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Starting TPF induction
Well gang, My number is finally being called so Monday morning I begin the induction chemo series. Couple things different is the MO is going to start cycle one with 25% reduction to better ease the side effects and then allow for a 4th cycle if needed to get the full dosage. Other thing different than most is the 5-FU…
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Balancing Act
I'm performing a balancing act. With the "right amount" of pain medication and the "right amount" of anti-nausea medication, life can be pleasant. Too much medication wipes me out. Some medication seems to wipe me out a little anyway. I am also having a little trouble with the eyes (focusing). I have recurrent iritis (a…
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A strange Occurance
Hello, hoping to find someone who can help me stop worrying. My husband had a very advanced sinus cancer 2 years ago. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor had grown to attach to the brain, eye and orbit, tissue and bone. He had an incredible life saving surgery which saw the removal of eye and orbit as well as parts…
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Clear Scans
Hi All - good news today, so wanted to share as I remember in my darker days seeing good news posts always cheered me up. I was most active on here in April 2012, I had what was believed a cyst surgically removed, which despite lots of clear tests (including PET) came back from the labs as being MEC (salivary gland…
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Tonight is difficult
I am putting together a care package for my mom, of all the pretty headscarves and 'buffs' that I used when I went through my chemo and radiation treatment, and I am feeling pretty upset that she is going through this right now. I posted a couple weeks back - she presented at the hospital on January 1st with difficulty…
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3 weeks post Tx Update
All, I want to take a minute and say "Thank You"! You have all been there for us down this road, and I am sure will be there as we continue down the road. You held my hand, you listened, you gave advice, you shared your personal experience, all while you were undergoing your own personal experiences. At first I think Dan…
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Does dry mouth ever improve?
Hello, I'm curious, has anyone had dry mouth (and thickened saliva) get better in time? (None of my doctors have said anything to make me think it will.) I'm not getting my hopes up, but I thought I had read in posts that some had gotten better. I'll be 12 weeks post radiation and chemo this Thursday. Bye the way, my…
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SuperThread Fix....
Just wanted to let everyone know that the SuperThread will be fixed soon... Actually I already have other than a few dead links.... With the new format on posting, Dawn tried to check in and post something, when she saved it, the thread format got hosed. I asked if she minded if I took it over as I originally helped her a…
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Erbitux Rash-help!
Jeff has gotten the dreaded rash. It's on his face. It's oozing and bleeding. He is using a steriod cream he got awhile back for eczama, the aquafor which he uses on the burn on his neck. He just took som otc benadyl tabs. Any other ideas? Should I call the dr office on Monday. Thanks guys and gals Sue
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Last Treatment.
Today was my last rad treatment. About a week ago I switched to shakes and smoothies as only source of nutrition. Can't wait to switch back. Mild sore throat and I am always trying to wash out my mouth. That taste is unreal. Doc says 2 to 6 weeks and I should start to feel some relief. It has been a long 6 and a half…
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MISSING FROM ROLL CALL - Have not checked in
It has been over a year and prior to January 1, 2012 since we heard from the below folks. If you know the status of any of the listed members, please post and give their status. DO NOT ENROLL or REPORT your personal status on this thread. I would appreciate it if it is posted on the actual ROLL CALL roster. Mahalo.
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Anyone heard of
hey all I was wondering if any of you have any experience with Saligon .. Not sure of the spelling , it's medication to help with saliva In Christ, Kevin
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I Am Numb
First, let me apologize for never being able to post any good news. I'm afraid I wouldn't recognize good news if it hit me square between the eyes. We saw the MDA doc today, and much as expected, not too much can be done for my hubby. The doc was taken aback when he saw the shape my poor hubby is in. The cancer in his lung…
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Good news!!!!!
Hey dear friends!! My dad had his first CT on Wednesday, and today he got a written report!! I guess it all looks pretty much ok and my parents are just thrilled!! Actually when they got this report, Mom immediatelly called me, but when she read it to me, we were not completely sure what exactly does all this mean. So she…
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Concerned
This monring I was roughly awakened by my wife at about 11:30 am. Now what was weired about this is I NEVER sleep later that 7:00 am. and am usually up by and having my coffee by then.. Also that I went to bed right after the superbowl game (around 9:00). Right now, it's 1:00 PM and i'm bone tired and could sleep for the…
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Care tips for long term Erbitux users
It looks like I will be continuing my palliative treatment of Metastatic Cancer with Erbitux. I have been on the drug for 23 weeks and am looking for advice from others who have been on Erbitux long term to combat all of the skin issues associated with the drug. The issues that bother me the most is severe cracked skin on…
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The after tx "Turkey Gobbler"... : )
Hi Folks, I didn't know how else to explain this hanging thing under the chin after treatment. We're calling it the "turkey gobbler" right now...LOL. Any advice about this disappearing or trying to tighten it up? Just curious if this is another gift that keeps on giving? ~Cureitall (Cris)
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Question about HPV+ throat cancer and how it might be spread (Update)
My mother had stage 4 throat cancer, her two year battle ended in October. She was HPV positive. Now I went to the dentist on Wednesday and he said I have a mass that needs to be looked at. I did not tell him about my mother being sick and passing away. But this is like De Ja Vue. All my life my mother and I shared drinks.…
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Hanging On
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm still hanging on. I have all the side effects of chemo: nausea, GERD, insomnia, constipation, and on and on. I have a few good moments now and then but a lot of poor times in between. I am also having some eye problems (Iritis), a painful swelling I get from time to time. I can't…
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Remember Silver Fox?
She could really use your prayers/intentions/thoughts/hopes/well wishes. She's facing ANOTHER surgery after docs found cancer AGAIN. Dunno how many this is - remember, she's a lary who has had issues with her stoma for some time. She's on FB as Roxanne Jacobs.
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Titanium Plate after mandibulectomy
Hello, I have a titanium plate in my lower jaw due to an inadvertent fracture of my jaw during the removal of the tumor/mandibulectomy. My tumor margins and subsequent lymph nodes removed were clear, so thankfully, I did not need radiation. Is there anyone out there who can share with me how the plate has affected them? I…
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On to the next phase
We are about to go to Jeff's 35th and last radation . Now it's on too healing. Mouth real sore (on fire) Magic mouthwash has really helped. Thank you all for suggesting it. It really puts the fire out. He tried a bite of a milky way the other day and it caused a 5 alarm to erupt, but MM put it out. Neck and face raw and…
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Off for a re-check....brrrrr !
Hello everyone, Off to see the H/N onc this a.m. and it's -1 with a -35 degree wind chill. I don't remember as a child ever hearing about wind chills. Back in the day in Minnesota cold was cold. Should be a good visit....as on the phone I was told NED. But I still have my handy dandy list of questions. Have a wonderful day…
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Anyone getting treatment in Austin, Tx ??
As mentioned in an earlier post, I may be moving from STL to Austin. There is no NCI certified facility in Austin, and my medical team feels ok with me continuing my once a week Erbitux treatments in Austin if we move, my wife's new employer is Seton Health System, and I can receive treatment there, (Shiver Cancer Center)…
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Some days I should just stay in bed !
Hi everyone, I had a pretty big scare today. After such a wonderful visit w/my ENT yesterday. I had severe chest pains that radiated down the left arm. I thought what.....no way this can't be happening. So I went to the hospital for an EKG, and of coarse the enzyme test. Came back all normal (I was so relieved) no signs of…
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Dad is in hospital...parotid gland infection???
Hello All, Monday was supposed to be treatment 24/33 getting Dad into single digits (a smile to Phrannie here ;-) ), but tx was canceled due to what looked to be an infection on the right cheek below ear area. Rx from rad-onc MD was for tetracycline. Well, rx couldn't be filled since it is not available anymore per FDA…
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Outcome of PET/SC scan and another waiting game
Not such great news from my husband's PET/CT scan. Now we are awaiting the scheduling of two biopsies -- lung and at the cervical of the esophagus and a little ways down. Specialist thinks that maybe the PET is wrong concerning the cancer dealing with the cervical of the esophagus and that it is only inflammation.…
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Good News!
Well Dan got his central line put in this morning, and the nurse will be here in an hour to teach me how to administer TPN! Nutrition is on the way! while we were waiting this morning in the IR unit, Dan asked for a bottle of water. I gave it to him and he drank. Normally! Not the painstaking baby sips where it takes him a…
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Last Chemo
Jeff had his final chemo today...YEAAH. 4 rads next week. Chemo was a nightmare today though. They ran an 1 1/2 late, it took 3 nurrses and 6 tries to start the IV. Something that should have had taken 1 and 15 min took 4 hours. At least it was the last and not the first. If it had started this way Jeff would have quit.…
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Something off subject of H&N
Just a share if I may. I am heating our home with wood heat this year (trying to keep electric down). So I cut about 5 cords of wood and purchased 1 cord at the beginning of the season. Thought that might do it...well, beginnig of January I was gettin low and purchased another cord of wood...burned through that pretty darn…