Scared- please read

CherieLW
CherieLW Member Posts: 472
I know that I may be a little out of line here since I myself was not diagnosed with cancer. However, about a month ago my dad was diagnosed with a "highly treatable" cancer in his sinus cavity and the doctors found the same type of cancer in one of his lymph nodes. My family has had a really hard time accepting this and I am terrifed as my dad begins chemo Monday June 3rd and two days later he begins radiation. He was told that he would only have to have 3 chemo treatments(one every 3 weeks) and 7 weeks of radiation (5 days out of the week).

As you may know, you always hear the negative side of cancer. Never or rarely the positive side, which I understand. I think my family is taking the news harder than my dad- he says he has a gaurdian angel (my 2 month old niece that passed last year) by his side and he's confident he will get through this. I am confident he will get through this too, but it does not make it any less scary deep down. I am consumed with this and I don't want to see my father in pain. I have been indirectly affected by cancer in my past and now that it is someone extremely close to me, I'm falling apart. It doesn't help that I wanted to be there for my dad, but I broke my leg a few weeks ago and now I am not getting around well. He just bought a new house and I can't even help him move or prepare anything. It's put a huge damper on things and just has me feeling super depressed.

Has anyone experienced this type of cancer? I know so many people have it worse and I am blessed that doctors think my dad will be cured and that it hasn't spread, but it hasn't lessened my fear and anxiety about what he has to go through. I was just hoping that someone can give me a little more hope or make me feel better (if thats possible) about this. The doctor said worst case he may have to have a feeding tube from the radiation if he is having problems getting nutrition from swallowing problems. That just scares me more. I know my dad is strong, but I am really having a huge problem with this. Any positive feedback is really appreciated.

As for those of you that are affected by cancer, no matter what stage, what type, where the location: I will pray for a quick healing for you and hope that those family members (such as me, a wife, another child...) can find some sort of comfort in knowing that you will get through this.
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Comments

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    Prayers for you

    and  your dad!  It's terrifying.  My cancer was also treatable, removable and after rads they said I was free to live my life.  THAT is a huge blessing.  But, did it make the word cancer any less terrifying?  Absolutely not.  I read the phrase somewhere "Cancer.  It's a word, not a sentence."    

     The good thing is your dad was told it's highly treatable and they are getting started right away.  THAT is a positive.  Once I found out that is what I had, I wanted to get on with it and get the ball rolling quickly.  My family was very upset.  My husband and older son took the news harder.  My younger son was positive and used it as a learning experience and now has decided he wants to go into nursing.  Prayer and my faith in God is truly what has brought me so far.  I'm on prayer lists literally around the US!  I totally believe in the power of prayer and I give God ALL of the glory for my healing. 

     Cancer can be absolutely the scariest thing to hear, but keep things upbeat and positive as best you can.  My doctors, nurses, techs, everyone has said to me that I've had the best attitude.  Well, I can cry my eyes out in the shower and let all that emotion out and then get ready to fight again.  I'm stubborn, so that helps me too :)  It sounds like your dad is a fighter and has the right attitude about things.  That will be very helpful.  Treatment can get tough.  There are days that just stink and you want to crawl in bed and stay there....you can't.  You have to dig deep and get it done!  He's strong and you'll find out that so are you.  You have a strength in you that will come out because you love your dad so much.

     I haven't had to have a feeding tube, but there are many on this site who have and can give you advice on that if the time comes.  This site is amazing and you will learn so much, get so much support, and feel encouraged.  I find myself on here several times a day! 

     Hang in there!  You can help your dad by just being there and continuing to love him.  He can do this!  There are times that are bad, but the good far outweighs that.  

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    Cherie....start reading posts on this forum....

    It's perfectly natural to be scared.....it IS scary.  We've all had our "blind sided" moment when the Dr.'s first uttered those words to us, or to loved ones.  The thing is, he WILL get thru this.  It's not a fun walk, but it most certainly can be done (as you will note from all the survivors here).  

    I didn't have it of the sinus, but in the nasophranegeal area....behind the nose.  I too did 3 chemo's, and 35 radiations....and I had the feeding tube as well.....and I'm here to talk about it today.  I talked about it on here all through treatment. 

    Can your dad hire a moving company to box up stuff, take it to the new house, and deliver it?  Once he's had his chemo, and the rads start he's not going to feel very good for a few days...and the rads can make us tired....but unpacking a box or two a day might be perfect....it helps to have something to do that's light and easy...it doesn't have to be done "today"....just a little per day, and on the days he doesn't feel like it, he can rest.

    p

    PS....He is going to be ok.....I mean that!!!

  • Hard12Find
    Hard12Find Member Posts: 217 Member
    Welcome to our little corner of the net

    Cherie,

    You are not out of line at all, we welcome caregivers and anyone needing advice.

    Let me start with the good news, Most head and neck cancers respond really well to treatment, but the bad news is the treatments and side effects can be pretty brutal. I was diagnosed last August with stage 4A Squamous cell carcinoma with a primary tumor on my right tonsil, and lymph nodes affected on each side of my neck. Since your Dad is starting treatment soon I will give you my two cents worth of what is important right now....

    1. Eat everything he can, high fat content, ice cream, protiens, he will likely lose over 30 pounds during treatment, food doesnt taste good once the taste buds are radiated, then there may be mouth sores, and swallowing difficulties. He needs to swallow as much as possible through out treatment even if it is just water, soft diet stuff like eggs, malt o meal, and smoothies.

    2. Ask apout having a feeding tube installed while his immunities are still good, mine saved my life.....

    3. Consider having a med port installed as chemo can be hard on the veins.....

    4.  For you and the family.... Read the super thread at the top of this forum, Take a couple deep breaths and embrace the fact this cancer is very beatable. My treatments ended in November, and my first post treatment PET scan, showed no evidence of disease. On a side note an older sister was diagnosed almost exact same thing about 1 month after me and she too is now cancer free.

    5. If his chemo drug is cisplaitan, maybe consider a hearing test, I lost about 40 % of my hearing during treatment..

    I still have a comprimised swallow, and have to be pretty careful about what I try to eat, had horrible fatigue and depression after tratment, but about a month ago, I started to get some energy back, working on stamina now.

    We will be here when ever you need us and I am sure many will chime in.

    Jim

     

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472

    Prayers for you

    and  your dad!  It's terrifying.  My cancer was also treatable, removable and after rads they said I was free to live my life.  THAT is a huge blessing.  But, did it make the word cancer any less terrifying?  Absolutely not.  I read the phrase somewhere "Cancer.  It's a word, not a sentence."    

     The good thing is your dad was told it's highly treatable and they are getting started right away.  THAT is a positive.  Once I found out that is what I had, I wanted to get on with it and get the ball rolling quickly.  My family was very upset.  My husband and older son took the news harder.  My younger son was positive and used it as a learning experience and now has decided he wants to go into nursing.  Prayer and my faith in God is truly what has brought me so far.  I'm on prayer lists literally around the US!  I totally believe in the power of prayer and I give God ALL of the glory for my healing. 

     Cancer can be absolutely the scariest thing to hear, but keep things upbeat and positive as best you can.  My doctors, nurses, techs, everyone has said to me that I've had the best attitude.  Well, I can cry my eyes out in the shower and let all that emotion out and then get ready to fight again.  I'm stubborn, so that helps me too :)  It sounds like your dad is a fighter and has the right attitude about things.  That will be very helpful.  Treatment can get tough.  There are days that just stink and you want to crawl in bed and stay there....you can't.  You have to dig deep and get it done!  He's strong and you'll find out that so are you.  You have a strength in you that will come out because you love your dad so much.

     I haven't had to have a feeding tube, but there are many on this site who have and can give you advice on that if the time comes.  This site is amazing and you will learn so much, get so much support, and feel encouraged.  I find myself on here several times a day! 

     Hang in there!  You can help your dad by just being there and continuing to love him.  He can do this!  There are times that are bad, but the good far outweighs that.  

    thanks

    Tracy,

    Thanks so much for the positive words.  It seems I am much stronger when I'm around my dad bc I have to be...but dealing with the first treatments coming up has been a challenge.  I can tell this is a wonderful site.  Before I posted my post, I was able to read what a lot of people are going through and how they are coming along.  So many people on here really have a good thought process while going through all of this.  I am glad that you have been able to keep your head up through all you have had to face, I'm sure it is not always easy to stay that upbeat when you are feeling down.  Do you know if there is anything that I could do that would help my dad through his radiation or chemo treatments?  I don't know how long they normally last and since I'm down with a broken leg I feel that I am not much help :(  Thanks again, it is wonderful to interact with people on this site.  Very supportive. 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    scared, me too

    CherieLW,

    Welcome to you and your Dad to the H&N forum.

    You are scared, your Dad is scared, the family is scared and I am scared with you.  It was only a year ago I walked in your Dad’s shoes, heard the same “you have cancer” and came up with a plan to treat it.  If it wasn’t for a swollen lymph node I would probably be toast as I did not feel a thing on my tongue.

    The positive aspects are they found it, you’ve got a good plan to treat it and it is curable.  That means Dad will be around for years to come.

    There could be pain, but how much is anybody’s guess.  There are lots of medicines for all kinds of pain; it just depends on how your Dad’s body reacts to treatments.

    Broken leg or not, you can be there for him, even as a sounding board or his connection to the H&N forum where you can gather info to pass along.  We all can predict pretty close what will happen and when, all you have to do is ask.

    You need to read some of our posts and get acquainted with what is coming your way.  There are many here who are currently starting treatments and many who have just finished.  The more you know, hopefully the less anxious you will be.  Don’t let the cancer consume you, you need to help your Dad in any way you can.

    There will be tough times ahead, but somewhere around July 24th he will be finished and much of this will be in the past.

    Be strong,

    Matt

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Cherie...

    Welcome to the forum.., you are more than welcome here..., and you and your father do beling here...

    Your MD's seems to be in the know, and have given you good advice and communication... Also the plan yo mention is fairly consistant with what many of us have went through... Oh, and even better, that many of us have survived and been diagnosed with No Evidense of Disease (NED) after the fact.

    Myself, Phrannie and many, many others here are NED...

    Myself, I'm going on four years post treatment clean and clear in about two weeks or so...

    I was STGIII SCC Tonsil Cancer, also with lympnodes involved..HPV+.

    Like your father, I also had nine weeks f chemo (three week cycles) of Cisplatin, Taxotere and 5FU (in a pump for four days). Then the seven weeks of concurrent, weekly Carboplatin and daily rads...

    No feeding tube, but I'm an exception to the rule (myself and a few others)...

    It's rough, but very doable... hydration and calories are huge as is a good attitude...., which sounds as you father has.

    He's going to feel crappy some days..., about half way through rads, his taste and salive will go... you eat and drink to survive, not pleasure nor taste...you just do it.

    If he's like me and many, he's going to hurt during that period... with no PEG (feeding tube), I just swapped over to all liquids... Ensure Plus, water, numbing meds, and other liquid meds...

    Again, he will survive, and more than likely, a very high chance he will come out also NED...

    Check the first thread on this forum...SuperThread, it has tons of excellent links and information...

    Best,

    John

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472

    Cherie....start reading posts on this forum....

    It's perfectly natural to be scared.....it IS scary.  We've all had our "blind sided" moment when the Dr.'s first uttered those words to us, or to loved ones.  The thing is, he WILL get thru this.  It's not a fun walk, but it most certainly can be done (as you will note from all the survivors here).  

    I didn't have it of the sinus, but in the nasophranegeal area....behind the nose.  I too did 3 chemo's, and 35 radiations....and I had the feeding tube as well.....and I'm here to talk about it today.  I talked about it on here all through treatment. 

    Can your dad hire a moving company to box up stuff, take it to the new house, and deliver it?  Once he's had his chemo, and the rads start he's not going to feel very good for a few days...and the rads can make us tired....but unpacking a box or two a day might be perfect....it helps to have something to do that's light and easy...it doesn't have to be done "today"....just a little per day, and on the days he doesn't feel like it, he can rest.

    p

    PS....He is going to be ok.....I mean that!!!

    Trying to keep that positive vibe!

    Phrannie,

    I read some about your treatments on here before I made my post.  I was very glad to see you replied to my msg since you had about the same amount of chemo and radiation.  Can you tell me what the feeding tube experience was like for you? I hate that you had to go through this (anyone who has been through it) and I hate even more asking that question...but I just hope it may ease my mind a little.  I'm 30, my dad is 64, but very healthy otherwise...

    I talked to dad about a moving company (he could afford it), but he is just stubborn! ;)  He thinks we will have enough help with family and friends. I've tried to collaborate with my sister to pay for one, but dad will not allow it. 

    It is a relief to see all the survivors on here and inspirational to read all of your stories.  You are all strong ladies and men.  I know dad will make it through it, I just have to stay on that positive thought trail...

    By the way, is your cancer in remission? I really hope so.  I wish the best for you all.

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472

    Welcome to our little corner of the net

    Cherie,

    You are not out of line at all, we welcome caregivers and anyone needing advice.

    Let me start with the good news, Most head and neck cancers respond really well to treatment, but the bad news is the treatments and side effects can be pretty brutal. I was diagnosed last August with stage 4A Squamous cell carcinoma with a primary tumor on my right tonsil, and lymph nodes affected on each side of my neck. Since your Dad is starting treatment soon I will give you my two cents worth of what is important right now....

    1. Eat everything he can, high fat content, ice cream, protiens, he will likely lose over 30 pounds during treatment, food doesnt taste good once the taste buds are radiated, then there may be mouth sores, and swallowing difficulties. He needs to swallow as much as possible through out treatment even if it is just water, soft diet stuff like eggs, malt o meal, and smoothies.

    2. Ask apout having a feeding tube installed while his immunities are still good, mine saved my life.....

    3. Consider having a med port installed as chemo can be hard on the veins.....

    4.  For you and the family.... Read the super thread at the top of this forum, Take a couple deep breaths and embrace the fact this cancer is very beatable. My treatments ended in November, and my first post treatment PET scan, showed no evidence of disease. On a side note an older sister was diagnosed almost exact same thing about 1 month after me and she too is now cancer free.

    5. If his chemo drug is cisplaitan, maybe consider a hearing test, I lost about 40 % of my hearing during treatment..

    I still have a comprimised swallow, and have to be pretty careful about what I try to eat, had horrible fatigue and depression after tratment, but about a month ago, I started to get some energy back, working on stamina now.

    We will be here when ever you need us and I am sure many will chime in.

    Jim

     

    Thanks for advice!

    Jim,

    Thanks for your advice, it's nice to know that so many people on here are so supportive.  I forget the exact name of my father's cancer but I know that it was not staged.  The chemo doctor informed us that my dad will have a port, so that's a relief to know that.  I will be bringing this advice to his attention as I want him to do as many things as possible to bring back a good quality of life.  Thanks Jim!! 

  • Sunshine60
    Sunshine60 Member Posts: 81
    Welcome!

    I hate to see anyone new come on this forum, but am happy they found it.   I am a caretaker also, my husband is going through his tx at this time. We are half way through rads.... and its scary and hard to watch.  However, as many have said already, it is a curable cancer and attitude is a huge part of recovery.   Although i don't post often, i go here almost everyday because the others give me comfort.   I hope you will get that from all of us too.   Come here often!

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    CivilMatt said:

    scared, me too

    CherieLW,

    Welcome to you and your Dad to the H&N forum.

    You are scared, your Dad is scared, the family is scared and I am scared with you.  It was only a year ago I walked in your Dad’s shoes, heard the same “you have cancer” and came up with a plan to treat it.  If it wasn’t for a swollen lymph node I would probably be toast as I did not feel a thing on my tongue.

    The positive aspects are they found it, you’ve got a good plan to treat it and it is curable.  That means Dad will be around for years to come.

    There could be pain, but how much is anybody’s guess.  There are lots of medicines for all kinds of pain; it just depends on how your Dad’s body reacts to treatments.

    Broken leg or not, you can be there for him, even as a sounding board or his connection to the H&N forum where you can gather info to pass along.  We all can predict pretty close what will happen and when, all you have to do is ask.

    You need to read some of our posts and get acquainted with what is coming your way.  There are many here who are currently starting treatments and many who have just finished.  The more you know, hopefully the less anxious you will be.  Don’t let the cancer consume you, you need to help your Dad in any way you can.

    There will be tough times ahead, but somewhere around July 24th he will be finished and much of this will be in the past.

    Be strong,

    Matt

    thank you as well

    Matt,

    Thank you for the kind words, I guess I was one of those stupid girls that thought I would never have to worry about cancer hitting my family.  I will be there for dad in any way I can, but the moving, cleaning, painting part is where I want to help but am unable. 

    I have read quite a few posts.  One of my favorites is one you wrote to a girl who was dreading going to her second chemo visit.  You named reasons to go to chemo and I want to thank you for that.  It lifted my spirits.  I actually set it in my favorites and plan on reading it to my mom later who is having a hard time as well. 

    Best of luck to all of you on this site, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers for a fast recovery! Thanks to those keeping my dad in yours as well.

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    CivilMatt said:

    scared, me too

    CherieLW,

    Welcome to you and your Dad to the H&N forum.

    You are scared, your Dad is scared, the family is scared and I am scared with you.  It was only a year ago I walked in your Dad’s shoes, heard the same “you have cancer” and came up with a plan to treat it.  If it wasn’t for a swollen lymph node I would probably be toast as I did not feel a thing on my tongue.

    The positive aspects are they found it, you’ve got a good plan to treat it and it is curable.  That means Dad will be around for years to come.

    There could be pain, but how much is anybody’s guess.  There are lots of medicines for all kinds of pain; it just depends on how your Dad’s body reacts to treatments.

    Broken leg or not, you can be there for him, even as a sounding board or his connection to the H&N forum where you can gather info to pass along.  We all can predict pretty close what will happen and when, all you have to do is ask.

    You need to read some of our posts and get acquainted with what is coming your way.  There are many here who are currently starting treatments and many who have just finished.  The more you know, hopefully the less anxious you will be.  Don’t let the cancer consume you, you need to help your Dad in any way you can.

    There will be tough times ahead, but somewhere around July 24th he will be finished and much of this will be in the past.

    Be strong,

    Matt

    thank you as well

    Matt,

    Thank you for the kind words, I guess I was one of those stupid girls that thought I would never have to worry about cancer hitting my family.  I will be there for dad in any way I can, but the moving, cleaning, painting part is where I want to help but am unable. 

    I have read quite a few posts.  One of my favorites is one you wrote to a girl who was dreading going to her second chemo visit.  You named reasons to go to chemo and I want to thank you for that.  It lifted my spirits.  I actually set it in my favorites and plan on reading it to my mom later who is having a hard time as well. 

    Best of luck to all of you on this site, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers for a fast recovery! Thanks to those keeping my dad in yours as well.

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    Skiffin16 said:

    Cherie...

    Welcome to the forum.., you are more than welcome here..., and you and your father do beling here...

    Your MD's seems to be in the know, and have given you good advice and communication... Also the plan yo mention is fairly consistant with what many of us have went through... Oh, and even better, that many of us have survived and been diagnosed with No Evidense of Disease (NED) after the fact.

    Myself, Phrannie and many, many others here are NED...

    Myself, I'm going on four years post treatment clean and clear in about two weeks or so...

    I was STGIII SCC Tonsil Cancer, also with lympnodes involved..HPV+.

    Like your father, I also had nine weeks f chemo (three week cycles) of Cisplatin, Taxotere and 5FU (in a pump for four days). Then the seven weeks of concurrent, weekly Carboplatin and daily rads...

    No feeding tube, but I'm an exception to the rule (myself and a few others)...

    It's rough, but very doable... hydration and calories are huge as is a good attitude...., which sounds as you father has.

    He's going to feel crappy some days..., about half way through rads, his taste and salive will go... you eat and drink to survive, not pleasure nor taste...you just do it.

    If he's like me and many, he's going to hurt during that period... with no PEG (feeding tube), I just swapped over to all liquids... Ensure Plus, water, numbing meds, and other liquid meds...

    Again, he will survive, and more than likely, a very high chance he will come out also NED...

    Check the first thread on this forum...SuperThread, it has tons of excellent links and information...

    Best,

    John

    Thanks John, I'm glad to hear

    Thanks John, I'm glad to hear that things are looking up!  Thanks for all the kind words.  I'm terrified of the feeding tube, but I notice many on this site have had to have them and now lead normal lives.  Thanks for giving me some heads up.  Talking to you all is already making me feel a lil better about things. 

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472

    Welcome!

    I hate to see anyone new come on this forum, but am happy they found it.   I am a caretaker also, my husband is going through his tx at this time. We are half way through rads.... and its scary and hard to watch.  However, as many have said already, it is a curable cancer and attitude is a huge part of recovery.   Although i don't post often, i go here almost everyday because the others give me comfort.   I hope you will get that from all of us too.   Come here often!

    Thanks Sunshine. Trying to

    Thanks Sunshine. Trying to stay as positive as possible at this time!  I will be visiting! 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    PEG me PEG you

    CherieLW,

    Need tube, no tube,

    No tube, eat food

    Eat food, no taste, can’t swallow, must haste

    Need tube, one tube, two tube, PEG tube, feed tube,

    Use tube all is well, drip, drip, feel well,

    Feel well all is better, pop the PEG now it’s over.

     

    I did it twice, 2 PEGS (one for dessert).  After I finished I think I could have gone PEG free.

    PEGless (now) in Oregon,

    Matt

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    CivilMatt said:

    PEG me PEG you

    CherieLW,

    Need tube, no tube,

    No tube, eat food

    Eat food, no taste, can’t swallow, must haste

    Need tube, one tube, two tube, PEG tube, feed tube,

    Use tube all is well, drip, drip, feel well,

    Feel well all is better, pop the PEG now it’s over.

     

    I did it twice, 2 PEGS (one for dessert).  After I finished I think I could have gone PEG free.

    PEGless (now) in Oregon,

    Matt

    Green Eggs and Pegs

    Awesome post Civil "Dr Suess" Matt  :)

    "T"

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    Get back in line...

    Hi Cherie,

    Out of line? Not at all! Cancer affects everyone and everything around it and a caregiver's role is as challenging if not moreso in some ways than what the patient goes through. This site and the people here are wonderfully supportive and encouraging. They helped me prepare for my journey and have been there all hours of the day and night to respond. You're definitely in the right place.

    I don't know how much I can add that hasn't been said. All I can say is the feeding tube thing is nothing to be afraid of. I made it through treatments without one... for a few hours anyway :)  Because of weight loss, issues swallowing and mouth pain, I had a PEG installed a couple of hours after I rang the bell. Other than being a little sore for a few days it was no problem. I'm glad they did it even though I didn't want it as it's made my recovery much easier. 

    Positive thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your father.

    "T"

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

    Trying to keep that positive vibe!

    Phrannie,

    I read some about your treatments on here before I made my post.  I was very glad to see you replied to my msg since you had about the same amount of chemo and radiation.  Can you tell me what the feeding tube experience was like for you? I hate that you had to go through this (anyone who has been through it) and I hate even more asking that question...but I just hope it may ease my mind a little.  I'm 30, my dad is 64, but very healthy otherwise...

    I talked to dad about a moving company (he could afford it), but he is just stubborn! ;)  He thinks we will have enough help with family and friends. I've tried to collaborate with my sister to pay for one, but dad will not allow it. 

    It is a relief to see all the survivors on here and inspirational to read all of your stories.  You are all strong ladies and men.  I know dad will make it through it, I just have to stay on that positive thought trail...

    By the way, is your cancer in remission? I really hope so.  I wish the best for you all.

    Yes...my cancer is

     gone....hasn't been seen since last July or so Smile....I'm due for my 3 month Onc check next week....where I'm sure they'll set me up for my 9 month scan (I finished rads last June, but had 3 more chemo's after they were done, so didn't finish all treatment until the end of August). 

    The tube is no biggie....honest.  I did have some pretty decent cramping the first 3 days or so, then it all subsided, and I just wore it like another appendage.  I actually never used it during radiation....but needed it exclusively after rads ended, and the new chemo began.  It is truly considered minor surgery....basically a large piercing....I too had mine installed before I started treatments and was glad I did, as getting one in the middle just kind of adds misery upon misery.  Glad to hear he's getting a port, it makes getting chemo....as well as extra hydration or transfusions (if needed) a snap....finding a vein during treatment can sometimes be a pain in the patootie. 

    Trust me, you will find your place in the "helping" aspect....you might not be able to do the moving/cleaning part....but you're here, and you're learning from people who have gone thru this....the knowledge found here is invaluable.  You'll be the idea-person....the one who can say, "try this", "give this a whirl".....

    Hard12find gave you some great advice for this part of the journey....he might as well start eating everything he wants to.  Added weight will soon be gone.  I only lost 16 lbs during treatment, but started out at 97, so tho my weight loss was minimal, I still came out pretty skinny.  Knowing I was going to lose my taste buddies, and my saliva.....I mentally started working on myself to quit eating for pleasure, and start seeing it as a job early on....started eating by the clock instead of only eating when hungry. 

    The folks here will fill you in on nifty tricks and tips for getting thru this treatment....practical things that make it more doable.  They're brilliant....plus it's kind of like putting the heads of many Dr.'s and patients from across the country together, so if one idea doesn't work, there's another waiting in the wings.

    Another great part of this board, you never have to wait long for an answer....there always seems to be someone here.

    p

    PS....your dad and I are just about the same age....I was 61 when I started treatment....you said other than having cancer he's in good health.....that's a real plus!! 

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

    PEG me PEG you

    CherieLW,

    Need tube, no tube,

    No tube, eat food

    Eat food, no taste, can’t swallow, must haste

    Need tube, one tube, two tube, PEG tube, feed tube,

    Use tube all is well, drip, drip, feel well,

    Feel well all is better, pop the PEG now it’s over.

     

    I did it twice, 2 PEGS (one for dessert).  After I finished I think I could have gone PEG free.

    PEGless (now) in Oregon,

    Matt

    LOLOLOLOLOLOL

    You missed your calling Matt....

    I'm still laughing out loud.

    p

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    CherieLW said:

    thanks

    Tracy,

    Thanks so much for the positive words.  It seems I am much stronger when I'm around my dad bc I have to be...but dealing with the first treatments coming up has been a challenge.  I can tell this is a wonderful site.  Before I posted my post, I was able to read what a lot of people are going through and how they are coming along.  So many people on here really have a good thought process while going through all of this.  I am glad that you have been able to keep your head up through all you have had to face, I'm sure it is not always easy to stay that upbeat when you are feeling down.  Do you know if there is anything that I could do that would help my dad through his radiation or chemo treatments?  I don't know how long they normally last and since I'm down with a broken leg I feel that I am not much help :(  Thanks again, it is wonderful to interact with people on this site.  Very supportive. 

    You're very welcome!

     

     

    You are very welcome!  I'm still a newbie here and am learning SO much from these wonderful people.  They have all had great words of wisdom for you :)  Tell him to eat, eat, eat and enjoy it right now.  I had NO idea about the mouth sores or loss of taste.  I wasn't warned that could happen.  I would have packed on a few pounds before treatment as I had no idea the weight loss that would happen.  I'm down 20lbs since my surgeries in March.  

     

    Keep reading and posting.  Knowledge is power! 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    feel better

    Cherie,

    I agree with Big ‘T’, we are all behind you, your family and your Dad as you all help each other on this journey.

    Often a little humor helps to take some wind out of cancer’s sail.  Believe you I know how alone and helpless you feel.

    Best always,

    Matt