Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (left hard palate, intermediate grade)

cl73 said:

mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Hello ekdennie,
I was told that you could provide some information to me regarding MEC. My 25 year old sister was diagnosed in 2009 and the MEC has had a recurrence as of 6/30/12. She will be starting chemo very soon. What are some of the ways me and my family can help her feel comfortable during her chemo treatment? What helped you deal with your diagnosis. My sister is very quiet and doesn't talk much about it, but I can imagine she is freighted and scared.

c173-Sisters are special people
While I don't have the same cancer I have been through chemo and had my sister by my side. Talk to your sister and write down her/your questions before you meet with the doctor (ex. will she lose her hair if you think that would be a concern for her)Be the extra set of ears at her doctor appointments and take notes. My sister sat through my 1st chemo treatment with me but after that I told her I just wanted to put on that heated blanket and sleep through it. Ask her which she would prefer. It may change from week to week. Be as positive as you can but if it's a sad day then allow her that. Let her know you understand it's scary and that you are scared too but will get through it together. She is lucky to have a sister reaching out on her behalf like you are. Best of luck.

cl73 said:

mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Hello ekdennie,
I was told that you could provide some information to me regarding MEC. My 25 year old sister was diagnosed in 2009 and the MEC has had a recurrence as of 6/30/12. She will be starting chemo very soon. What are some of the ways me and my family can help her feel comfortable during her chemo treatment? What helped you deal with your diagnosis. My sister is very quiet and doesn't talk much about it, but I can imagine she is freighted and scared.

sisters!
I am sorry it took me so long to reply. I can not offer you advice about either the chemo nor the recurrence as I have not had either, however, I can tell you what I would want from my family if mine ever comes back. I know I would be scared. I know I would be angry. But above all I know I would like my life to be as normal as possible. I have hated all the well meaning comments about food, my weight, and my energy levels. I would want a stuffed animal to hug when I feel bad and I saw this rag doll whose purpose is for you yo use it when you are having a bad day...I would want one of those as well. I wouldn't want my family to act as though I am sick...I would want all their prayers, but no tears...I would want my family to be strong for me...to know that chemo doesn't always work, but that I am hopeful that it would for me. I would want to plan for the possible alternatives...for just in case, while hoping and praying that my preperation isn't necessary. Prayer helped me with my diagnosis, as did knowing as much about my tumor. I got my strength from my family and from doing normal things. I hope I have been a help. You can do a search for mucoepidermoid carcinoma to find some of my posts and comments about this type of tumor, but know that MEC is composed of many types of cells, and it is important to know which variety she has to know how favorable her outcome will be...that any what grade and what stage her tumor is at. Think positive. Hugs! ekdennie