The Journey Begins

I can't believe I am even writing this but  Devin has been doctoring for a sore throat for the last couple of months. The end of May they sent it out for a biopsy and after 2 labs and many tests she was diagnosed  with a form of tonsil cancer called tonsilar neoplasm.  It is found in 60 year old smokers 97% of the time. Since she is a non smoker and only 26 they are sending us to an expert at the U Penn. We had an appointment on Thursday 7/23 to see where we head from here.

The appointment was with Dr. Weinstein (the specialist).  He is the head of the department at University of PA hospital in Philadelphia. He is one of the best in the country.

He talked to us for awhile and at least he used the work "curable" instead of "treatable" which made us feel better. Today they did blood work, a chest x-ray and a CT scan. Next Tuesday we go back for and endoscopy/biopsy. Thursday we go back again for final diagnosis and to discuss the treatment plan. He said it will probably involve surgery, chemo and radiation. Next Thursday we will find out if she is a surgical candidate. He says it is a balancing act between removing the tumor and all the cancer and leaving enough of her tongue so that she can swallow and and not have speech issues. At 26 it is a quality of life issue. All so very scary but we both felt very confident in him. He told me he has 2 children of his own so he totally gets it and will give her 200%.

She is in a lot of pain. They gave her liquid oxicodone so that she can sleep. She is planning to work as long as she can.