lifeafter

Life After Cancer

Radiation Therapy:

In February of 1997 I began a 28 day regimen of Radiation Therapy. This involved a preliminary examination with a Radiation Oncologist and Radiological Technician. At this time I was examined and the statistics regarding the success of follow-up radiation therapy were discussed. Then we went through a setup of the fields in which the radiation would be applied. I was tattooed with register marks, and the fields were plotted. From these measurements Lead Blocks were made so that the radiation would be properly applied. I was told that because of the neck dissection that they would be radiating four aspects of the surgical area; either side of my neck, directly into the stoma, and along the incision on the left shoulder where the Sternocleoidalmastoid (SCM) muscle was removed.

The side effects were also explained. These included, (from my recollection), stoma drying (it did), burning of the skin, ( I said I had a bitchin nuclear tan), and fatigue. I was still on light duty work schedule at my job (20-30 hr week), so I would go into the Radiation Oncology Center each morning before work. This gets to be a tiring and tedious process. To keep me motivated, and as a reward for being a "good boy" I would treat myself to a Cafe Mocha at one of those trendy coffee shops.

I met a lot of other Cancer Patients at this time. We talked about our treatments, and the similarities of our treatments. What amazed me though is how important family and their support were to these folks. I saw a great number wonderful love stories being played out before my eyes. I was alone, but I was glad to know that these other folks had someone to help them.

In July of 1997 I received a second operation that I was told would change my life by giving me a natural voice. Until this time I had been using a Servox, ( also known as an electro larynx). This device allows a laryngectomee (larrie), to communicate with an electronic voice. I assumed a new nickname then, my friends called me BUZZ. I like to talk a lot, so my biggest problem was that I kept running the battery down.

The surgical procedure that was performed was a Tracheoesophogeal Puncture (TEP). This involves punching a hole through the Esophagus into the trachea. The A Catheter was then placed through the tracheostoma into the esophageous. This was in place for a week. At time my Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) inserted a Prosthetic device that I could remove and clean daily. After that I could occlude the stoma, forcing air into the esophagus which would vibrate allowing me to speak in a hoarse sounding whisper.

A couple of weeks later, a more permanent device called an Indwelling prosthesis was placed and I did not have to remove and clean it everyday. I was also given a "hands-free" valve that by air pressure (out), and allow the prosthesis to work without using a finger or thumb to occlude the stoma. The indwelling prosthesis was a Provox I, and the valve was manufactured by Bivona Medical. You can visit their sites on the web for more information. I have also used the INHEALTH Technologies Humidifier valve. I move a lot of air and these were not very useful to me. I now use the Provox Heat Moisture Exchange System (HME). I have to push a button to occlude the valve, but it works much better for me.

In my experience, I spent a lot of time learning all these things on my own. I hope this may help someone to know what to ask their ENT Surgeon, Oncologist and SLP when making their plans.

More Problems:

In July of 1997, shortly after the surgery, I started feeling hopeless and tired all the time. I had just returned from a trip to see my sons (I had to be removed from the plane unconscious on the way there in Nashville, TN as I had a seizure in mid-flight from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX. in June). I started looking at all of the losses I had suffered as a result of my disease, I became angry and bitter. Divorce, Cancer, Follow Up visits with my surgeon, all had taken their toll. A deep depression had set in.

My doctor did tests and prescribed an anti-depressant (Zoloft), and the thyroid drug, Synthroid. I went into therapy, first with my EAP from work and then with my Insurance from my job. I was on a roller coaster ride. My feeling of self-worth and self-esteem had plummeted. The therapy helped to "even" me out... but I hardly ever felt good for even a total day. My life was out of my control and I was afraid to do anything. I managed to go to work but that was about it. I isolated. Stayed in my room. Had a very limited social life, only going out when I could not come up with an excuse not to.

In June of 1999, after being hospitalized for a crisis episode at work, I was diagnosed with Severe Major Depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My physician at the time thought that I might be Bi-Polar, that diagnosis has been recently affirmed! I have been on disability since that time as my moods can not be regulated as yet with medication and therapy. Part of the problem has been due to finances, and the inability to pay for the medications prescribed. I am currently getting the needed assistance for my medications and therapy and am able to see some improvement. There is hope! I have subsequently been diagnosed with severe emphysemia and Asthma and am now in treatment for this as well.l