My Sweetheart has cancer

2

Comments

  • HelenBack
    HelenBack Member Posts: 87 Member

    We live very close to one another

    Hello Helen,

    Thank you so much for your post.  We live in Concord.  Helen it was actually one of your earlier posts that inspired me to join this forum.  Everyone was so kind and caring to you.  We will have to stay in close contact since our husbands will be going through this about the same time.  May I ask how soon your husband's surgery was scheduled once you'd gone to the initial visit at Stanford.  I will update our profile once we learn the exact terms and such.  Also....I do have an iphone and I love the idea of recording the doctors visits that is a wonderful idea.  We have grown children that want to know every detail but are not able to go to all visits with us.  Thank you again for everything and I will add both you and your husband to our prayers.

    It's a beautiful day, enjoy the sunshine!

    Christine

    Surgery

    Well, yes you are very close indeed. Howdy, my neighbor over the hill!

    Initially, we were just going to follow the first advice we got, which was to just go to the nearest place (in our case, Alta Bates) and get started on radiation, maybe Chemo. Then, a different doctor said, "get out of town, go to a teaching hospital with a tumor board" and so we did. We got a call back from Stanford and met with their tumor board.  After seeing my husband and reviewing his case, believing that my husband's cancer was in an earlier stage, they recommended surgery. Their feeling was that if you can avoid radiation in a younger person, then you eliminate the later risk of a secondary cancer from radiation 20, 40 years down the road. 

    From the tumor board meeting to the surgery was two long weeks. He had TORS (robotic) surgery to remove the tongue tumor and a neck dissection, reomoving 45 lymph nodes.

    I'm sure you will or have heard this already--for quite some time now, surgery has not been recommended for head and neck cancers as it was discovered that radiation and chemo worked just fine and the surgery for such cancer was VERY invasive, disfiguring and not always successful at removing the cancer. That has recently changed a bit since the development of a robotic surgical machine. It enables the doctor to get surgical robotic "arms" into the mouth (without breaking the jaw to get in there) and it allows them to see down the curve of the tongue better. It's pretty incredible, really. Recovery time is much faster than with conventional surgery. 

    Now, that said, it doesn't mean that it's always the best plan to have surgeries first. In our case they wanted to try it in case it was early enough to do it and avoid the radiation altogether. The fact that my husband's cancer is HPV+ was a factor in their recommendation because some studies are showing that HPV+ cancer might be getting over-treated. It's been treated the same way as other oral, HPV negative cancers and some are thinking that they can try to de-escalate treatment for HPV+ cancers. 

    But, as it turned out, the cancer was not early, there were multiple positives nodes, when only one had beed seen on the PET scan. So, it was only after his lymph nodes were removed that they discovered the other positive nodes. My husband's cancer was pathologically staged T2N2bM0. Stage 4a. He ended up needing both radiation and chemo anyway. His surgeon was surprised. 

    So, would it have been better to have just done radiation and chemo in the first place and avoid surgery? Maybe. But then again, they wouldn't have known about the extra positive lymph nodes and maybe wouldn't have hit that side with enough beams. Or maybe, without knowing about the extra nodes we would have skipped the chemo, and possibly that would have been a mistake. Honestly, we just don't know. The surgery for my husband was no big deal and at least now we know exactly what we're dealing with.

    Stanford is a great place to go, they really know this stuff. There are many ways to approach this cancer and there is a very high cure rate. So, listen to the experts, and don't hesitate to ask them to explain anything you don't understand. Take advantage of the time you have them sitting in front of you.

    Good Luck on Monday! We'll keep in touch!

    Helen

     

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    Hondo said:

    Hi Christine

    Sorry to hear the news but rest for sure you found the right place to get a lot of answers to most of your questions. I was lucky most of my kids were all in there teens when I first got sick and the treatment made me turn into a mean old bear so they all left. Afterward I returned to my good old mr nice guy and enjoy life with the grandkids. Wishing you and your husband all the best in care.

    God Bless

    Hondo

    supplies

    My radiologist supplied me with Aquaphor which, to this day, I put on my lips at night and he also gave me Vanicream for my neck so I never had to purchase those things. Don't worry about stocking up too many things as a quick run to Walgreens for a break will do you good once in awhile. 

  • D Lewis said:

    You're in good hands with Stanford!

    I had stage 4 base of tongue cancer, with lymph node involvement, diagnosed in Jan 2010, finished treatment in May of 2010. I had surgery, radiation and chemo.  I've been seeing Dr. Michael Kaplan there since day 1, and I trust that man with my life.  He saved it, as a matter of fact.  Where are you located in California?

    Deb

    You are SO right!

    We met with Dr. Kaplan yesterday.  He had a couple of options and I believe the news we heard was good news.  Alan's cancer is still in the earlier stages.  The plan will be to remove the tonsil and all lymphnodes on the right side of his neck.  10 days after surgery they will determind how much radiation he will need if any.  So we are hopeful, but realistic.  They are wonderful.  Sounds as though surgery will not be for a couple of weeks.  I will keep you posted.  Thank you all again for your fantastic support!  God Bless.

    Christine

  • Update

    Alan had his surgery last Wednesday at Stanford.  His 5 hour surgery went  7 1/2 hours.  Dr. Kaplan removed his tonsils quickly but the second procedure gave him a bit of a surprise.  The Lymphnode tumor was cuffed around his artery and had clamped the veins and nerves that were trying to compensate for the artery.  It took a long time to untangle and remove it all.  Dr. Kaplan said that he did in fact get all the cancer and had taken large margins to do so.  He also had to take a muscle and create a reinforced wall in Alans neck/throat.  Thank goodness for this amazing man!  We came home Sunday with only his feeding tube.  All other drains and such had been removed.

    Slight glitch yesterday though.  Alan had been so constipated that once he felt he was going to have success he pushed really hard and pushed his feeding tube out.  I called Stanford and spoke with one of the Doctors that knew his case and was told to go ahead and take it out the rest of the way.  He had been healing well and they felt that taking it out one day early would be alright.  So today he is on clear liquids only.  We go tomorrow for his post op to remove his staples.  I believe he will not start radidation for a few weeks yet.  Thank you all again for your support and  guidance.  We are positive and he is doing well.  Bless you all!

    Christine

     

     

  • Lovethesun
    Lovethesun Member Posts: 12

    Update

    Alan had his surgery last Wednesday at Stanford.  His 5 hour surgery went  7 1/2 hours.  Dr. Kaplan removed his tonsils quickly but the second procedure gave him a bit of a surprise.  The Lymphnode tumor was cuffed around his artery and had clamped the veins and nerves that were trying to compensate for the artery.  It took a long time to untangle and remove it all.  Dr. Kaplan said that he did in fact get all the cancer and had taken large margins to do so.  He also had to take a muscle and create a reinforced wall in Alans neck/throat.  Thank goodness for this amazing man!  We came home Sunday with only his feeding tube.  All other drains and such had been removed.

    Slight glitch yesterday though.  Alan had been so constipated that once he felt he was going to have success he pushed really hard and pushed his feeding tube out.  I called Stanford and spoke with one of the Doctors that knew his case and was told to go ahead and take it out the rest of the way.  He had been healing well and they felt that taking it out one day early would be alright.  So today he is on clear liquids only.  We go tomorrow for his post op to remove his staples.  I believe he will not start radidation for a few weeks yet.  Thank you all again for your support and  guidance.  We are positive and he is doing well.  Bless you all!

    Christine

     

     

    Hi Christine!

     

    I am fairly new to this forum also and must admit that I read often and post little.  Glad to hear your husband is doing so well!

     

    My husband was diagnosed in early February with right tonsil cancer and 1, possibly 2 lymph nodes involved. The tumor board met and said he had 2 options, either surgery and then radiation with possible chemo if the lymph node was not encapsulted OR no surgery and proceed with concurrent chemo and radiation.  After debating it, we chose to skip surgery and proceed with radiation and chemo.  Hubby has had 2 big rounds of Cisplatin and 35 radiation treatments. He has 3 more radiation sessions to go!  Seems like most here have had surgery initially.  We were told the regional cure rate/5 year survival rate were equal either route we chose  Oh and this was HPV + 16 which I have been told is more treatable.  It is a rough treatment, but doable. My husband did not get a PEG (should have) and is only drinking Ensure for his nutrition. Has lost 30-35 lbs.

    Glad you are staying positive!  Hopefully our husbands will beat this and have NED in the near future!

     

    Pam 

  • HobbsDoggy
    HobbsDoggy Member Posts: 276

    Based on what I went though I suggest you have folders and binders to keep all the records you get and also to set up a calendar with appointment dates and reminders. I found very quickly that if I did not write down my questions I always forgot one or more when I met with the doctors. I also started writing down their answers as soon as I left the meeting, but not during the meeting so I could give my full attention to what they said.

    A team of doctors is critical and that the team works together is the most important part. Sounds like that is in place for you, but just check that the doctors are communicating.

    Be prepared for a lot of side effects and slow recovery, if things are better that's great, if not you are prepared. This is a treatable cancer and many (most) outcomes are good.

    If there is a cancer support group I suggest you and your husband join. This group is fantastic, but meeting with others who are battling cancer or who are survivors face to face is a major help to me.

    Will be thinking of you and your husband and wishing you the very best.

  • HelenBack
    HelenBack Member Posts: 87 Member

    Update

    Alan had his surgery last Wednesday at Stanford.  His 5 hour surgery went  7 1/2 hours.  Dr. Kaplan removed his tonsils quickly but the second procedure gave him a bit of a surprise.  The Lymphnode tumor was cuffed around his artery and had clamped the veins and nerves that were trying to compensate for the artery.  It took a long time to untangle and remove it all.  Dr. Kaplan said that he did in fact get all the cancer and had taken large margins to do so.  He also had to take a muscle and create a reinforced wall in Alans neck/throat.  Thank goodness for this amazing man!  We came home Sunday with only his feeding tube.  All other drains and such had been removed.

    Slight glitch yesterday though.  Alan had been so constipated that once he felt he was going to have success he pushed really hard and pushed his feeding tube out.  I called Stanford and spoke with one of the Doctors that knew his case and was told to go ahead and take it out the rest of the way.  He had been healing well and they felt that taking it out one day early would be alright.  So today he is on clear liquids only.  We go tomorrow for his post op to remove his staples.  I believe he will not start radidation for a few weeks yet.  Thank you all again for your support and  guidance.  We are positive and he is doing well.  Bless you all!

    Christine

     

     

    Update

    HI Christine,

    Don't you hate those surgical surprises....our surprise was that there were multiple nodes. Darn it all! 

    Oh, and the constipation, you should plan to stay on top of that before treatment starts. My husband had that problem from the surgery (pain meds) and then again from the chemo. Next round of chemo we will be prepared. Ducolax was the suggested product from our chemo guy. And, of course, hydration.

    Thanks for the update, I've been wondering about you guys!

    Helen

  • HelenBack
    HelenBack Member Posts: 87 Member

    Hi Christine!

     

    I am fairly new to this forum also and must admit that I read often and post little.  Glad to hear your husband is doing so well!

     

    My husband was diagnosed in early February with right tonsil cancer and 1, possibly 2 lymph nodes involved. The tumor board met and said he had 2 options, either surgery and then radiation with possible chemo if the lymph node was not encapsulted OR no surgery and proceed with concurrent chemo and radiation.  After debating it, we chose to skip surgery and proceed with radiation and chemo.  Hubby has had 2 big rounds of Cisplatin and 35 radiation treatments. He has 3 more radiation sessions to go!  Seems like most here have had surgery initially.  We were told the regional cure rate/5 year survival rate were equal either route we chose  Oh and this was HPV + 16 which I have been told is more treatable.  It is a rough treatment, but doable. My husband did not get a PEG (should have) and is only drinking Ensure for his nutrition. Has lost 30-35 lbs.

    Glad you are staying positive!  Hopefully our husbands will beat this and have NED in the near future!

     

    Pam 

    Pam, i'm curious about what you said

    about your husband needing the Peg and not getting it. Whose idea was it for him to go without it? Both of our oncologists said my husband would probably not need it, because of his age (44) and good health. But he really doesn't have any weight to play with and one week into treatment, due to sleepiness and hiccups, he's already lost a few pounds. the whole thing makes me nervous.

    How did your doctors say they would assess the situation? At what point did you feel that it was a mistake not to get it?

    Just trying to get my head around it.

    Thanks,

    Helen

     

  • MICH4EL
    MICH4EL Member Posts: 73
    HelenBack said:

    Pam, i'm curious about what you said

    about your husband needing the Peg and not getting it. Whose idea was it for him to go without it? Both of our oncologists said my husband would probably not need it, because of his age (44) and good health. But he really doesn't have any weight to play with and one week into treatment, due to sleepiness and hiccups, he's already lost a few pounds. the whole thing makes me nervous.

    How did your doctors say they would assess the situation? At what point did you feel that it was a mistake not to get it?

    Just trying to get my head around it.

    Thanks,

    Helen

     

    PEG or not

    Helen,

    I have not started my radiation yet but I met with the radiation oncologist at the Mayo Clinic today and he said that they try to avoid using the PEG because it is so important to continue to swallow throughout the treatment because otherwise there is a chance that the patient can lose the muscle memory for swallowing and become dependent on the PEG long-term and then it is difficult to recover natural swallowing later.  He said as hard as it is, it is important to continue to try to get fluids and nutrition through swallowing and avoid dependency on the PEG.   Everyone is different, but he said that in my case the PEG will be a last resort to be used only if it becomes nearly  impossible for me to get enough fluid and nutrition through the mouth.

    M

     

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    MICH4EL said:

    PEG or not

    Helen,

    I have not started my radiation yet but I met with the radiation oncologist at the Mayo Clinic today and he said that they try to avoid using the PEG because it is so important to continue to swallow throughout the treatment because otherwise there is a chance that the patient can lose the muscle memory for swallowing and become dependent on the PEG long-term and then it is difficult to recover natural swallowing later.  He said as hard as it is, it is important to continue to try to get fluids and nutrition through swallowing and avoid dependency on the PEG.   Everyone is different, but he said that in my case the PEG will be a last resort to be used only if it becomes nearly  impossible for me to get enough fluid and nutrition through the mouth.

    M

     

    I think there is a different

    criteria for feeding tubes dependent on general health....how much you weigh going into treatment, and where you are located.  I personally know several people here who had HNC....every single one had a tube placed.  I started out at 97 lbs, so they gave me one a week before treatment started.  I didn't do too bad either in the weight loss department....only 16 lbs which is conservative with this disease.  It would have been hell to have gotten it when I really needed it, which wasn't until after radiation was over, and the adjuvent chemo began.  Within a couple days of 5FU I couldn't even put water in my mouth, and was already needing hydration via IV...I can't fathom what having to get a tube would have been like on top of the bleeding mouth sores, plus having to wait to use the tube. 

    I know the Dr.s see many more people with HNC than is on this board....but I'd wager that more than half of folks end up with a tube before treatment is over. 

    Glad to hear Alan got thru surgery, and is on the mend from that.  I think it was Matt who's tumor also had a stangle hold on his artery....scary business!!!

    p

  • Kcre30
    Kcre30 Member Posts: 7
    HelenBack said:

    Pam, i'm curious about what you said

    about your husband needing the Peg and not getting it. Whose idea was it for him to go without it? Both of our oncologists said my husband would probably not need it, because of his age (44) and good health. But he really doesn't have any weight to play with and one week into treatment, due to sleepiness and hiccups, he's already lost a few pounds. the whole thing makes me nervous.

    How did your doctors say they would assess the situation? At what point did you feel that it was a mistake not to get it?

    Just trying to get my head around it.

    Thanks,

    Helen

     

    Helen, 

    My husband started this process quite adamant about not ending the PEG, but at the end of week 3 of radiation and 3 days before his 2 nd Cisplatin blast he nearly begged for one.  (procedure was quick, and recovery was fast) He's lost 30 lb, but stabilized right away after the tube. He does admit that he should have just had it from the beginning, but I think his Doc appreciated his strong will, and hoped he could make it as much as he did. In the end, I think he was shocked at how difficult it was to get anything down...mainly due to bad taste and gag reflex. 

    He did try the much touted canned peaches and the magic mouthwash, cheesy eggs, etc..just couldn't do it. 

     

    On a positive note, he's 4 rad's from the finish line!!!!!

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    Kcre30 said:

    Helen, 

    My husband started this process quite adamant about not ending the PEG, but at the end of week 3 of radiation and 3 days before his 2 nd Cisplatin blast he nearly begged for one.  (procedure was quick, and recovery was fast) He's lost 30 lb, but stabilized right away after the tube. He does admit that he should have just had it from the beginning, but I think his Doc appreciated his strong will, and hoped he could make it as much as he did. In the end, I think he was shocked at how difficult it was to get anything down...mainly due to bad taste and gag reflex. 

    He did try the much touted canned peaches and the magic mouthwash, cheesy eggs, etc..just couldn't do it. 

     

    On a positive note, he's 4 rad's from the finish line!!!!!

    YEAH!!!

    Almost done!!  I loved finishing radiation.  I didn't have to go anywhere every single day of the week....I could sleep in,  doze in a chair, and rest up.  You bet that's a positive note....ring that bell!!

    p

  • Based on what I went though I suggest you have folders and binders to keep all the records you get and also to set up a calendar with appointment dates and reminders. I found very quickly that if I did not write down my questions I always forgot one or more when I met with the doctors. I also started writing down their answers as soon as I left the meeting, but not during the meeting so I could give my full attention to what they said.

    A team of doctors is critical and that the team works together is the most important part. Sounds like that is in place for you, but just check that the doctors are communicating.

    Be prepared for a lot of side effects and slow recovery, if things are better that's great, if not you are prepared. This is a treatable cancer and many (most) outcomes are good.

    If there is a cancer support group I suggest you and your husband join. This group is fantastic, but meeting with others who are battling cancer or who are survivors face to face is a major help to me.

    Will be thinking of you and your husband and wishing you the very best.

    Calendar

    That was great advise to get a calendar, I have done so and have started getting all his appointments on it. We already had the files and binders in place.   We have a daughter getting married on May 31st, so there are alot of appointments with regard to her nuptials as well.   I am lucky that my employer will allow me to work from home so I am able to stay home with him during his treatments.  We head back to Stanford today to find out our next step which I believe will be radiation.  Did you have a feeding tube during your radiation?  My husband had it after surgery and hated it.  I am fearful for him not to have it, but I know we will say No to it.  He is a bit over weight by about 25 pounds.  Thanks for your input, it is so appreciated.

    Christine

     

     

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member

    Calendar

    That was great advise to get a calendar, I have done so and have started getting all his appointments on it. We already had the files and binders in place.   We have a daughter getting married on May 31st, so there are alot of appointments with regard to her nuptials as well.   I am lucky that my employer will allow me to work from home so I am able to stay home with him during his treatments.  We head back to Stanford today to find out our next step which I believe will be radiation.  Did you have a feeding tube during your radiation?  My husband had it after surgery and hated it.  I am fearful for him not to have it, but I know we will say No to it.  He is a bit over weight by about 25 pounds.  Thanks for your input, it is so appreciated.

    Christine

     

     

    Hi Christine

    This tube thing is really not that critical one way or the other at the start, and is debated ad nauseum on this board.  Don't sweat it.  I have been through radiation two different times, and did not get, nor did I need a tube either time.  The first time I was able to eat solid food throughout treatment.  This more recent time I was not, but still took in enough in the way of ensure or boost or whatever that my weight did not drop much at all.  It isn't wrong to get one, but it is certainly not always necessary.

     

    Pat

  • Hi Christine

    This tube thing is really not that critical one way or the other at the start, and is debated ad nauseum on this board.  Don't sweat it.  I have been through radiation two different times, and did not get, nor did I need a tube either time.  The first time I was able to eat solid food throughout treatment.  This more recent time I was not, but still took in enough in the way of ensure or boost or whatever that my weight did not drop much at all.  It isn't wrong to get one, but it is certainly not always necessary.

     

    Pat

    Great News Pat

    Thanks alot for calming my nerves on this issue.  My husband had his surgery one week ago today, came home late Sunday and has walked around the block 3 times every day since.  He is swallowing pretty well at the moment and that is with reconstruction to his neck/throat.  He is a young 63 year old with a bit of weight he can afford to lose.  So I will not press him on the feeding tube issue.  Thanks again Pat.

     

    Christine

  • Christine Gabrielle
    Christine Gabrielle Member Posts: 20
    Skiffin16 said:

    Welcome Christine...

    I too was STGIII SCC Tonsils and a lymphnode HPV+...

    Tonsils came out first, three cycles (nine weeks) of Cisplatin, Taxotere and 5FU, that followed up with seven weeks of concurrent weekly Carboplatin, and the 35 daily rads.

    As for Monday, other than take a note pad to write down questions, not much to add until you get the plan of attack...

    One thing the gave me was a chemo 101 class... Gave me information sheets on each type of chemo, possible side effects, etc... More info than you want to know at the moment, LOL.

    You'll find tons of support here, awesome people...

    If you have some time and want to look for information at times, the first thread on this forum, SuperThread has tons of great info and links..

    BTW, while all of this is veryscary, it's also very survivorable, rough but doable...

    I was Dx in January 2009, finished Tx Jun2009...all clean and clear since.

    Best.

    John

    So good to hear!

    So glad you are clean and  clear.  With his surgery one month behind him Alan only just started the Chemo and radiation treatments this week.  Today is his third day and he is SO tired.  I understand that the third day after Chemo is the worst and then you begin to gather energy again until the next treatment.  We have packed a few extra pounds on him as I understand he will lose more than a few. Alan has the same cancer as you.  Was your surgery done at Stanford?  Everyone here is so amazing and so willing to share and support.  I am very grateful for all of you.

  • Christine Gabrielle
    Christine Gabrielle Member Posts: 20

    There are several creams to get you

    started...Aquafor you can get at Walmart.  I bought it, but it was so so greasy, I couldn't stand it.  I used Calendula cream (suggested by the Rad doc)....picked it up at the Health Food store....I'd put on Aloe 99 first...let it dry and then use the Calendula.  Aloe Vera is also good to have on hand.  I also got chapstick....but not that brand....I bought Burt's Bees because it was creamier (not so waxy)....lips get pretty dry during rads. 

    p

    You had us prepared

    Phrannie,

    You had us well prepared for alot along this wild cancer ride.

    Like you he dislikes Aquaphor, prefers Calendula and I just went straigt to the Burts Bees.  Warning....it comes in different colors.

    He is not fond of either Boost or Ensure (very sweet) so I purchased a Ninja blender and chop everything and add protein powder.  Lots of fruit smoothies at the moment.  I know it will get worse though and this will not work for too long. I will need to find something he likes since Dr. Kaplan really wants him swallowing as much as possible.

    Thanks again for all the great tips.  I'm sure you will hear from me again soon.  Take care.

    Christine

  • Christine Gabrielle
    Christine Gabrielle Member Posts: 20

    There are several creams to get you

    started...Aquafor you can get at Walmart.  I bought it, but it was so so greasy, I couldn't stand it.  I used Calendula cream (suggested by the Rad doc)....picked it up at the Health Food store....I'd put on Aloe 99 first...let it dry and then use the Calendula.  Aloe Vera is also good to have on hand.  I also got chapstick....but not that brand....I bought Burt's Bees because it was creamier (not so waxy)....lips get pretty dry during rads. 

    p

    You had us prepared

    Phrannie,

    You had us well prepared for alot along this wild cancer ride.

    Like you he dislikes Aquaphor, prefers Calendula and I just went straigt to the Burts Bees.  Warning....it comes in different colors.

    He is not fond of either Boost or Ensure (very sweet) so I purchased a Ninja blender and chop everything and add protein powder.  Lots of fruit smoothies at the moment.  I know it will get worse though and this will not work for too long. I will need to find something he likes since Dr. Kaplan really wants him swallowing as much as possible.

    Thanks again for all the great tips.  I'm sure you will hear from me again soon.  Take care.

    Christine

  • Christine Gabrielle
    Christine Gabrielle Member Posts: 20

    Hi Christine!

     

    I am fairly new to this forum also and must admit that I read often and post little.  Glad to hear your husband is doing so well!

     

    My husband was diagnosed in early February with right tonsil cancer and 1, possibly 2 lymph nodes involved. The tumor board met and said he had 2 options, either surgery and then radiation with possible chemo if the lymph node was not encapsulted OR no surgery and proceed with concurrent chemo and radiation.  After debating it, we chose to skip surgery and proceed with radiation and chemo.  Hubby has had 2 big rounds of Cisplatin and 35 radiation treatments. He has 3 more radiation sessions to go!  Seems like most here have had surgery initially.  We were told the regional cure rate/5 year survival rate were equal either route we chose  Oh and this was HPV + 16 which I have been told is more treatable.  It is a rough treatment, but doable. My husband did not get a PEG (should have) and is only drinking Ensure for his nutrition. Has lost 30-35 lbs.

    Glad you are staying positive!  Hopefully our husbands will beat this and have NED in the near future!

     

    Pam 

    Checking in on you

    Hello Pam.

    I thought I'd check in and see how you and your husband are doing?  He should be done with treatments by now.   I hope he is now on the mend and has this behind him. Stanford is amazing!  My husband has only just started the treatments he had to recover after his sursgery.  His first round of Cisplatin started Monday and he will have it  2 more times 21 days apart.   Radidation is everyday Monday through Friday. He has been stubborn about a PEG tube so I packed a few extra pounds on him as he was healing from surgery.  We will see.......

    Hope all is well with you, keep me posted.

    Christine

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    So good to hear!

    So glad you are clean and  clear.  With his surgery one month behind him Alan only just started the Chemo and radiation treatments this week.  Today is his third day and he is SO tired.  I understand that the third day after Chemo is the worst and then you begin to gather energy again until the next treatment.  We have packed a few extra pounds on him as I understand he will lose more than a few. Alan has the same cancer as you.  Was your surgery done at Stanford?  Everyone here is so amazing and so willing to share and support.  I am very grateful for all of you.

    Lakeland Florida, LOL..

    Actually a farily small town in Central Florida, but a great medical community, and my MD's are awesome... ENT actually graduated from Harvard and did his internship and residence at John Hopkins..