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Friday, November 22, 2019

My First 24-Hours After Being Diagnosed With Adenocarcinoma


The one thing Alma Jean didn't like about this snapshot was
that it made her look much happier than she really felt,
having just had a good cry. (photo by RN Michele Fortuna)

My surgery at the Martha Jefferson Surgical Center yesterday took longer than expected, and while everything went well, we learned that the tumor in my parotid gland represents a form of cancer called adenocarcinoma, a not so welcome piece of news. We were assured that it was all safely removed but I'll probably have to have a series of radiation treatments to make sure it doesn't reoccur.

I had a mostly restful night, with more discomfort from having had a breathing tube in my throat during the surgery than from the incision itself. The one Tylenol (Extra Strength) I took at bedtime may have helped, too, but I felt no need for the Percocet prescribed to take if needed. 

All the love and support from Alma Jean, other loved members of my family, church family, and many friends and colleagues were also a blessing beyond belief. And then there was the good work done by my ENT specialist and surgeon Dr. Alexiou and his staff (the best), and all the good folks at Martha Jefferson.

For all of my readers, a lesson to be learned is that any kind of suspicious growth on your face or anywhere else on your body should be treated with, well, suspicion. And as in my case, don't hesitate to get a second or even third opinion. Surprisingly, even then the biopsy done prior to surgery didn't indicate that my tumor was malignant. That was discovered during the surgery yesterday.

Our two remaining concerns following a check up with the surgeon this morning are: a) I'm having some impairment in tongue movement on the side of the face that was operated on, which somewhat affects my normal eating and speaking and may have resulted from some nerve damage during the delicate surgery; b) The several somewhat enlarged lymph nodes Dr. Lexiou decided to remove while doing the procedure are awaiting important lab results which we should have by Wednesday. If those are completely cancer free, then I can be considered "cured" unless some new malignancy occurs. If not, there is at least some possibility that other lymph nodes may be affected as well. In either case, radiation treatment should begin in a month or so.

Meanwhile, I should be able to return to some work (hopefully half time as before) and other normal activities in two weeks, so I'll not likely fully retire or disengage any time soon.

Adenocarcinoma in a parotid gland (in front of ones ear) is very rare, and in most cases, very treatable, yet just to know a cancer has invaded your body is a scary thing. So far, I'm sure I'm still in Kubler-Ross's "Stage One" in my grieving process, experiencing some disbelief and denial. But my prognosis is good, and I know that in God's economy, no experience has to go to waste.

Here's a promise a good friend shared with us from the Amplified Version of Hebrews 13:5:

(God) has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

8 comments:

  1. So sorry for your health issues. Thanks for alerting us. Holding you and yours in the Light of God's Love. Godspeed your recovery!

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  2. You probably look happier than you felt too, Harvey! It's not great news you heard, but also not bad to know that after some radiation it should be taken care of. That is my prayer for you. Jean

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  3. Did not know about this, Harvey. Bad news, for sure, but hopefully they got it all. For what it's worth, I'll be thinking of you and hoping only the best for you. You're a good man, Harvey.

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  4. Uncle Harvey, I am sure this would be a stretching experience. May you experience the presence of God.
    Duane and Ruth

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  5. I’m sorry to hear you have had additional health problems. I am holding you in the Light, Harvey.

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  6. Good Morning Uncle Harvey and Aunt Alma Jean,
    Just letting you know, that I am watching for and reading your reports on how you are both doing. I am very sad they discovered adenocarcinoma.
    I am also continuing to lift you both up in prayer for healing, comfort and assurance that God is walking closely with you throughout this ordeal/very stressful time. Also thankful that today many great medical achievements have been found than back 12 years ago when Dale was diagnosnosed. You are in our prayers and trusting that you are in very good hands with doctors who are knowledgeable and will give you terrific healing treatments. Love you both very much. Jeanne

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  7. May you and Alma Jean know God's continual and comforting presence. Sounds like there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. Shalom, Dennis

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  8. We have been repeatedly blessed by your blog. Praying for your recovery.

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