ExpressJet Forum - View Single Post - FO Aaron Ward diagnosed with Aggressive Thyroid Cancer...

Bob · 05-17-2008, 02:37 PM

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Originally Posted by DUNNTPA

Any one got an update on Aaron? It's been a while...would like to know how he is doing.

This is from a few weeks ago:

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It's hard to believe it's been just eight weeks since the Aaron's doctor called and said he needed to come in ASAP. He came home from his trip that night and hasn't been back flying since. We've been through quite a bit of adjustment in this past two months, but we are doing the best we can with it.

Aaron was diagnosed with Stage 3 Papillary Carcinoma. He had a form of fast growing thyroid cancer, first found by a lump in his neck. In between his first visit a doctor for the lump and his diagnosis four weeks later, the lump grew over 1 cm in size. Within three weeks of diagnosis he has surgery to completely remove his thyroid. At that time, they told us that the tumor has spread towards his ear and into his collarbone on one side and surrounded his vocal cords and jugular vein on the other. The surgeon, who averages 150+ thryroidectomies per year, said that Aaron's was one of the most difficult he's had to remove in several years. Aaron pulled through well and aside from some damage to his vocal cords, he pulled through fine. We are hopeful that his voice will return to normal within the next year.

Aaron's second step of treatment was to be treated with radioactive iodine. He took the iodine pill and then had to be seperated from other people for almost a week. Because he was considered radioactive, he could not touch other people or share eating untensils or anything else with us. We took this opportunity to send my son to California for his spring break during this time and he had a wonderful visit with his grandparents, including a first class ride home in a lay-flat seat and warm cookie and milk service. Aaron made it through the radioactivity and after a few tense days, a follow up scan showed that the cancer had not spread and he was doing well. The worst part of this treatment is that Aaron has lost all sense of taste and does not enjoy eating anymore. Hopefully this will reverse itself several months after step three.

Because of the agressiveness of the tumor, Aaron is also treated to a third step of beam radiation to the neck, daily for 6-8 weeks. He has already had is simulation appointments and is due to being next week. This treatment will be somewhat painful, much like a bad sunburn to the outside and inside of the neck, but he will not lose hair or be physically ill like he would be with chemotherapy. Soon after the treatment is scheduled to be finished, we have a short vacation planned to Branson, MO.

Due to Aaron's illness, he cannot work and will not be cleared for work until one year after sucessful treatment. We anticipate that he will be able to return to work around July 2009, although his doctor, who is experienced with aviation medicine, thinks he will be able to help Aaron return sooner. Currently we are waiting for the Long Term Disability claim to be approved to help replace part of our missing income. Aaron's airline and other pilot's have been very helpful in helping us get leave, work though medical issues and assisting us financially. In the mean time, Aaron has thrown himself into becoming a House-Husband, but learning to cook, researching and implementing steps to make our household more eco-friendly and organizing our extensive music collection stored on our computer.

Max and I are doing fine. Max continues to excel in school and is consistantly scored above average in testing. He takes great care of Aaron when needed and enjoys making us toast for breakfast in bed on weekends. Aaron recently bought him a fishing pole and they are looking forward to making their first fishing trip soon. They also hope to make a backpacking trip with my father later this summer.

We thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I hope you and your family are doing well and I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmly,

Kim