I caught the cancer

[tx 3 putt 76,582]

Condolences 

[jimmyjazz 45,627]

Goodness, to lose two wives to the same disease?  I can't imagine.

My father-in-law couldn't possibly have a day or two more in him.  It's just brutal to watch.  He is wracked with pain, in and out of lucidity, and he's scared.

At least we got one more classic asshole moment:  one of my wife's siblings made a comment about having to sell off dozens of sets of spurs -- my FIL is an artist and a rabid collector of Texas and SW art and artifacts -- and he immediately came out of his stupor with a "FUCK NO".  Well done, Fred.

[RDCanecutter 26,346]

21 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

At least we got one more classic asshole moment:  one of my wife's siblings made a comment about having to sell off dozens of sets of spurs -- my FIL is an artist and a rabid collector of Texas and SW art and artifacts -- and he immediately came out of his stupor with a "FUCK NO".  Well done, Fred.

Some other collector who appreciates them will benefit from wife's sibling's sloth and ignorance.

 

Me I don't know what I've got. Last scan showed the final lesion still small, but some new tiny ones <3mm trying to show off, and one new 6mm (1/4" for any moon residents) that Doc said on its own she wouldn't consider pathological, but with my history of spinning up monsters she was freaked about what to do. See, if I go back on Immunotherapy it's for a looong time. But right now no way to tell if this is real new cancer or random snot bubble.

So we are gonna let the thing get a little closer to the barricades, do another scan in 2 months, and if it grew, open up our squirrel guns and really give it hell. And it'll work or it won't. Meanwhile I'll walk around and have people tell me how healthy I look. I look MAHVELOUS.

[Gatorubet 30,163]

12 minutes ago, RDCanecutter said:

Some other collector who appreciates them will benefit from wife's sibling's sloth and ignorance.

 

Me I don't know what I've got. Last scan showed the final lesion still small, but some new tiny ones <3mm trying to show off, and one new 6mm (1/4" for any moon residents) that Doc said on its own she wouldn't consider pathological, but with my history of spinning up monsters she was freaked about what to do. See, if I go back on Immunotherapy it's for a looong time. But right now no way to tell if this is real new cancer or random snot bubble.

So we are gonna let the thing get a little closer to the barricades, do another scan in 2 months, and if it grew, open up our squirrel guns and really give it hell. And it'll work or it won't. Meanwhile I'll walk around and have people tell me how healthy I look. I look MAHVELOUS.

PET or CT?  if the latter  - can they do the former to see if the snot bubbles light up?

[RDCanecutter 26,346]

2 minutes ago, Gatorubet said:

PET or CT?  if the latter  - can they do the former to see if the snot bubbles light up?

Pretty sure CT and we'll be looking to see if it's grown and is doing a maniacal laugh. But I've had PET before and I'm sure I will again. At the PET place here they play relaxing music like that scene in Soylent Green. That was nice.

[bluto 4,898]

scans came back on my dad and it’s bad. When talking brain/cranial cancer the words “fingers” and “extensive” strike a sharp chord. Still sorting through it all, they are not certain if it’s the prostate coming back around or sarcoma, fortunately minimal pain. 
 

A body scan coming up to see true extent, talks of radiation and killing his testosterone in case it is prostate then immunotherapy. If it was chemo I’d wager he’d decline. 
 

hardest part is my mom went into it thinking it wasn’t going to be too bad of a report for some reason even though all the signs and history said otherwise, not sure if delusion or denial. It hit hard. Not much sleep happening tonight. 

[jimmyjazz 45,627]

Sorry, @bluto.  We just went thru that sequence with my father in law, as I've related on this thread.  He passed yesterday.  

Honestly, I'm pretty disgusted with our "need" to keep people propped up who are clearly terminal and in pain.  He went out like a champ, but for pity's sake, the constant extension of hope didn't do him any favors.

I hope I get hit by a bus.

[Etxhorn81 33]

Damn guys. Reading these updates are mostly a kick to the dick.  But, some fantastic news. 
 

i don’t have any words that haven’t been said already. 
 

there is no reason for any pain this day and age. Zero. There are so many medications that should just take all the pain and fears away when you get to the final days and hours. 
 

Just love everyone as hard as you can. This is the ultimate putting things in prospective thread; this piece is shit disease will impact every single person in one way or the other. 
 

i went 37 years with no family members with cancer, and then lost 5 close family members in 5 years.   Aunt, 3x uncle, and mom. 
 

Love to you all

[Bevo 13,534]

2 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

Sorry, @bluto.  We just went thru that sequence with my father in law, as I've related on this thread.  He passed yesterday.  

Honestly, I'm pretty disgusted with our "need" to keep people propped up who are clearly terminal and in pain.  He went out like a champ, but for pity's sake, the constant extension of hope didn't do him any favors.

I hope I get hit by a bus.

I hope to have sex with Gal Gadot. I guess different strokes for different folks.

[Brisketexan 104,782]

I hope to have sex with Gal Gadot. I guess different strokes for different folks.

Better chance of the bus thing happening.

[Bevo 13,534]

7 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

Better chance of the bus thing happening.

 

[Hate 20,104]

Kevorkian was right.  Everyone should have the right to check out gracefully.  I'd rather push the damn button myself after a 3 day party than wait until I have to be so loaded up with drugs just to mask the pain.  My particular prognosis is likely to be "good" all things considered, but if I ever hear that I have more than I can overcome?  I'm having a party and then walking out to the woods to do what needs to be done.

[Brisketexan 104,782]

Kevorkian was right.  Everyone should have the right to check out gracefully.  I'd rather push the damn button myself after a 3 day party than wait until I have to be so loaded up with drugs just to mask the pain.  My particular prognosis is likely to be "good" all things considered, but if I ever hear that I have more than I can overcome?  I'm having a party and then walking out to the woods to do what needs to be done.

Some friends of ours recently traveled to Switzerland for that exact purpose. He had ALS. He was able to check out himself, on his own terms.

[Bevo 13,534]

1 minute ago, Brisketexan said:

Some friends of ours recently traveled to Switzerland for that exact purpose. He had ALS. He was able to check out himself, on his own terms.

I know someone who just passed from ALS - She declined so fast after diagnosis that I don't think she would have had time to travel to Switzerland. She went from fine to feeding tube to death in less than a month and a half. OTOH, Stephen Hawking lived 55 years. It is a highly variable disease progression.

[jimmyjazz 45,627]

42 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

Better chance of the bus thing happening.

Don't you put that on me.  Holding out for Gal.  I mean, if my wife says "OK".  She'll probably say "bus".

[Damor 1,233]

After you ask your wife about Gal, she'll probably offer to drive the bus.

My dad brought up moving to Hawaii so that he would be eligible to invoke their Death with Dignity act when his time comes (he's worried about dementia, not cancer at present).  He and I are both docs, and he asked me if I had any ethical, professional, or spiritual reservations about that.  I was like,

Medicine is supposed to be about the relief of suffering.  Some suffering is meaningless and cruel.  Although progress is slow, I'm glad to see that we are shifting toward providing that relief.

[Sbbruin 21,785]

On 5/25/2022 at 10:14 AM, Sbbruin said:

Well, other than my wife, and my doctor, you fuckers are the only ones to know.  I had an endoscopy last Thursday as I have had increasing difficulty swallowing food.  The scope showed a stricture (narrowing of the esophagus near the stomach that he stretched out.  As a matter of course, like a colonoscopy, they took a few biopsies.  I got a call last night from my GE.  I got the cancer.  He's not an oncologist, so doesn't want to try to paint to much of a picture, but it's in the esophagus, so likely esophageal cancer.  That's not a good cancer.  Referred me to a top thoracic oncology surgeon at City of Hope.  Haven't yet connected.  Until the tests are done, really won't know the stage or any of that.  I've been literally having an out of body experience the last 18 hours.  Like it's somebody else.  But it's me.  Not sure how to process it.  Of course all I can think about is my family.  Son is graduating HS in a week.  I don't want this to fuck him up, so may wait to tell the kids until afterwards.  And he's planning on spending his first year of college in London.  I don't want this to fuck it up.  And, well, they really need me around.  

I'm having lunch with a few buddies today, one of which has brain cancer that is terminal.  He and I have been friends since we were kids.  I'll be driving him home.  He'll be the 2nd person I tell.  Figured he can relate.

 

One year ago today I got the "you got cancer" call.  Been a helluva a year.  Fight's not over, but the roughest part hopefully is.  Getting an MRI of the brain today.  They just want to make sure the daily nausea I'm having isn't brain related.  And another esophagogastroduodonoscopy next Wednesday.  My 4th.  But minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things.  

[Hate 20,104]

Keep kicking it’s ass Bruin.

[LCHorn 2,589]

I only ever click this thread with trepidation but I'm glad to see good news. 

[Brisketexan 104,782]

28 minutes ago, Sbbruin said:

esophagogastroduodonoscopy

And just like that, I just scored 237 points in a game of Scrabble.

[Damor 1,233]

^^^
Except it's esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

@Sbbruin gets a pass because chemo brain.

@Brisketexan, not so much.  Et tu, Plan II grad?

[Dbeasy 15,007]

On 5/14/2023 at 10:21 AM, Hate said:

I’m kind of in a holding pattern. I’ve got my appointments at MD Anderson, but they aren’t until July. They don’t seem too concerned about mine spreading or they would have moved me up. I have a meeting with a surgeon and an oncologist to discuss treatment paths. Until then, there isn’t too much to say. Every once in a while it does hit me, but it all still seems surreal. I’m sure it will become more real once July rolls around.

Just out of curiosity, how did you learn it was aggressive? Did you take a genomics test? Also, spend some time to get educated on the different treatment options and their pros and cons. Whoever you meet with will likely push one type of treatment. A surgeon will recommend surgery. A radiation oncolologist will recommend radiation of some type. There are about 20 different treatment options. Try www.PCf.org. 

[Brisketexan 104,782]

19 minutes ago, Damor said:

^^^
Except it's esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

@Sbbruin gets a pass because chemo brain.

@Brisketexan, not so much.  Et tu, Plan II grad?

Oh, sure,

[conVINCEd 21,468]

3 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

Oh, sure,

Wood. Now.  Not then.

[jimmyjazz 45,627]

14 minutes ago, conVINCEd said:

Wood. Now.  Not then.

Nice save.

[Sbbruin 21,785]

3 hours ago, Damor said:

^^^
Except it's esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

@Sbbruin gets a pass because chemo brain.

@Brisketexan, not so much.  Et tu, Plan II grad?

[Hate 20,104]

Just out of curiosity, how did you learn it was aggressive? Did you take a genomics test? Also, spend some time to get educated on the different treatment options and their pros and cons. Whoever you meet with will likely push one type of treatment. A surgeon will recommend surgery. A radiation oncolologist will recommend radiation of some type. There are about 20 different treatment options. Try www.PCf.org. 

It is not the aggressive kind. I’m fortunate that way. I almost feel like is shouldn’t post in this thread because what I have is 100% survivable. I may choose the radiation option or I may choose the surgery route. You can search the implications of prostate cancer if you want…let’s just say that the results of either path are less than desirable. I’d almost rather have a different kind of equally treatable cancer.

[conVINCEd 21,468]

1 hour ago, jimmyjazz said:

Nice save.

There was no edit.  I stayed my position clearly from the start.

[Damor 1,233]

I hate that this thread exists.

I love all of you fuckers posting in it.

[conVINCEd 21,468]

2 minutes ago, Damor said:

I hate that this thread exists.

I love all of you fuckers posting in it.

I sort of view it as my duty to cheer some people up.  If you are in the hospital getting chemo you deserve a slutty Emma Watson gif when you click on this thread to update us on your status.

[Victor Lazlo 1,773]

On 5/23/2023 at 12:31 AM, bluto said:

hardest part is my mom went into it thinking it wasn’t going to be too bad of a report for some reason even though all the signs and history said otherwise, not sure if delusion or denial. It hit hard. Not much sleep happening tonight. 

I’m truly sorry y’all are having to deal with this. Best wishes for your Dad, your Mom, and all of your family.

Regarding your Mom, I totally understand her mindset. Delusion and/or denial was the coping mechanism that allowed me to somewhat keep my sanity while I was caring for my wife as she was fighting a losing battle with cancer. After all, she was being treated by the best in the world - MD Anderson. They can fix everybody, right? 

That’s the mindset I had, and I suspect your Mom has. To think otherwise, well, you just don’t allow your mind to go there. It’s too terrible to contemplate while there is still a chance that things can get better.

I’m pulling for y’all that things can get better.

 

 

 

[Basil 745]

One year ago today I got the "you got cancer" call.  Been a helluva a year.  Fight's not over, but the roughest part hopefully is.  Getting an MRI of the brain today.  They just want to make sure the daily nausea I'm having isn't brain related.  And another esophagogastroduodonoscopy next Wednesday.  My 4th.  But minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things.  

Jesus Christ you twat. I was reading this thinking it was an update.

[Basil 745]

It is not the aggressive kind. I’m fortunate that way. I almost feel like is shouldn’t post in this thread because what I have is 100% survivable. I may choose the radiation option or I may choose the surgery route. You can search the implications of prostate cancer if you want…let’s just say that the results of either path are less than desirable. I’d almost rather have a different kind of equally treatable cancer.

They cut out all sorts of shit when I was resected. Told me temporary or permanent ED was a possible side effect. But I was at MDAnderson and had a very skilled surgeon. Ended up with no side effects. How much do you trust your surgeon, exactly?

[hookemATL 11,616]

16 hours ago, Sbbruin said:

One year ago today I got the "you got cancer" call.  Been a helluva a year.  Fight's not over, but the roughest part hopefully is.  Getting an MRI of the brain today.  They just want to make sure the daily nausea I'm having isn't brain related.  And another esophagogastroduodonoscopy next Wednesday.  My 4th.  But minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things.  

Fuck yea dude🤘

I think you’ve earned the Kirk Gibson lawnmower fist pump 1000x over

[Hate 20,104]

They cut out all sorts of shit when I was resected. Told me temporary or permanent ED was a possible side effect. But I was at MDAnderson and had a very skilled surgeon. Ended up with no side effects. How much do you trust your surgeon, exactly?

I haven’t met him yet, but I’m going to MD Anderson fro treatment. And that’s one of the questions I need to ask. You read all of the stats on recovery and they say X percent have side effects. Well, I assume that a pretty good portion of that X percent didn’t go to a surgeon that uses robotics and does 7 or 8 of these a week as opposed to using their hands and doing 7 or 8 a year. I would assume the MD Anderson success rate is much higher. We’ll see.

[Stringer 1,437]

On 2/5/2023 at 5:05 PM, Stringer said:

We’re planning a Thank You dinner for my friends next month for everyone who helped us over the last 6 months. When I think about what I’m going to say about my wife, I tear up every time. She has been unbelievable. She is a successful real estate lawyer, is on the board of the Thinkery children’s museum, we have a 3 and 6 year old at home, we are working on a home addition and she takes care of my leukemia riddled ass. I got the best one there is.

Going down to Houston for round 6 of 6 next week. From there, we just keep our fingers crossed that it doesn’t come back. If it does, we go to marrow transplant. I really hope we don’t have to do that as it can be pretty dangerous. At the very least, I should be “normal” for a time even if it does come back. The 2 year mark is the big one and then 5 year mark. After that, the chances of relapse are low.

Good luck to all of you guys. I am very happy that we’re going through this now and not decades ago. The advances are crazy and I hope they keep coming. My doctor said they are hoping for a pill to take care of leukemia orally in the next 10-15 years. Insane stuff.

Quoting myself for a little follow up.  

After 6 rounds, the levels were really low, but there, so we moved to a trial oral drug.  A couple of weeks into that, the cancer cells showed strong signs of regeneration.  It's not back yet, but it's coming sooner than later.  So, we are going to transplant as soon as we get insurance approvals (our medical system is broken) and get a donor set up.  Donors are identified, but they can't schedule until insurance is approved.

Basically, once we're all set, I'm going to Houston for roughly 100 days, 30ish in the hospital and 70ish isolated in an apartment near MD Anderson.  I can have one visitor at a time and need 24/7 monitoring when I get to the apartment.  I can't see my kids (3 and 6) the whole time we're going through this as they are germ factories.  I'm going to be super tired and beaten down the entire time and the recovery is brutal.  That's if things go great.

There is a also a 10-15% chance of mortality.  So, I could leave my house in a few weeks and never see my kids again.  I know that's true of everyone at any time, but it's different when you're choosing (right or wrongly) to put yourself in that position.  The good news is I am a healthy (you know, other than cancer) 41 year old with very good donor matches.  I am also going to be at MD Anderson where they do this all of the time and have a whole floor of just bone marrow transplants.  That decreases the mortality chances.

It's going to be tough road, but as long as I get to the other side, I don't care how hard it is.  Godspeed to all of you guys.

[Sbbruin 21,785]

15 minutes ago, Stringer said:

Quoting myself for a little follow up.  

After 6 rounds, the levels were really low, but there, so we moved to a trial oral drug.  A couple of weeks into that, the cancer cells showed strong signs of regeneration.  It's not back yet, but it's coming sooner than later.  So, we are going to transplant as soon as we get insurance approvals (our medical system is broken) and get a donor set up.  Donors are identified, but they can't schedule until insurance is approved.

Basically, once we're all set, I'm going to Houston for roughly 100 days, 30ish in the hospital and 70ish isolated in an apartment near MD Anderson.  I can have one visitor at a time and need 24/7 monitoring when I get to the apartment.  I can't see my kids (3 and 6) the whole time we're going through this as they are germ factories.  I'm going to be super tired and beaten down the entire time and the recovery is brutal.  That's if things go great.

There is a also a 10-15% chance of mortality.  So, I could leave my house in a few weeks and never see my kids again.  I know that's true of everyone at any time, but it's different when you're choosing (right or wrongly) to put yourself in that position.  The good news is I am a healthy (you know, other than cancer) 41 year old with very good donor matches.  I am also going to be at MD Anderson where they do this all of the time and have a whole floor of just bone marrow transplants.  That decreases the mortality chances.

It's going to be tough road, but as long as I get to the other side, I don't care how hard it is.  Godspeed to all of you guys.

Head down and pedal to the metal.  You got this.  And the road to the other side is there.  Just keep fighting.  You got this.

[Dbeasy 15,007]

14 hours ago, Hate said:

It is not the aggressive kind. I’m fortunate that way. I almost feel like is shouldn’t post in this thread because what I have is 100% survivable. I may choose the radiation option or I may choose the surgery route. You can search the implications of prostate cancer if you want…let’s just say that the results of either path are less than desirable. I’d almost rather have a different kind of equally treatable cancer.

If it’s not aggressive and rated Gleeson 6, you might want to look at active surveillance. That has become acceptable practice even at the top hospitals like Mayo Clinic. 

[Hate 20,104]

If it’s not aggressive and rated Gleeson 6, you might want to look at active surveillance. That has become acceptable practice even at the top hospitals like Mayo Clinic. 

My Gleason score is 3/4 (7) and 5 out of 12 samples came back cancerous.

[Dbeasy 15,007]

32 minutes ago, Hate said:

My Gleason score is 3/4 (7) and 5 out of 12 samples came back cancerous.

Ah, right that requires action. I’ll be interested in what you select. From what I’ve heard, some folks at MD Anderson are very pro- proton therapy. 

[Hate 20,104]

Ah, right that requires action. I’ll be interested in what you select. From what I’ve heard, some folks at MD Anderson are very pro- proton therapy. 

I’ve got an appointment in July with the surgeon and then a team of oncologists. I’m likely choosing between the lesser of two shitty solutions, but I’ll make the best decision I can for the long term.

[Sbbruin 21,785]

So I had a brain MRI as I have been dealing with really rough nausea and they can’t seem to figure it out.  The MRI didn’t figure that out, but showed a 5 mm lesion.  So met with the doc yesterday and he said, “well, looks like you had a minor stroke.”  I said well that’s just one theory right?  Well, no, that’s likely what happened.  No symptoms, beyond my normal cognitive shortcomings, but wasn’t very reassuring.  Going to meet with a neurologist, but it likely stems from the pulmonary embolisms I had some months back.  2 steps forward, one step back it seems.  
 

[RDCanecutter 26,346]

23 hours ago, Sbbruin said:

So I had a brain MRI as I have been dealing with really rough nausea and they can’t seem to figure it out.  The MRI didn’t figure that out, but showed a 5 mm lesion.  So met with the doc yesterday and he said, “well, looks like you had a minor stroke.”  I said well that’s just one theory right?  Well, no, that’s likely what happened.  No symptoms, beyond my normal cognitive shortcomings, but wasn’t very reassuring.  Going to meet with a neurologist, but it likely stems from the pulmonary embolisms I had some months back.  2 steps forward, one step back it seems.  
 

That's why they design us with two brains. The big one goes out, you still have your dick to lead you around.

[Armybrat 40,759]

But what if the dick shorts out tho?

asking for myse…..Uh, friend.

[Wally Fairway 5,532]

So today it hit home - Mrs Fairway was told that her mole removal tested positive for Melanoma, and she is scheduled to go in next week to have another biopsy and make sure the margins are clean. 

I'm asking for 2 things to help

- what should I read, google has a billion links, but I need to read real stuff; so I'm focusing on MD Anderson, Mayo, American Cancer Society
- tell me why we shouldn't be getting her to MD Anderson for evaluation and treatment (if they take our insurance, or even if they don't)

the hardest part right now it trying to breathe, be rational and not panic

(btw - this confirms that Surly is closer than family, as we haven' told anyone yet)

[Not that Bob 735]

You gotta make this decision on your own, with wife of course, but I have had two friends cured of Melanoma at MD Anderson. I have nothing but good to say about that place.

Peace to you and the spouse. 

I find The Mayo Clinic informative, accessible and up to date. Be sure to scroll down to find link to next section.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884

Edited June 29, 2023 by Not that Bob
Reasons

[Sbbruin 21,785]

7 hours ago, Wally Fairway said:

So today it hit home - Mrs Fairway was told that her mole removal tested positive for Melanoma, and she is scheduled to go in next week to have another biopsy and make sure the margins are clean. 

I'm asking for 2 things to help

- what should I read, google has a billion links, but I need to read real stuff; so I'm focusing on MD Anderson, Mayo, American Cancer Society
- tell me why we shouldn't be getting her to MD Anderson for evaluation and treatment (if they take our insurance, or even if they don't)

the hardest part right now it trying to breathe, be rational and not panic

(btw - this confirms that Surly is closer than family, as we haven' told anyone yet)

Careful what you read on the internet.  I googled my way around and it led me to some real dark places.  Whatever medical center you go with, listen to your doctors.  City of Hope has been remarkable, but there are high quality hospitals all over.  Are you in Texas?  If so, Anderson's reputation is top flight.  Just don't panic.  Do the work you're told to do.  Show up where they tell you.  And soon enough, god willing, it'll be behind you.  Peace to you and your wife.  You got this.

I hate new entries on this thread.  Fuck you cancer, you cunt.  

Edited June 29, 2023 by Sbbruin

[tx 3 putt 76,582]

On 5/25/2023 at 11:33 AM, Stringer said:

Quoting myself for a little follow up.  

After 6 rounds, the levels were really low, but there, so we moved to a trial oral drug.  A couple of weeks into that, the cancer cells showed strong signs of regeneration.  It's not back yet, but it's coming sooner than later.  So, we are going to transplant as soon as we get insurance approvals (our medical system is broken) and get a donor set up.  Donors are identified, but they can't schedule until insurance is approved.

Basically, once we're all set, I'm going to Houston for roughly 100 days, 30ish in the hospital and 70ish isolated in an apartment near MD Anderson.  I can have one visitor at a time and need 24/7 monitoring when I get to the apartment.  I can't see my kids (3 and 6) the whole time we're going through this as they are germ factories.  I'm going to be super tired and beaten down the entire time and the recovery is brutal.  That's if things go great.

There is a also a 10-15% chance of mortality.  So, I could leave my house in a few weeks and never see my kids again.  I know that's true of everyone at any time, but it's different when you're choosing (right or wrongly) to put yourself in that position.  The good news is I am a healthy (you know, other than cancer) 41 year old with very good donor matches.  I am also going to be at MD Anderson where they do this all of the time and have a whole floor of just bone marrow transplants.  That decreases the mortality chances.

It's going to be tough road, but as long as I get to the other side, I don't care how hard it is.  Godspeed to all of you guys.

give it hell. Fight it with everything you have 

[RDCanecutter 26,346]

6 hours ago, Wally Fairway said:

So today it hit home - Mrs Fairway was told that her mole removal tested positive for Melanoma, and she is scheduled to go in next week to have another biopsy and make sure the margins are clean. 

I'm asking for 2 things to help

- what should I read, google has a billion links, but I need to read real stuff; so I'm focusing on MD Anderson, Mayo, American Cancer Society
- tell me why we shouldn't be getting her to MD Anderson for evaluation and treatment (if they take our insurance, or even if they don't)

the hardest part right now it trying to breathe, be rational and not panic

(btw - this confirms that Surly is closer than family, as we haven' told anyone yet)

Cancer kinda sucks, sorry to hear she got it.

I wouldn't google a damn thing. I did that and it was terrifying, and google doesn't tell you about the cutting-edge treatment that just got invented and that your doc is going to use to heal you.

As for hospitals in Texas, I know nothing. I'd just ask around and go to the best doctor you can find, not too old not too young. Then, let the doctor take care of the doctoring and y'all go enjoy life, because no matter what kind of cancer we get, it's still some mouthbreather watching TikTok videos while driving who's gonna take us out.

[Gladeite 375]

7 hours ago, Wally Fairway said:

So today it hit home - Mrs Fairway was told that her mole removal tested positive for Melanoma, and she is scheduled to go in next week to have another biopsy and make sure the margins are clean. 

I'm asking for 2 things to help

- what should I read, google has a billion links, but I need to read real stuff; so I'm focusing on MD Anderson, Mayo, American Cancer Society
- tell me why we shouldn't be getting her to MD Anderson for evaluation and treatment (if they take our insurance, or even if they don't)

the hardest part right now it trying to breathe, be rational and not panic

(btw - this confirms that Surly is closer than family, as we haven' told anyone yet)

We went thru this.  My wife had a mole on the back of her neck that looked kinda funky.  Had a biopsy done and it came back melanoma.  I think it was Stage 2.  Went in and took a much longer and wider piece than I thought possible and the lymph nodes on either side of it.  Margins and lymph nodes came back clear.  No other issues in last 10 years other than wide brim hats, sun screen and long sleeve shirts when out in the sun.