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Carcinoma
NMB, Florida February 1, 2002 A.H. Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on Issues, Ideas and Reflections on the Times. Published Now and
Then. Opinions Pro or Con Are Welcome.
CARCINOMA
One of the most frightening things for a thinking animal is knowing a
cancer is growing within you. Carol admits that this was her one great
fear. Now it is here and she is dealing with it the best that she can.
Having gotten through having both her knees replaced and on the verge of
being discharged from the hospital a month and a half ago she discovered a
lump behind her left ear. We have spent the time being concerned since
doctors thought it was a clogged salivary gland to today when we sat with
the surgeon who will go in after a not-so-benign tumor. She hardly felt the
presence of this unwanted growth.
Carol has seen three doctors and two dentists as well as the surgeon who
replaced her knees. All thought that the "lump" was a benign thing.
Despite such assurances the need to have MRIs and a biopsy of the cells of
the substance extracted and studied proceeded while precious time passed.
Carol is concerned that this examination and an operation will interfere
with the time needed to strengthen her knees and increase her ability to
walk normally. All of the pain involved with her knees has concentrated her
attention on them. The "lump" was never thought to be a cancer that needed
complicated surgery so quickly following her knee "procedure".
Her cancer is located in the parotid gland behind and circles her left ear.
It is a slow growing cancer and involves a complex of facial nerves and the
surgeon has been careful to outline the possible outcomes. One of the worst
case scenarios of extracting the tumor is to damage the nerve affecting her
mouth. She will, in any event, need radiation following the operation.
None of this was anticipated in the days of pain waiting to walk on strange
new knees. None of this was wanted and we ask ourselves, of course, why
Carol? Her crying at the shock of learning her diagnosis is over. Friends
and family are joining in supporting her at this trying time. Our thanks
are given to all for all the good thoughts, prayers and help.
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