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Real Name: Steve E. Swenson Address: PO Bin 440 Bakersfield, Ca 93302 Cell: (395)736-7 Gender: male Date of Birth: January 03, 1949 Member Since: March 17, 2006 Last Signed In: September 30, 2009 Profile Views: 10866 Blog Views: 14987 Didn't catch any fish and Lopez Lake, but lots of fun anyway I feel oppressed, and out $33 Eating a burger in the shadow of Michelle Obama A must watch and pass on Lovey dovey on my patio Mexico trip rerouted to California -- oh yippee, skippy Met up today with an old cancer buddy The governator wants to tax golf???????? Took my love to Red Rock Canyon Ending fish plants in the Kern River???? June 06 July 06 August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
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My cancer has a first name...
and a second and a third name.
Dr. Satya Arya, and ear, nose and throat doctor who did the biopsy on Wednesday, called me yesterday to tell me. He put on his somber and compassionate voice. I recognized this from my own news reporting. I appreciated his effort to break it to me gently, but still directly. So what I have is squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil. I've linked a Google page on one example in a 58-year-old man. My preliminary research shows this is relatively rare; men get it more than women; it's in the right tonsil much more than the left; and dogs and cats in urban areas can get it. People who smoke and drink a lot are more prone to get it. I do neither, but I do hang out with dogs in urban areas. Dr. Arya said the cancer hangs out in a confined area for a long time. That appears to be good news because it seems it can get treated without having to search it out all over the place. Of course, the next step is to refer me to an oncologist (cancer doctor) who will test me all over the place to find out if there's any other squirrelly cells hanging about. I'm told radiation and chemo therapy are the preferred methods of treatment. That will do less damage than digging and scraping my neck. The above link suggests I have a 93 percent chance of survival. That means I get a free t-shirt at the next Relay for Life event. As a side note, one of the things about talking about all this is you find out other people have had cancer too. One of my relatives and several of my friends — none of whom I had any idea ever had cancer — divulged to me they have had or now have it. A second side note is that I've been, for no particular reason, donating some money to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so I don't feel so bad now taking advantage of improvements to treatment. I'm guessing the treatment isn't going to be much fun. But the alternative seems even more less fun. At least I'll have an excuse to be groggy other than old age. 28 comments from 22 users
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posted by
koztarr
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:12 AM
Actually sounds like good news. My money is on your 93%.
posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Piece o' cake Steve. How did you escape childhood without having your tonsils removed? Congrats in advance. posted by
adampayne
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Thanks for the update, Steve. 93% is about as positive a prognostication as one can get, under the circumstances. Get well soon.
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Great news~ a walk in the park. There is still some stigma, in some peoples minds about being "sick" and about cancer, I think that,s why folks have had it, and you never know.
posted by
woofwoof
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:29 AM
Steve, though you'll have to go through some drastic medicine to get well, it sounds like you will. Still nobody wants to hear that dreaded "C" word. It sounds like you have a good prognosis. Good Luck. I just found out this week that my favorite Uncle Roger, who lives in Carlsbad, has CLL, or Chronic Lympocytic Leukemia. He was apparently diagnosed two years ago and didn't tell anyone. It has recently reared its ugly head. He's just gone through six hours of chemo and more to come. UGH! posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Robb,I always thought of it as having a perfect body (although far more slight than yours) until now. posted by
AudreyB
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Steve Have you had your tonsils out? My left tonsil grew back on the tonsil base when I was an adult and caused me all kinds of trouble. Is the cancer on the tonsil or the tonsil base? In any case this cancer has as much chance of getting you and a rogue asteroid falling from space does. posted by
BakersfieldDoc
on Sep 14, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Steve, Get a referral to Dr. Cartmell at CBCC. He is the best. I also recommend you see Dr. Zerlin. He is also, IMO, the best ENT in town. This cannot wait days. You need to be seen by the Oncologist ASAP and have your tonsillectomy scheduled for next week. That should be followed by aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. (Yes, both) You may want to look into your sick time and or temporary disability status. Also, you want to have all your legal documents, including Power of Attorney for Medical Care drawn up. With second marriages these things can get very ugly. Best of Luck to you. Prayers will be said. BD posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 14, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Steve, even if you don't smoke, remember "it" can be baked into brownies as well if you suffer nausea from the chemo. Hang in there, get a dartboard, and label the bulls-eye "SCC" :)
posted by
damitjanet
on Sep 14, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Get your second at UCLA Medical so worth the drive. UCLA is one of the top 10 Cancer Hospital's in the USA and has been there for the past 15 years. Great book to get and read just for some ideas and a lighter look on things. But also gives you some great tips. Kris Carr's "Crazy Sexy Cancer" even though it is from a girls side she gives some great ideas of how and what to do and what to expect and how to deal with Cancer. Now that it has a name now you can get down to business Good Luck! posted by
ghostriter
on Sep 14, 2007 at 10:47 AM
I second RF's advice for the nausea. According to a friend of mine who just went through throat cancer treatments, the best medicine is home grown. ; ) The dart board sounds great too. I wish you peace. I do not pray, but I will be thinking good thoughts for you and your success. Take care of yourself...oops, I forgot, that is Mary's specialty, right?
posted by
anglo1
on Sep 14, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Steve, I mentioned this in your first discussion on your physical. A friend of mine has just finished his chemo and radiation for the same cancer, slightly different location, actually in his throat tissue [?]. I took him to his last Dr. visit for the results of his CT scan and it looks great. Almost same prognosis as yours, slightly worse percentage for him but he is recovering very well. If you need any first or second hand details I can get them for you, I won't sugar coat it or exaggerate. Start eating the brownies now. Good Luck. The dartboard idea is genius.
posted by
TomW
on Sep 14, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Good luck, Steve. I drink and smoke and ended up with a bit of skin cancer, so go figure. We're praying for you and please keep us posted.
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 14, 2007 at 11:13 AM
"Mexican Wedding Cookies"~ the roughage blends in with the nuts in the cookies, *I have heard from knowlegeable friends* that the texture in brownies is off putting ;-)
posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 14, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Wonder if Scary Mary can mix it in the jello? Use the lime stuff to disguise the color...
posted by
Charlie3
on Sep 14, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I had a squamous cell cancer removed from my back seven years ago. It had been there for several years. I was having some tags removed and as an after thought I asked the doctor to take a look at it. After removing it and a lot of surrounding tissue they could find no indication that it had spread and to date no further problems. Hope all turns out well for you.
posted by
bakonative
on Sep 14, 2007 at 12:45 PM
93% is great news Steve! And do tell us why you still have your tonsils? I had mine out when I was 9, but apparently they have grown back somewhat (go figure?)
posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 14, 2007 at 01:44 PM
I'm not sure that marijuana in any form is a recommended cure for cancer. I'll take my chances on Jello.I've tried marijuana twice -- once from a girl who seduced me, and the second time from a water pipe which was cleaned during a restroom visit so that when I took another swig, I got so much smoke I thought I was going to die. Swore it off. And besides, I don't like brownies. But thanks for the well-intentioned advice, though. I'm guessing if Mary had so much trouble with Jello, that brownies might be an unscaleable culinary wall. posted by
tkozy
on Sep 14, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Steve, I am glad to hear of the 93% success rate and wish the best for you.
It was kind of you to visit my blog with your best wishes for my kids and I, on this somber day of your own..
Hey! Were do I have to go to get my free t-shirt? posted by
sagefever
on Sep 14, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Pulling your leg a bit there Steve (besides it was for the nausea and discomfort from Chemo, you may be off your feed). A person needs food to heal , so get some ensure(icky taste but it works), the smell of, the mere look of food is off putting to some BUT eat anyway! sorry, once a diet tech always a diet tech...
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 14, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Steve, Pot isn't a cure for cancer, but it really helps some people get their appetite and reduce nausea. It also helps some people keep their spirits up. If you don't need it, that's great. Some really do, and unfortunately now they have to find a drug dealer on the street rather than going to a safe place to buy it. In addition to smoking it or brownies, there are teas or other liquids where chewing is not necessary. posted by
bakonative
on Sep 14, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Hee, imagine Steve or Mary on the streets downtown looking for pot...... posted by
JeffHarbin
on Sep 14, 2007 at 04:49 PM
When my dad was battling lung cancer a few years back, they gave him a chemo coktail that had something extra mixed in that was designed to calm his nausea, thus negating the need for the Maui Wowie. And what the hell, with all the chemicals he had flowing through his system, what was one more, right? It seemed to work, as he never complained much about feeling sick. What bothered him most was that he had an appetite, but nothing tasted good. I guess the chemo gave everything a metallic taste. So be prepared to tough it out, Steve, and make sure you plan a nice long vacation with Mary when this is all behind you guys.
posted by
theColorNine
on Sep 14, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Add us to the list of the many pulling for ya. Sounds like those are pretty good odds you're dealing with.
posted by
Mom2CandC
on Sep 14, 2007 at 06:13 PM
Stage one S.C.C. is what my step-dad had. Your prognosis sounds like it was stage one....very cureable. The chemo-radiation treatment is not pleasant, but highly effective. I would definitely recommend Dr. Zerlin! He and his staff are amazing! He is the best ENT - but very busy! He removed my 5 year old sons tonsils and adenoids in March this year and we had absolutely NO issues. After 1 week we returned for the follow-up to see that he was ready for anything he could chew and swallow - according to Dr. Zerlin. If you have any reservations....see him! Dr. Cartmel at CBCC is also excellent. He knows his stuff - or will find you the info. or a source on any issue you have. Tonsilectomies are a cake walk now, Dr. Zerlin used a laser of some sort and there was pretty much no blood in my son's case. The worst was my weak knees in the recovery room....After nearly passing out, I sat down and had a little breather....I really had a hard time with the post surgery smell of the anesthesia....and my son's pain (mixed with the fact that I couldn't eat before he was okay)! Anyway, I still have my tonsils and I am in my middle-late 30's.....not everyone has their tonsils yanked out - and as we have seen, they do grow back! I believe my step-dad had a PET scan or something like it, and blood tests to make sure the Cancer is localized. His was on the vocal cord - the tumor was removed with little damage done and he is doing fabulous now! I would still have the tumor removed, along with the tonsil or tonsils to be safe! You will be in our prayers!
posted by
NancyII
on Sep 14, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Hang in there Steve...laughter is the best medicine (next to the doctors stuff) and you have a great sense of humor. Sorry you have to go through this but as they say...this too shall pass. (psssttt..ignore these guys and their brownies..Mary is much better medicine.) posted by
Janigirl
on Sep 15, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Steve, I am so happy for you. While I was reading your blog, I thought about a site that has been sending me updates on a little guy with cancer. The site is called Caring Bridge. You write so well, everytime I read your blogs I find them interesting. I think it would be great for you to share your story not only with us here at Bakersfield.com, but with friends and family in other areas of the united states. About 4 years ago my good friend developed stage IV breast cancer. She hung in there. Several months back perhaps a year now, we found out her grandson has cancer. A friend of the parents knew of this site and put his story in. Now each time they update his progress, an email is sent to those who have visited his site and want to receive updates. I think your friends and family afar would love to be updated as much as your friends on Bakersfield.com. For some reason a lot of crazy stuff loads up when I tried to send a shortcut to the site. I will attach it separately. Hopefully it works.
posted by
Janigirl
on Sep 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Here is the site to visit and start your own journal if you like it. www.caringbridge.org/visit/graysonbradshaw
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