parotid gland cancer & Happy Thanksgiving

[gsmraxe]

hi all. 

I went for a biopsy of my parotid and the Endo called me today to tell me it was cancer.  She didn't know what type of cancer, she's supposed to speak with the dr in pathology (at the hospital) next Wednesday. 

My question, if this turns out to be lymphoma, how critical is it for me to start going to a Rheumatologist?  I've been avoiding it for almost 1-1/2 years, I went at the initial diagnosis, but I didn't see the need for it, since my symptoms aren't very bad.  I'm also allergic to doctors, they make me ill.   

I read in an article, that when a SJS patient gets lymphoma, the SJS is a fairly advanced case.  Can anyone else confirm this info?

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Babs659]

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  You must be scared.  I can't offer any advise except to let you know I'm thinking about you.

[Linda196]

Lymphoma is actually one of the rarer types of malignancy in the parotid gland, much more common is one based in the epithelial cells, and it is usually low grade, slow to spread, and has a high survival rate.

I don't know about any corelation between the presentation of lymphoma and the state of advancement of SjS, in fact there are cases where the SjS is diagnosed incidentally after the lymphoma, and is not severe enough to have sent the patient to the doctor for diagnosis until the lymphoma symptoms presented.

At this point, a rheumatologist wouldn't be my first choice, I'd prefer to be in the care of an oncologist (cancer specialist).

[gsmraxe]

Thanks Babs 

Linda, very good advice, I was going to ask my surgeon to refer me to an oncologist when I go see him on Tuesday.  I already picked one I want him to refer me too.  I was thinking ahead.  maybe she can also treat my Medullary thyroid cancer as well.

[lynnmarie219]

I'm so sorry to hear of your most recent diagnosis.....and that you have to wait until Wednesday to get more information, BUT as Linda explained....here's hoping that this type that you have is slow growing and low grade!


Please keep us posted on how you are doing and what they find out!

Keeping you in my thoughts....

 

[Cheryl]

Gsmraxe,
  I'm sorry you have another condition to deal with.   I hope your oncologist can treat both sites with the same meds.   

  I have had lymphoma, and my sjogrens symptoms weren't severe at the time, so I don't think it would indicate that your Sjogrens has advanced.   However, I think it would probably be a good idea to have a rheumy that you know and trust. 

[season]

Is the parotid gland located just under the eye or is it located under the ear along the jaw line?

[Epson]

GSMRAXE,

I have been in the same position, that big C scare it really sucks, but thing have a way of working out, but it still sucks.  I would definitely go to an oncologist as soon as possible so you know what your facing and get this mess behind you.  Sounds like it is very treatable.  It is truly amazing what they can do today, but it's still a pain in the a$$.

I found that you have to just truck through something like this and keep a positive attitude and in your mind know that everything will be okay.  I like that "Parotid gland cancer & Happy Thanks giving" that's how my sick mind works.

[harrigan]

Thinking of you GSMRAXE - you have a lot to take in at the moment.  When you get a quiet spot, write down all your questions and concerns.  Ask them all at your next appointment, whoever that is.  If they can't answer, ask to be seen by a specialist who can help with those problems.  It may mean seeing a range of Drs but your peace of mind and wellbeing are paramount when dealing with this.

Thoughts with you xx Ailsa

[Scottietottie]

Hi gsmraxe

I, too, am sorry to hear about your latest dx. I thought that what Linda wrote was reassuring and from your posts, you strike me as having a good attitude for dealing with and fighting this.

Keep us posted. We're here for you.

Take care - Scottie

[Billydude]

To the earlier question.  The parotid gland is just below the ears.     I wondering what was going on that lead to the biopsy?   I've had swollen parotid glands for years now but noone has ever suggested a biopsy.      So sorry to hear of your result but the lymphoma cancer is very treatable and slow growing.

[Katybarstool]

I'm really sorry to hear about your latest diagnosis. Like Scottie, and the others, I will be sending you positive vibes for Tuesday.

Kathyx

[jaygee]

Wow, I am sorry to hear this.  Hope you get a good specialist to help sort things out quickly.   xx

[gsmraxe]

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone.  And yes, Epson, my mind is a sick one too :-)  I like your sense of humor..You never cease to make me laugh.

Billydude, I had a CT scan of my head, chest and abdomen after my thyroid surgery.  My Endo was afraid I had tumors elsewhere.  Medullary cancer loves lungs, livers and bones for distant metastises   She assumed it was Medullary cancer, but it's not. 

Scottie, I'm not sure if it's a good attitude, or just the will to stick around to annoy the entire world :-)

Appt with surgeon on Tuesday, and I hopefully find out what kind of cancer this is...I sure hope this is the last of the upsets, I'm sick of cancer already.   

[Patze]

Hi gsmraxe,

Wow, I'm sorry to hear of the latest developments, and I wish you the best and hope that you can see the oncologist soon.

Take care and please keep us updated, okay?


Patze