Janet McCoy

Janet was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September.  On September 28 she underwent surgery to remove her thyroid.  The surgeon was unable to complete the surgery because the cancer had attacked virtually everything in her neck except her spine.  It was no longer possible to tell where the thyroid stopped and other structures started.  Janet was then referred to Dr. Edson for radation trearment.  We expect the radation to start about October 15 and low dose chemotherapy the same day.  She has been told she may lose 15 to 20 percent of her weight and some hair.  She has also been recommended for a feeding tube in case she begins to have trouble swallowing.  She has also been recommended for something called a port because the doctor suspect her veins may become difficult to work with as the chemo progresses.  There has been mention of nausea but the doctors think they will be able to handle that with standard meds.  Janet's spirits are high and we both think she will get through this.  The Steil family has a history of various cancers but we think this was discovered much earlier than past family cancers.  We are starting to address advance directives and other legal issues.  At this time I am the one who will be called on to decide for Janet if she is unable to make her wishes known.  (We are still discussing what she wants).  Thank you all for your help and support
Ken