Kendall's biopsy

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: kendall
Date: 03 Mar 02 - 04:58 AM

Something went wrong with a major telephone cable here, and, service has been off and on for 4 days. I have dial up, so, the confuser was down too. I'm still amazed at how many of you have taken the time to contact me, and, I cant tell you how much I appreciate it. It turns out that there IS in fact a local doctor who deals with singers voice problems and cancer. My oldest daughter used to work for Maine Medical Center in Portland, and she says they have an excellent oncology unit. So, why go to Boston? I'll talk to him, and if he turns out to be a jerk, then, ok, Boston, or maybe Baltimore. The problem with going out of state is the travel. I'm assuming that this is not a one shot deal; that it would require any number of trips to shrink this thing a little at a time? Boston is two hours away, so, I'd rather have it dealt with right here if I can. Art, old buddy, you are right; I can't talk, but, I can listen if you want to call. You may have trouble as I'm always on the computer. It's the only way I can communicate now.

I used to wonder what it was like to go to bed with this kind of news fresh in your head. I now know. I've been up since 3:30 am. Can't sleep. Some famous person said "Sleep. I hate those little snatches of death."

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 02 - 01:30 AM

Kendall, cancer is survivable. This would be a good time to go back to the first thread on the subject of your health and pick the the most helpful links people posted to topics that lead you to a cure. And pay attention to Mark's recommendation--find a doctor you're comfortable with. Good luck!

(Did you ever get your email working? Drop me a line and let me know).

Maggie

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: GUEST,Joan Sprung
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:51 PM

So get somebody to promptly set up an appointment for a consultation with a top-drawer laryngological specialist wherever he/she may practice, whose name you now have or will get. And while you're doing that, wouldn't hurt to take in all the prayers, info, and magic so generously offered up by Mudcatters, not to mention the whiskey. This is actually an exercize to see if you're humble enough.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:05 PM

Kendall.....so much has been said, and you know my prayers are joined in to the chorus. As it's largley a Mudcat Chorus I suspect it's getting hard to ignore and as all that energy is focused on you.... get ready...
Max says he'll have a Getaway tape copy soon, if not in the next week I'll get you another . I kept the original just in case....As we know both love and laughter heal, I figure the video of you and Max will help with both.

Huge Hugs

Tinker

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Banjer
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:04 PM

Well, all the saying has pretty much been said. Let me just add my little bit of good wishes and prayer to the stack. As for you developing a taste for Scotch whiskey, this is not all bad! Reminds me of the story of the bottle of Tequila. It was noted by one of the group that a worm was lying on the bottom of the bottle. He being a non drinker noted that if one chose to drink that he would probably wind up just like the dearly departed worm, to which another said, "Nonsense, the only thing that proves is that if you drink you won't have worms'! Maybe you can get your Dr. to prescribe a regimen of whatever you like to drink for medicinal purposes!!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Maryrrf
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:04 PM

Best wishes to you, Kendall. Add my positive thought waves to the rest of 'em that are being sent your way!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 08:41 PM

((((((Kendall))))))

(Real hugs saved up for the next time we meet.)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 06:50 PM

Maybe it is a good thing you took the other guy's leg Kendall - It's easier to kick some butt with three legs than it is two!! My and Jan's prayers and white light are on to you - anything else we can do? Just ask -

Steve

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 05:40 PM

Just keep playing that old git-box and get your ass down to Ingleton again - If the rum don't cure the rain sure will!

Thinking about you and sending all the good vibes I can. Good luck man.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: bbc
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 05:31 PM

I'm sorry that you got that kind of news. Hang in, dear; you know we are rooting for you around the world & back again!

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: InOBU
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 05:00 PM

Kendall... we will be listening to you right here! Holding you in the light, Genie and Larry

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From:
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 05:00 PM

Kendall, I hope the prognosis is good on removing it, and being a cancer survivor.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Nancy King
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 04:02 PM

Sorry to hear the news, Kendall, but at least now you know what you're dealing with. I wish there was more I could do for you than just send good wishes. If you think of anything, just let me know. Meanwhile, just know we (me and LOTS of other folks)are thinking of you and pulling for you. Good luck and much love,

Nancy

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: DonMeixner
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:32 PM

Everyone hits a rogue wave Kendall. Smooth sailing just beyond it. Glad you caught this early, we need your voice too baddly to losse it.

Don

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:28 PM

Kick it's ass, Kendall!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:25 PM

Kendall is doing a concert in August with Gordon Bok. This is only a temporary setback. Actually, it is one more step in the direction of a cure and restoring the Captain's voice. Hey Seamus! I broke two fingernails this week...any chance of a care package?

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:19 PM

Kendall,

I know you can't talk much---but I think you need vocal contact as much as this cyber-babble. You can just listen to me talk. (Won't that be a treat?) Get a pot and a glass and a dish---whatever. For yes, just hit the cup. For no, just clunk on de pot. To ask for exotic food from S.-E. Asia, just "bang la desh".

I'll be calling soon.

Love ya,

Art

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: DougR
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 03:00 PM

I'm sorry, Kendall. I wish you the best, and my thoughts and prayers will be added to the rest of these folks'.

DougR

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:57 PM

Time to shift gears, I guess, Kendall. Not necessarily looking for a miracle. Just a solution. Doesn't sound like you're at the miracle stage. Sounds resolveable.

As for miracles, the only reason people don't notice them is that they are so commonplace. I believe that just about every Catter could give an example of a true miracle they or a family member or friend has experienced.

Here's one: A woman I've come to know at good old Walmart U.S.A. answered me one morning when I said, "How was your weekend?" saying, "Not so good." When I asked her what had happened, she said that her Mother, who is in her 80's, had eye surgery to remove a catteract, and something happened... that she'd ended up having three more corrective surgeries the same week. With the last one, her eye had gone completely white. A second doctor called in for an opinion looked at her and said that her eye had gone blind. But the woman didn't accept it, and just kept praying for a healing. When her daughter told me about it, I told her my wife and I would keep her and her Mother in daily prayer, and each time I'd see her, I'd ask her how her Mother was doing. The first two or three days, she wasn't doing well at all, but there were a lot of prayers going up. I missed two or three days seeing her, and the next time I saw her, she was beaming from ear to ear. I asked her how her Mother was doing and she said that the previous day her Mother had gone to her Doctor and read the eye chart with her "blind" eye. She's doing fine, now, just a few weeks later.

Whether you believe in the power of prayer, magic, auras or dumb luck, there are Everyday Miracles happening around us all the time. You don't even need a miracle, yet. It sounds like some good, professional correction can restore your voice. Like everyone else, we're just waiting for that to happen. I think you will be forgiven a loud "Yahooo!!" when that happens. Maybe even a Hallelujah!!! You'll certainly here one rising up from down here.

Love,

Jerry

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: gnu
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:36 PM

Give er some, Kendall !!!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: kendall
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:33 PM

Thanks to Seamus Kennedy, I'm about to develope a taste for Scotch whiskey!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: KT
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 02:10 PM

Hey, Kendall. Not the news any of us were hoping to hear.........We're all with you though...I hope you can feel that.

Not being suspended with the "unknowing" anymore, we can send whatever healing prayers, thoughts, images we can muster for you. I don't know how you feel about imagery......white light and such, or prayer. I personally am a very strong believer. The way I see it, some healing energy comes in the form of words, some as pictures, some as melody......it's all a form of prayer to me. I'll be joining the others in sending you the very best I can muster. You'll come through this, Kendall. KT

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: CapriUni
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 01:45 PM

Well, damn! Somehow, that turned into a one-armed hug... two arms were meant... I hope you know that.

---

I retrieved your other arm, Capri. --JoeClone

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: CapriUni
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 01:42 PM

Virtual Hug to with is an attempt to show what a real hug from me would be like:

{{{{{{{{Kendall}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 01:27 PM

FromOncoLink:
Physician Statement on Laryngeal cancer - loads of information for which a medical dictionary may be required.

Kendall, I can't begin to know what you're feeling now. I can't help but wonder if (as SINSULL already mentioned) something that will respond to methods than the knife might not turn out better in the long run. I don't know, and you're probably going nuts waiting to talk to the doctor.

I try to help by offering links, opinions and speculation. It's a small thing and it may be somewhat obnoxious, but there's nothing else I can do. Your voice is important to you. To those of us who know you a bit, what we care about is Kendall. We care about your humor, wisdom and gentle nature. We care about you because you care about others. It's hard to find things to say that show our feelings - both the voice and the keyboard are less than effective in expressing some things.

Virtual hugs aren't anything like real ones, but you have as many as you want from me.
Take care, my friend.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Morticia
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 12:55 PM

Well, this isn't the news I was hoping for and that's for sure, but I think and hope I know you well enough to know you won't let this beat you....and with so much support and love here for you, how can we fail?

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 12:51 PM

"The goals of treatment are cure and retention of a functional larynx. The probability of achieving both goals is high for patients with early disease." That's from a review article by a group of laryngologists at the University of Florida in Gainesville. My recommendation is to find a surgeon with lots of experience, preferably at a University medical center, and preferably one who has worked with singers. If you can have a frank and open discussion with him or her, if you feel comfortable and sense that he or she is paying attention to you and listening to your concerns, then go forward wholeheartedly with the treatment.

At the same time, I'd definitely look at Bernie Siegel's books and make use of visualizations, music, prayer, whatever you feel is comfortable and useful. This is a curable condition, and between you and the doctor and the other therapists and all your friends and family there in Maine and here on the 'Cat, I know you'll be back to singing and storytelling very soon. And you'd better be...because when I bring my daughter to visit the East Coast sometime in the next year or two, I want to hear you!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Escamillo
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 12:29 PM

Sure you will get thru ! It would be an offense to modern Surgery to not trust in their ability to solve the problem. By the way, I don't know which are the costs in US. Please someone who may be close to Kendall, tell us what we can do economically if necessary.

Un abrazo for Kendall and all our best wishes - Andrés

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: WyoWoman
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 12:07 PM

Well crap, Kendall.That's just miserable news. I'm very sorry to hear this and wish you the very best as you deal with it in the coming weeks.

ww

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Jerry Dingleman: The Boy Wonder(inactve)
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:47 AM

Kendall,

Best wishes. Do everything you have to do to protect your health.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:43 AM

Between your spirit, Kendall, the prayers of this community, the physicans and some immune building suppliments, you'll get thru this. Check into the benefits of Green Tea and echinacea.

Bobert

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Dharmabum
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:42 AM

Can't add much more than has already been said.
Best wishes for you. You're in my thoughts.

DB.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:25 AM

I'm sorry to hear that, kendall. Good luck with whatever course of treatment they put you on. It sounds like you're in good hands.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:20 AM

Peg's got that right about visualising the white light, Kendall. If you can visualise swallowing it, that can be helpful, too.

Another visualisation to work on is an *army* of healthy cells moving in and overtaking the cancerous cells which are broken up and carried from your body as coomon waste, with the healthy cells setting up shop instead.

If you haven't read any of Dr. Bernie Siegel's books,esp. Love, Medicine, and Miracles, you might find them helpful. He's a big believer in music and its effects, as well as positive thinking and a patient being surrounded by positive people, very important, that.

We will do all we are able to help you get through this. You, dear Cap't., are in the Mudcat Spotlight and it is a mighty powerful force.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Desdemona
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 11:10 AM

I don't know what would be helpful to say, but feel I want to say something. Take good care of yourself, build yourself up in mind & body, get as educated as possible about everything you can do to get the better of this thing, and know that many good thoughts are pouring your way.

D.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Amos
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:42 AM

Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, afflicts more than 200,000 Americans each year. It arises from the epidermis and resembles the squamous cells that comprise most of the upper layers of skin. Squamous cell cancers may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes, but are most common in areas exposed to the sun.

Although squamous cell carcinomas usually remain confined to the epidermis for some time, they eventually penetrate the underlying tissues if not treated. In a small percentage of cases, they spread (metastasize) to distant tissues and organs. When this happens, they can be fatal. Squamous cell carcinomas that metastasize most often arise on sites of chronic inflammatory skin conditions or on the mucous membranes or lips.

What Causes It

Chronic exposure to sunlight causes most cases of squamous cell carcinoma. That is why tumors appear most frequently on sun-exposed parts of the body: the face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms, and back. The rim of the ear and the lower lip are especially vulnerable to the development of these cancers.

Squamous cell carcinomas may also occur where skin has suffered certain kinds of injury: burns, scars, long-standing sores, sites previously exposed to X-rays or certain chemicals (such as arsenic and petroleum by-products). In addition, chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system over an extended period of time may encourage development of squamous cell carcinoma. More over here.

Well, there's the standard BS, mate...either you've been drinking arsenic or staring at the sun with your jaw hung open for too long.

Build up that immune system, mate, and take note of the following remark from another medical site:

Whatever the chosen treatment, SCC can usually be cured. Occasionally, SCCs come back at the same site, but they can then usually be treated again effectively..

And listen to Peg. Mebbe she'll invite you down to Boston for a coventry, if that is what such gatherings are called. (If not, experience suggests that perhaps they should be!)

Meanwhile, beams and flows all day long are with you, as you know.

A

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Alice
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:40 AM

Dr. Bastian is at the Loyola University Health System. Here is the department on Head and Neck Cancer Surgery.CLICK HERE. Wherever you can locate the best care, I'm sure people on the Mudcat will work at helping you to get to that location. - alice

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Giac
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:37 AM

Sending all the positive energy I can muster, Kendall. I've been in that headspace twice. Came out a bit tattered and scattered, but -- I came out on the other side. At 55 I was told I had six months to live. I'm 61 now and still forging ahead. We're all pulling for you.

Mary

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Alice
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:34 AM

Here is a specialist in Chicago: Robert Bastian, MD "Dr. Bastian concentrates his clinical work on the evaluation, management, and surgery of persons with voice and swallowing disorders. His particular interests include cancer of the laryngopharynx ......" -alice

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:30 AM

Attack through the mind - there is plenty of evidence the best and most complete recoveries go to those who are assertive (ney bloody minded) about these thing. Leave the physicians to do the bits you can't do!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Alice
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:29 AM

Kendall, I am very sorry to hear this. If you don't have this information already, here is a list of physicians in the US and Canada, who are laryngologists or have web sites on voice disorders.voicedoctor.net. My best to you. - Alice

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Tiger
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:20 AM

Sorry to hear your news, Kendall, but I'm glad to see you're meeting it face-on. That's the kind of strength that helps with healing.

Best wishes for a speedy treatment and recovery - we're all in your corner.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Peg
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 10:01 AM

Next time my coven meets we will send you some healing energy; we have helped several friends with cancer this way; one of them, Skye, a 28-year old woman with what doctors said was inoperable brain cancer (after the first tumor was removed and much more cancer was discovered), is now in remission and doing very well! (The docs gave her 2 years and it has been more than that already, she is happy and vital and determined to best it, and they are amazed at her level of recovery; we witches, who worked a lot of serious magic for her, just smile and nod)

So, magic works like prayer, it seems...and you will have people from both sides working for you!

:)

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Mickey191
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:55 AM

Sending good thoughts and prayers to you Kendall.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Peg
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:47 AM

so what now; they remove the node, yes? At least they have caught it early (good for you for going to the doctor regularly with this problem). Don't worry. I am sure they will be able to remove it and end the problem.

And it may seem silly, but try to visualize healing white light surrounding your throat and whole body; if nothing else this can help calm and center you and alleviate stress and worry, which we all know can contribute to physical problems.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Dani
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:46 AM

So now instead of praying for good news, we work on the miracle.

Let's get busy.

Dani

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:46 AM

That's not the kind of news I was hoping to hear. Kendall, hopefully some of our medical resource people can send you something informative about this. My mother survived her bout with cancer and found the medical information I got from one of my medical student housemates much more helpful than what her doctors were telling her; she appreciated the frankness of what I was able to send her. She also did some prayers, but only to those ancient gods that reside in the windswept trees overlooking the cove.

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: Dani
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:32 AM

Dani

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:25 AM

Kendall, the prayer chain is praying for you. What next?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kendall's biopsy
From: GUEST,Hilary, not logged in
Date: 02 Mar 02 - 09:18 AM

Kendall, I don't know enough about biopsies to undersand the full implications, but I'm sure it wasn't what you were hoping to hear. How are are holding up ??? Best wishes for you, Hilary.