad BUT they are inconclusive”.

Apparently there is more than the usual amount of calcium build up around the affected lymph node. At first he said we’ll keep an eye on it, but when he checked my neck and throat he thought we should go ahead and do another needle biopsy and an ultra sound.

I am sure he is just playing it safe, however I am still disappointed. But not devastated :).

I expect to have the biopsy/ultra sound done within the next week or two and see my doc again in early July for the results.

Hope you are all well and thanks for listening.

Posted on May 24, 2012 at 5:18 PM PDT by Dan (, 10 comments, 1836 view)
scottie sent you a prayer.

I understand. My PET wasn’t clear either. We’re watching and doing scans every two months. Praying your biopsy is negative.
Angie

BillanPosted on May 24, 2012 at 5:31 PM PDT by Billan

 Thanks Angie. We’ll celebrate when we both get a clear scan.

DanPosted on May 24, 2012 at 10:40 PM PDT by Dan

I’ll pray that all is well withthe biopsey.

SandyjoPosted on May 24, 2012 at 6:38 PM PDT by Sandyjo

Repeat after me: “the biopsy will be clear”...”the biopsy will be clear”
...”the biopsy will be clear”
...”the biopsy will be clear”
Hoping your wait will go by quickly.
Keep moving forward

Pat CPosted on May 24, 2012 at 6:41 PM PDT by Pat C

 Thanks Pat, “the biopsy will be clear”.

DanPosted on May 24, 2012 at 10:42 PM PDT by Dan

I’ve never heard of calcium build up around a lymph node. Not scaring tussue? Anyway, ofcourse go ahead with the biopsy and ultra sound. I will have one in a couple of months too due to a very tiny nodule on my larynx. My Dr is not concerned about it. I’m almost sure yours is nothing. Keep us posted Dan. Regards, Frank

Frank BaldizanPosted on May 24, 2012 at 10:33 PM PDT by Frank Baldizan

 Thanks Frank, and no he mentioned the scar tissue as well and he said that a little residual calcium is normal.
Let us know how the test on your larynx goes.

DanPosted on May 24, 2012 at 10:38 PM PDT by Dan

Hope that things work out. I had inconclusive PET and MRI before, then needed a FNAB. None of these tests are 100 percent accurate, except for a direct biopsy, whivh ia most accuratw, and I think even that has a margin of error. I guess by the results from each can give a better
indication. That time it turned out to be scar tissue. Good luck with the tests.

Private UserPosted on May 25, 2012 at 3:14 AM PDT by Private User

I’ll be thinking of you and hoping for the best! I have my scan next week

ShannonPosted on May 25, 2012 at 5:10 AM PDT by Shannon

 I will keep you in my prayers – for a clear scan, Shannon. Best of luck.

DanPosted on May 25, 2012 at 5:54 AM PDT by Dan

Best of luck with the tests!

Private UserPosted on May 25, 2012 at 6:49 AM PDT by Private User

Hoping and praying that everything turns out ok for you! Good Luck and God Bless!

ValeriePosted on May 25, 2012 at 10:25 AM PDT by Valerie

Dan…wishing you luck and sending hugs and prayers that all comes out fine. I hate those “buts” too!

Private UserPosted on May 27, 2012 at 11:07 PM PDT by Private User

good luck Dan and keep us posted! Big hugs!
d xoxo

MendoguyPosted on June 1, 2012 at 7:19 PM PDT by Mendoguy

 Thanks, Mendo hope you are well and big hugs back to ya

DanPosted on June 4, 2012 at 7:53 AM PDT by Dan

Wish me luck!

I have been absent from the board for a while. I guess I have been trying to put the whole cancer thing out of my mind, unless I really had to think about it.

The good news is that I continue to be pain free, and aside from magic mouthwash I’m not taking any cancer meds. I can still feel the mucous building up in my throat.
I still can’t taste a lot of food, but enough to get by – so that’s a good thing.

I don’t think I have put any weight back on, but I will be weighed tomorrow – I am not concerned about weight loss because I did have those 60 pounds were extra :)

Last week I had my first follow up PET Scan and tomorrow I see my radiation oncologist to go over the results. What an important day for me and I gotta say, I am very nervous.

All the best to all of you and I hope you are doing as well as possible.

Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:25 AM PDT by Dan (, 5 comments, 1168 view)
texasjeff, kathysman threw a punch at your cancer.
islander sent you a prayer.
3 people sent you a hug.

I’m wishing you luck Dan, although I’m sure you will be ok. Your taste will take some time to come back, but, it will come. 60 lbs is a big loss but I’m sure you feel better without it.

Its ok to be nervous. I was very disappointed when my scan showed possible activity and a follow up MRI confirmed that it was only radiation scarring. Post one more blog after tomorrow appt. I’d like to hear how it went. Regards, Frank

Frank BaldizanPosted on May 23, 2012 at 11:37 AM PDT by Frank Baldizan

Thanks for your comments Frank. It must have been a relief to find out about the scarring.
I will definitely post the results.

DanPosted on May 23, 2012 at 11:47 AM PDT by Dan

God luck Tomorrow! like Frank said, the taste will come back, but AI still have problems with sweet, salt, and can live with that.

Private UserPosted on May 23, 2012 at 12:08 PM PDT by Private User

Sopunds like you are doing good. I hope and pray all is clear tomorrow. Let us know please.

SandyjoPosted on May 23, 2012 at 3:19 PM PDT by Sandyjo

Good Luck tomorrow! I know it’ll be all good news!

Private UserPosted on May 23, 2012 at 4:05 PM PDT by Private User
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