Questions concerning my diagnosis of laryngeal cancer

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
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My sincere appreciation to "all" of you for your best wishes, concerns, and prayers. Thank you.

I will try to answer all your questions. Yes, I have had head and neck CT scans, MRI's with and without dye, visited ENT, neurologists, orthodontist, endodentist, pain specialists, and all were suppose to be excellent in their field. I have been picked, poked, and maybe even skewered. :) After 2 or 3 months, the typical meds sent me to ER several times vomiting bile and dehydrated. I even visited a laser clinic for about 5 weeks to no avail.

A few months ago after visiting a reputable neurosurgeon, I was told he could not find a blood vessel pressing on a nerve. About 3 months later, it had become so bad that I had lost 95% of my ability to swallow anything and I was wasting away to skelton proportions. At this time, I KNEW somthing had to be done, as I know longer wanted to exhist this way.

Cleveland Clinic is about a 7 hr.drive, which is duable. I made an appointment with one of their neurologists. After my appointment he referred me to their pain clinic and that very day they discovered the spot (cancer) in my throat. They did this by a simple office exam. First they sprayed a numbing mist in both nostrils and put a scope through my nasal passage and looked down my throat. I could even see it myself as I asked to look at the monitor at the side of my chair.

By this time, I had almost completely stopped swallowing, including saliva, due to the pain. Also, my throat was sore and I had an extremely raspy voice. The typical symptoms of throat cancer. I was scheduled for a biopsy and immediately following, I, strangely, could swallow and eat or drink anything. Boy, did I eat. Two weeks following the biopsy, I had my surgery. This past week, I am slowly getting my strength back and eating again. I must still meet again with my head and neck surgeon ,Dr. Khan. Also, he wants me to meet with a couple other Drs. One does laser and one a radiologists. All lymph nodes were healthy but I made need a few cells lasered near the vocal cords which showed dysplasia. However I have to will wait until I meet with both Drs. Unbelieveably, the pain from the neuralgia stopped after the bioposy and has not returned as yet.

I cannot figure out for the life of me why I know longer have this bone jarring pain???

I have tried to give you a quick synoposis and answer your questions. If I have not answered your question, please let me know and I will do so. Thanks to all and keep me in your prayers, as I have you.

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My first thought was that the GPN symptoms may have saved your life. Reading the details, could there be any other explanation? Will continue to hold you up in prayer.

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Thanks Nancy Jo. I private messaged you earlier, but in this discussion you have answered my questions.

I am so happy that you are pain and cancer free! Maybe it was the spot that was causing all of the pain after all? Who knows?!

Continued thoughts to you during your recovery and have a Blessed, Wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Hugs, Kara

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Donna, I had those same thoughts but what happened to the GPN?? Believe me those bone shaking ice picks were REAL. The only difference I notice between me and others was the occasional relapse in pain. Mine was constant and varied only in the intensity of the pain level. I try not to dwell on the fact that this lasted nonstop for two years, lost ability to swallow and now cancer surgery. I firmly believe God has answered prayers. I am slowly getting my strength back but still need and appreciate your prayers.

Donna said:

My first thought was that the GPN symptoms may have saved your life. Reading the details, could there be any other explanation? Will continue to hold you up in prayer.
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Kara, sorry about missing the private message. I have not been on this site alot, nor do I have much experience with this. The slight was not intended. You are so right when you say "who knows???" The Dr. says it wasn't the spot but the pain is gone. I just hope it never returns. Thanks for your concern and may you also have a very Blessed Holiday.

Kara Wilson said:

Thanks Nancy Jo. I private messaged you earlier, but in this discussion you have answered my questions.

I am so happy that you are pain and cancer free! Maybe it was the spot that was causing all of the pain after all? Who knows?!

Continued thoughts to you during your recovery and have a Blessed, Wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Hugs, Kara

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Nancy Jo,

Thank you for shareing. I hope you do not get a return of the pain. You are in my prayers.

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Nancy,

Many times through hardships we find salvation. I am so very happy for you not having nerve pain any longer. Accept it as a gift. You are a remarkable woman & have given so many Hope that is at times hard to find. Even though your cancer was the catalyst it's still miraculous. My husband developed oral cancer and was misdiagnosed. He never used any tobacco products in his life. He also described the diagnostics as you did. I had to chuckle when I read your descriptions. I also have three disorders. One being Geniculate Neuralgia, so I relate on so many levels. Cranial Nerve Disorders are so incredibly painful and debilitating most will never understand. I had a 99% successful MVD & even though I had side effects for a short time. Waking up after 4.5 years of stabbing ear pain that was gone was a moment I will never forget. I will pray your GPN & Cancer never return. It is okay to be elated. You received a true Christmas Miracle.

Tracy Z.

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Tracy Z "THANK YOU" for your encouragement. I am grateful that I know longer have that terrible pain in my head. Yes,I need to accept it as a gift and my Christmas Miracle. Geez, I am trying but sometimes the thought of that pain enters my mind and I am terrified. However, your words ring so true and I want to remember and cherrish them.

I am extremely happy to hear that your MVD worked and the pain is gone. It does my heart good to hear of one person who is no longer experiencing this horrific pain.

On more than one occasion, I had memtioned to someone that I could no longer pray. I expected a sermon but instead they commented they had experienced the same thing and were banning together to lift me up. What a wonderful thing to say and it gave me

Tracy, I don't feel remarkable and have no idea how I have helped anyone. However, if I have brought some encouragement to anyone then I am happy. Again, thank you, for your encouragement. Your comments have touched me deeply and your encouragement has been GREATLY appreciated. God bless.

Tracy Z. said:

Nancy,

Many times through hardships we find salvation. I am so very happy for you not having nerve pain any longer. Accept it as a gift. You are a remarkable woman & have given so many Hope that is at times hard to find. Even though your cancer was the catalyst it's still miraculous. My husband developed oral cancer and was misdiagnosed. He never used any tobacco products in his life. He also described the diagnostics as you did. I had to chuckle when I read your descriptions. I also have three disorders. One being Geniculate Neuralgia, so I relate on so many levels. Cranial Nerve Disorders are so incredibly painful and debilitating most will never understand. I had a 99% successful MVD & even though I had side effects for a short time. Waking up after 4.5 years of stabbing ear pain that was gone was a moment I will never forget. I will pray your GPN & Cancer never return. It is okay to be elated. You received a true Christmas Miracle.

Tracy Z.