Our beloved Big Ang
The fights Big Ang has had to deal with on Mob Wives is nothing compared to what she has gone through the past two weeks. In fact, she has been in the fight of her life. After experiencing throat pain, Big Ang went to seek medical care only to discover doctors found a "lemon-sized" tumor in her throat. Further tests revealed that the tumor was cancerous and needed to be removed. The surgery was performed this past Tuesday. The tumor was found to be larger than expected, reportedly the size of a grapefruit, and took eight hours to remove. The doctors also removed a few lymph nodes as a precaution and for biopsy testing. Fortunately, doctors did not have to touch the voice box. Ang will need to rest her voice for three days and then should be able to speak normally. She will also be getting physical therapy while at the hospital, where she will remain for a few days. Ang is expected to recover in about two weeks. Doctors are optimistic and the surgery itself was a success.
Still to be determined is whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of her body (metastasis). For this, PET scan testing will be required. A PET scan requires the patient to have a radioactive substance given through an IV, which is called a tracer. The tracer travels through the blood to all the organs of the body and collects there. That process takes about an hour. Then the 3D scan is performed. The scan can determine if any other areas of the body have been affected by the disease. This information is important to know before doctors begin a treatment plan that may involve chemotherapy, radiation or both. Hopefully, the PET scan results will be negative.
We will continue to pray and send positive thoughts to Big Ang and wish her a speedy recovery.
If you wish to send Big Ang get well wishes or cards, you can do so by writing to: Country Mouse, 570 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, N.Y. 10310
UPDATEs: Ang's friend, Vinnie, went to visit her at the hospital and updates fans.
And Jennifer Graziano brings back news of Ang, who happens to look great!