Newbie

Pam M said:

Welcome
Mikki,

I'll tell you what I tell many here - sorry you need this site - glad you found it. Where was/is your husband's primary tumor? I had stage four base of tongue with two lymph nodes involved - eight months past treatment, and I'm recovering nicely. I hope treatment goes smoothly for you all.

Welcome to the Site
Hi Mikki, Same as Pam, I also had stage 4 base of tongue. I am 3 months post treatment and recovering quite nicely. Feel free to fire away with any questions you may have. Stay strong. Cheers

Jimbo

Welcome
Hi,

Just want to welcome you to the site, although, like others, I am sorry you have to be here. I am in a similar situation to you, as I am the caregiver to my husband, who was diagnosed first in 2008 and then again in 2009. In 2009, he was also stage 4a. He had chemoreirradiation and is doing well. Scans this week will show for sure how well he is doing. Anyway, this site is a great source of inspiration, hope, caring and information. Please keep us posted as to your husband's (and your) progress and ask any questions you may have. No matter what you are going through, there is probably someone on this site who has gone through the same thing and can help. Let us be there with you through this journey.

Myka

Mikki332 said:

Thank you
Thank you all for your welcome.....it's great to have found some support and source of firsthand info.

Gary has stage IVa (T2, N2, M0) squamous at base of tongue and 2 lymph nodes. He is being treated with 35 radiation treatments and chemo (Cisplatin) every 3 weeks. This is his first weekend off and he's resting. I think side effects are just starting to really hit him. He's fatigued, has ringing in his ears, is lightheaded, and his tastebuds are changing (metal taste, etc).

He is having a PEG placed next Thursday.

Mikki

he needs his sleep
as he gets farther and farther into radiation he will more and more sleep. some days he will be too tired to do much of anything. the fatigue builds up each week. I am 25 of 30 treatments down and I sleep almost all day. It is supposed to get worse next week and for two to three weeks after. just make sure that he doesn't try to be tough through any side effects. my doctor acts the minute I tell her of a new one. for the metal taste, use plastic silverware...it makes the taste less. if you can get him to walk a little each day, it will help with the fatigue a little bit (or at least it has for me...it also helps make my sleep feel more restful).
I wish you a lot of luck and I will add you and your husband to my prayers tonight! stay positive and strong. I'm going to go back to sleep now myself!
elizabeth

JUDYV5 said:

Make sure he stays hydrated
I had problems with my blood pressure dropping (light headed) because I wasn't getting enough fluids. I needed IV fluids through the treatments. It helped.

Welcome.
I had SCC stage iv, modified neck dissection in 1/09, 23 lymph nodes and left salivary gland removed, 3 nodes positive. Unknown primary. peg place 3/09. Rads end 5/15/09 and peg removal was 9/10.

Wishing you both the best. This is a great site for answers and support.

Blessings,

Sweet

luv4lacrosse said:

WELCOME MIKKI
Hi Mikki, welcome to the group. Like evryone else has already said, get all the rest you can and stay hydrated. You make sure you try to get rest also. I think the Cargiver role is even harder as they have to keep everything going and treat the patient.

Post often, there are people here that have been exactly where you are now.

BEST!!!

Mike

Welcome Mikki!
You have found a great group of folks here. I too am caregiver to Mark...who doesn't need much care anymore(3+months post SCC tonsil/sugery radiation chemo). He's doing great. This message board was my life line through it all. There is an abundance of informtion, support and care...use it! My best to you and your husband as you jouney forward.
Kim