A
Amaris
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Agreed. From what I can see, I think everything will work out on the upside, and that you will only grow stronger from this, Tora.
Tora Ziyal has cancer
- Thread starter Tora Ziyal
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Agreed. From what I can see, I think everything will work out on the upside, and that you will only grow stronger from this, Tora.
Actually, when I read the bionic part I pictured you in a 70s jumpsuit running in slow motion, but that's probably just me showing my age.
I'm so glad things are starting to look better, and will continue to keep you in my thoughts.
You have both from me.
...
He also said it isn't urgent that I have the surgery in the next few weeks. As slow-growing as chordomas are and as large as mine is, it's been around for a very long time.
And he thinks the "remote possibility" of it being metastasis from elsewhere is extremely remote. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck... it's a chordoma. Yes, he really put it that way.
...
ETA that the new doc just e-mailed me that he will see me tomorrow at 2 p.m.. Not his office staff, but the doc himself, from his iPhone. Impressive!
All good news, as these things go. Sounds like he's actually looking forward to an interesting operation, which is usually a good sign from a surgeon as it generally coincides with their being awake during surgery.
(I've always been one of those who doesn't care what kind of person a surgeon is, as long as they're a) very experienced, and b) willing to turn their brain on while in theatre.)
What a blessing to come back in the morning to so many caring responses!
Chemo and radiation are unlikely unless I take part in clinical trials. Most primary bone cancers, including this one, don't respond to chemo. And the doc yesterday said this one doesn't respond well to radiation, either. Hence the enormous pressure to get the surgery just right. (Not too hot, not too cold...)
Courage? Yeah, I have a lot on some days. On others, none at all.
Yes, when you put it that way, it does sound manageable.
The only thing I would add to a and b is that they communicate well enough (and willingly enough) that I get all the information I need to make decisions and take care of myself.
Holdfast, I know you, too, are a fan of Therapy Tales. Actually, I think I discovered it through your blog. Anyway, two nights ago, I had been telling a friend about the transference duck. So when the doc started using the duck analogy the next morning to talk about the chordoma, I burst into totally inappropriate giggles. And then tried to explain myself, which of course only made things worse.
Chemo and radiation are unlikely unless I take part in clinical trials. Most primary bone cancers, including this one, don't respond to chemo. And the doc yesterday said this one doesn't respond well to radiation, either. Hence the enormous pressure to get the surgery just right. (Not too hot, not too cold...)
Courage? Yeah, I have a lot on some days. On others, none at all.
Yes, when you put it that way, it does sound manageable.
All good news, as these things go. Sounds like he's actually looking forward to an interesting operation, which is usually a good sign from a surgeon as it generally coincides with their being awake during surgery.
(I've always been one of those who doesn't care what kind of person a surgeon is, as long as they're a) very experienced, and b) willing to turn their brain on while in theatre.)
The only thing I would add to a and b is that they communicate well enough (and willingly enough) that I get all the information I need to make decisions and take care of myself.
Holdfast, I know you, too, are a fan of Therapy Tales. Actually, I think I discovered it through your blog. Anyway, two nights ago, I had been telling a friend about the transference duck. So when the doc started using the duck analogy the next morning to talk about the chordoma, I burst into totally inappropriate giggles. And then tried to explain myself, which of course only made things worse.
The news they gave you are great!
And frankly, it's better not to have to go through chemo or radiation if at all possible. I think this is starting to look up, actually. And it's fantastic that, even if not strictly needed on such short notice, your new doctor gave you an appointment so quickly.
I'll keep sending positive thoughts, all this energy coming your way must be working.
And frankly, it's better not to have to go through chemo or radiation if at all possible. I think this is starting to look up, actually. And it's fantastic that, even if not strictly needed on such short notice, your new doctor gave you an appointment so quickly.
I'll keep sending positive thoughts, all this energy coming your way must be working.
Hi Ziyal. I'm new here and haven't spoken to you before (I don't think) but will definitely be sending very very positive thoughts your way and hoping you get better soon
Thanks, ElBurro. Nice to meet you!
Well, not as great as it sounded yesterday. This new doctor isn't being nearly as laid back about the timing -- he wants me in surgery w/in a few weeks. And he's the most experienced of them by far.
Looking around on-line, it looks like radiation sometime after the surgery may be worthwhile after all. So I'll be asking him about that.
It was fantastic how quickly he saw me! In person, he was more communicative than the other docs I've seen and said I could email him any questions I have. And his team handles more of these than anyone else... anywhere.
So, I guess I've finally found the right doc.
Sounds like he really cares about his patients and loves what he does.
The speed he wants to see you can be taken as a positive too - while it might not make much of a difference to wait at this stage, best to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.
Are you going to have problems getting the time for surgery so soon?
Are you going to have problems getting the time for surgery so soon?
Sounds like he really cares about his patients and loves what he does.
Yes, it does.
I'm not working right now anyway. Had to quit a few months ago because of the PTSD and am trying to get Social Security Disability.
Thanks, Danoz.
Sorry to hear about that! Good vibes coming your way...
Good luck!
Good luck!
A
Amaris
Guest
Sending more good vibes. Also, a positive attitude can go a long way toward better health!
Thanks, you two.
PTSD, eh? I know how that goes... 
You're still in my thoughts, Tora. Keep the updates coming. I'll read 'em!
You're still in my thoughts, Tora. Keep the updates coming. I'll read 'em!
PTSD, eh? I know how that goes...
You're still in my thoughts, Tora. Keep the updates coming. I'll read 'em!
Thanks, Jeff. Sorry that you apparently know too much about PTSD, too.
I think your new doc is right in wanting to get rid of the tumor as quickly as possible, even if it is not a must.
The sooner you can go back to a normal life and put this behind you, the better.
Oh, I had no intentions of delaying it anyway; I had just temporarily felt relieved that the one doc didn't seem to think it was that urgent. This one does. Let's hope/pray that I do go back to a normal life. After his description of how extensive the surgery is going to have to be, I'm not feeling very optimistic.
Continued positive vibes coming from me as well Tora!!
