I feel like I know you already...

KareGiver
KareGiver Member Posts: 301 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello everyone...for the past six weeks I have been searching on line for the right place to learn from and ask questions. I think this is it! Just from "creeping" (as our kids say about checking out facebook) I feel like I know many of you. My husband has just started treatment for tonsil cancer - his first chemo (cisplatin) and radiation yesterday. His whole family tells me to "think positive" - and I do, but I believe I am also a realist. Saying that, today, the worst symptoms from his first chemo yesterday are the hiccups. How very fortunate! Of course, I found an answer to that here. I just want to say thanks for everything so far and make sure you know there are lives you have touched that you weren't aware of. I have always been the "communicator" in this almost 24-year-marriage so why stop now! I wish everyone out here the best of everything--especially health! Thank you!

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    Welcome
    LOL, I think the appropriate term is "Lurker"....

    Welcome to the forum, we've been wondering when you were finally going to talk and tell us what you think and about yourself...what, you didn't think that we were aware of you lurking did you...?

    I started out with the tonsillectomy also, followed by nine weeks of chemo and another seven of concurrent chemo/rads.

    Hiccups, yep one of my first after effects also...

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John
  • bpell0402
    bpell0402 Member Posts: 61
    #3
    Your in the right place
    Always sorry to hear about a new diagnosis ...but you have just found a great source of information, advice, support and friends.

    My mother was recently diagnosed with tonsil cancer and she will start treatment soon. As she has taken care of me for 24 years it is now time that I take care of her.

    Please search for and read the "super thread" ... The amount of info is amazing and so valuable.
  • KareGiver
    KareGiver Member Posts: 301 Member
    #4
    Skiffin16 said:

    Welcome
    LOL, I think the appropriate term is "Lurker"....

    Welcome to the forum, we've been wondering when you were finally going to talk and tell us what you think and about yourself...what, you didn't think that we were aware of you lurking did you...?

    I started out with the tonsillectomy also, followed by nine weeks of chemo and another seven of concurrent chemo/rads.

    Hiccups, yep one of my first after effects also...

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John

    Lurker is a better
    Lurker is a better description John. Thanks for the perfect welcome!
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #5
    Welcome
    Glad you stepped out of the lurker shadows and introduced yourself. Sorry to read about your husband's cancer. We'll all pitch in to help his treatment be as smooth as possible. Hit the protein first thing in the day with Cisplatin. After morning the stomach won't be able to process it so well and you can shift to carbs mainly. A good walk right after the infusion helps move the chemo through the body. Stay strong.

    Bob
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #6
    adventurebob said:

    Welcome
    Glad you stepped out of the lurker shadows and introduced yourself. Sorry to read about your husband's cancer. We'll all pitch in to help his treatment be as smooth as possible. Hit the protein first thing in the day with Cisplatin. After morning the stomach won't be able to process it so well and you can shift to carbs mainly. A good walk right after the infusion helps move the chemo through the body. Stay strong.

    Bob

    KareGiver
    Sorry to hear of this journey beginning for your husband, and you, but I welcome you and am glad you found us. Somebody will have the answers to any question you have, and all of us are here for support. He's gonna survive this thing, so tell him to "get used to it!" 2025 is just around the corner for you and your husband- believe it.

    kcass
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
    adventurebob said:

    Welcome
    Glad you stepped out of the lurker shadows and introduced yourself. Sorry to read about your husband's cancer. We'll all pitch in to help his treatment be as smooth as possible. Hit the protein first thing in the day with Cisplatin. After morning the stomach won't be able to process it so well and you can shift to carbs mainly. A good walk right after the infusion helps move the chemo through the body. Stay strong.

    Bob

    Water, Water, Oh and more Water
    Keep him hydrated...you can never flush enough water through your system, especially with the Cisplatin....

    Yes, I also had Cisplatin, Taxotere, 5FU and Carboplatin....tough but doable....even with seven weeks of daily rads thrown in for good measure.

    Best,
    John
  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #8
    Skiffin16 said:

    Water, Water, Oh and more Water
    Keep him hydrated...you can never flush enough water through your system, especially with the Cisplatin....

    Yes, I also had Cisplatin, Taxotere, 5FU and Carboplatin....tough but doable....even with seven weeks of daily rads thrown in for good measure.

    Best,
    John

    Welcome to the club
    Hi Kare

    Sorry you and your hubby find yourself here but welcome to the site. A better group of people would be hard to find. I did Cisplatin also. I had some major hearing loss due to it, so my advice is to get a baseline audiogram early in order to check his hearing as he gets more of the chemo.

    Positive thoughts!

    Greg
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #9
    Greg53 said:

    Welcome to the club
    Hi Kare

    Sorry you and your hubby find yourself here but welcome to the site. A better group of people would be hard to find. I did Cisplatin also. I had some major hearing loss due to it, so my advice is to get a baseline audiogram early in order to check his hearing as he gets more of the chemo.

    Positive thoughts!

    Greg

    Karegiver
    Just wanted to welcome you, but I'm sorry you have need of our little club.
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #10
    Oh, And Did Anyone Mention Water? (Hee, John)
    Hi KareGiver - serious about he water thing - not just for him, but you, too - does a body good, and I'm sure you've read us harp (I mean advise) about the absolute need for lots of water - it makes a big difference. So, two sessions down, I'm guessing 33 to go? Hope he's one of the folks who don't suffer a lot in treatment. I think most of us don't have any fun, but aren't totally devastated, either. Do well.
  • KristynRuth86
    KristynRuth86 Member Posts: 140
    #11
    Pam M said:

    Oh, And Did Anyone Mention Water? (Hee, John)
    Hi KareGiver - serious about he water thing - not just for him, but you, too - does a body good, and I'm sure you've read us harp (I mean advise) about the absolute need for lots of water - it makes a big difference. So, two sessions down, I'm guessing 33 to go? Hope he's one of the folks who don't suffer a lot in treatment. I think most of us don't have any fun, but aren't totally devastated, either. Do well.

    Just wanted to wish you a
    Just wanted to wish you a warm and friendly hello! Glad you've found us! Hoping the best for your family and you!
    -Kristyn
  • Ron49
    Ron49 Member Posts: 91
    #12
    Hi I am also a caregiver for
    Hi I am also a caregiver for my husband Ron and he just finished 7 weeks of treatment 2 weeks ago today. He is really sick and weak and was not able to take the last cisplatin treatment. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or e-mail me. I also have learned so much from everyone here and come here first to look for answers.

    We will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers. It is a rough road but you will get through it.

    Robyn & Ron
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #13
    Wishing you the best
    I cry a little inside each time I see a new name on the boards knowing that someone else is going through what many of us have already endured. It can be rough but the results are incredible. I had cisplatin and 35 rad sessions and was amazed at how well I did, naturally I had some side effects but they were very manageable. Eighteen months later I am still here and doing good.

    Please post occasionally so we know how you both are doing. Until then, keep "Lurking" :)

    My best to you, your husband and your family.
    Glenna
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #14
    Glenna M said:

    Wishing you the best
    I cry a little inside each time I see a new name on the boards knowing that someone else is going through what many of us have already endured. It can be rough but the results are incredible. I had cisplatin and 35 rad sessions and was amazed at how well I did, naturally I had some side effects but they were very manageable. Eighteen months later I am still here and doing good.

    Please post occasionally so we know how you both are doing. Until then, keep "Lurking" :)

    My best to you, your husband and your family.
    Glenna

    Hi KareGiver

    I am so glad that you found us here and yes we are all here to help people who are just starting this trip. I hope something we say or tell will make treatment just a little better for both you and your husband.

    Take care and Welcome to the Family
    Hondo
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #15
    WELCOME
    Everyone before me has stolen my thunder. This is truly a great and very unique group of friends here that will try to do what ever it takes to help you through this difficult time.

    You and your family are in my prayers.

    Best!!

    Mike
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #16
    luv4lacrosse said:

    WELCOME
    Everyone before me has stolen my thunder. This is truly a great and very unique group of friends here that will try to do what ever it takes to help you through this difficult time.

    You and your family are in my prayers.

    Best!!

    Mike

    KareGiver!
    I wish you my best as you go through treatment & recovery with your husband! We are all here to help whenever needed. I know I could not have made it without the wonderfull people on CSN!
    God Bless
    Roz
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
    #17
    rozaroo said:

    KareGiver!
    I wish you my best as you go through treatment & recovery with your husband! We are all here to help whenever needed. I know I could not have made it without the wonderfull people on CSN!
    God Bless
    Roz

    Treatment
    KareGiver,

    Here's to an uneventful treatment and recovery period. praying and hoping the best for you both.

    Steve
  • KareGiver
    KareGiver Member Posts: 301 Member
    #18
    stevenl said:

    Treatment
    KareGiver,

    Here's to an uneventful treatment and recovery period. praying and hoping the best for you both.

    Steve

    Thank you EVERYONE for the
    Thank you EVERYONE for the warm welcome...3 rads down, 32 to go!
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #19
    KareGiver said:

    Thank you EVERYONE for the
    Thank you EVERYONE for the warm welcome...3 rads down, 32 to go!

    Welcome
    With such a consciencious and knowledge-seeking caregiver, he will do well during all this treatment. I completed treatment (Cisplatnin, Taxtera, 5fu, 35 rads) 22 months ago for stage 4 left toncil, and I'm doing quite well. But, you brought up one side effect that I keep forgetting about.......Hiccups. They sneak up on me and are very annoyingly loud, and last for maybe 4 or 5 hiccups in a row, then totally disappear for about a week. They then show up in the worst places for them to appear. Ahhhh....the joys of "new normal".

    Larry
  • Ron49
    Ron49 Member Posts: 91
    #20
    KareGiver said:

    Thank you EVERYONE for the
    Thank you EVERYONE for the warm welcome...3 rads down, 32 to go!

    We totally did the countdown
    We totally did the countdown thing. We kept a CaringBridge website and has been very helpful for us to keep everyone up to date on Rons care. If you are interested in the website the link is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit. Rons website is ronadams and you have to give your email and setup a password. We have a really large family and they are all over the place so this has been great.
    Robyn
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #21
    Ron49 said:

    We totally did the countdown
    We totally did the countdown thing. We kept a CaringBridge website and has been very helpful for us to keep everyone up to date on Rons care. If you are interested in the website the link is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit. Rons website is ronadams and you have to give your email and setup a password. We have a really large family and they are all over the place so this has been great.
    Robyn

    CaringBridge-
    is a very good idea, and site, for the reasons Robyn stated. I didn't know about until last fall, when a relative got in a car accident which rendered him paralyzed. Whereas this site of our's is for us C folks, only, CaringBridge is for everybody, and is mega-useful in keeping family and friends updated with what's going-on.

    kcass

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