An update on my Father

Jason1111
Jason1111 Member Posts: 64
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Well, for those of you who don't know, my Father was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in March of this year. He had his radical neck dissection surgery where they removed 29 lymph nodes and his jugglar vein, and 7 weeks of Chemo and Radiation. His last treatment was August 3rd, the day before his 65th birthday. It has been about, 6 to 7 weeks since his last treatment, and the improvement has been slow. He lost a total of 37 pounds through this whole ordeal, but has gained a few back, about 7 . His looks have improved and he is slowly eating semi-solid food. He keeps making the comment, "I think its taking too long to get better," and I keep reassuring him that it is going to take a while. He still tires quickly, after about 4 or 5 hours, has no saliva, can tast very little, and is still a little worried about this whole ordeal.

He goes in for a PET scan on October 18th, and I hope and pray that it is all gone and it never caomes back. It was rough watching him go through this the first time.

Anyhow, I just wanted you all to know how he was doing.

Thanks
Jason

Comments

  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #2
    Good to hear from you Jason.
    I am sure your father thinks it's taking forever to feel better. I think at about 7 weeks, he is doing well.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #3
    Hi Jason
    Thanks for the up-date, I am glad it is over and he is doing well. Yes tell him it all takes time and he will be back to his new normal soon.

    All the best my friend
    Hondo
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #4
    Hondo said:

    Hi Jason
    Thanks for the up-date, I am glad it is over and he is doing well. Yes tell him it all takes time and he will be back to his new normal soon.

    All the best my friend
    Hondo

    Jason-
    what Hondo said goes for me, too.

    kcass
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
    Congrats Jason...
    I know it's hard for you and especially him....

    Everything you mention sounds like he is right where he should be for the time.

    I'm sure that he will continue to improve, but as you know, it's a very slow process for most of us.

    Best,
    John
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #6
    Thanks for the Update
    Sounds like things are going very well. I know what your dad means "I think it's taking too long to get better". I think most of us had that same thought at one time or another. Hope the PET brings even more good news.
  • nwasen
    nwasen Member Posts: 235 Member
    #7
    Hondo said:

    Hi Jason
    Thanks for the up-date, I am glad it is over and he is doing well. Yes tell him it all takes time and he will be back to his new normal soon.

    All the best my friend
    Hondo

    The new normal
    Hondo...thanks for that. I have so many new things to discuss with my friends from NED to new normal.
    I love all of you on here. I wish I had found this site when I was going thru treatment or heck, even before.
    Who better to give info and tips than those who have been fighting the beast?!
    Jason, yes, it is hard to not have each day seem like eternity when you want to feel better. But it DOES get better for most of us.
    I honestly feel better today than I have had in years. I wonder at times how long I really was "sick"....
    but it doesn't matter now. All that matters is the climb back to the new normal
    Peace,
    Nancy aka toughcookie
  • Jason1111
    Jason1111 Member Posts: 64
    #8
    Thanks again everyone! I
    Thanks again everyone! I asked him today how he felt and he said O.K., and drained. He wants to go out and cut wood for the winter, but I took all of his chainsaws to keep him from doing something he probably shouldn't, being that he is soo weak. He just wants to Do..DO..DO. like he used to, but the reality of it all is that he can't. At least not right now. But, at heart, he honestly thinks he can. I want him to go out and do stuff to increase his strength, but having a chainsaw in his hands is not exactly what I had in mind, LOL...

    You all are the best....

    Jason
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #9
    Jason1111 said:

    Thanks again everyone! I
    Thanks again everyone! I asked him today how he felt and he said O.K., and drained. He wants to go out and cut wood for the winter, but I took all of his chainsaws to keep him from doing something he probably shouldn't, being that he is soo weak. He just wants to Do..DO..DO. like he used to, but the reality of it all is that he can't. At least not right now. But, at heart, he honestly thinks he can. I want him to go out and do stuff to increase his strength, but having a chainsaw in his hands is not exactly what I had in mind, LOL...

    You all are the best....

    Jason

    Chainsaw Dad
    I agree Jason that is not something you want him messing with just yet. I was feeling good a few months after my treatment and got the chainsaw out to cut a tree that was in my way and fell down with it running. I was very lucky the saw went the other way and not on me, soon he will get back his strength and will be back to a new normal.

    Wishing you both the best
    Hondo

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