LOOKING for advise and encouragement

ONE DAY AT A TIME

ditto1 said:

Hey June

Sorry you had to find this site but it will be a God Send to get you and Papi thru this.   You may wish to give more information as to what he was diagnoised with so folks that have the same or similiar cancer can offer there thoughts.  I had Base of Tongue cancer from March of 2012.  I had 33 radiations treatments and 2 cisplatin chemos as well a 9 erbitux chemos.  Made it thru ok, it was tough at times but I made it and Im supposedly cancer free for now.  I did not need a Peg or Port but many likely most going thru this did.  So we will be here for you.  You may also get lots of information from the Super Thread which is the first post its for information purpose only not to post on.  So after reviewing it if you have questions please present them and trust me you will get answers or clarification.

Hi Ditto,

June is my Chiquita, Marcia. I posted a thread the other day concerning her welfare and well being as my caregiver. I encouraged her to reach out as everyone here has been awesome. 

Thanks for reaching back!

"T"

Tx N2b MO Stg IV - Surgery to remove tumor, excise left BOT lesion/biopsy, and laryngoscopy (again) Feb 7th. Goal is to find primary. Treatment to start 4-6 weeks afterwards. 6-7 weeks rads with possible weekly chemo (Cisplatin). 

June,

so glad you've joined us, hola!

i know how you feel, I have been there - don't worry, you'll know what to do and how to help him...

When we are faced with huge challenges, we learn how to get through it one day a time, one task at a time. You will do very well. And we will be here for both of you whenever you need us!

bienvenidos!

Kari

Hi Marcia,

So you were the lady holding Socrates, what a BIG beautiful cat.

You will do fine, your boy T has quizzed us to the point he is ready to be a very nice patient.  We opened up the floodgates of information to him and we would be happy to help you in any way we can.

Best,

Matt

fisrpotpe said:

Welcome

Welcome, sorry you have had to join us

my suggestions are

- there is nothing you can say.... just be there, smile, and be positive with all your words

- this is Papi's was and your with him to win his daily battles... when he wins his daily battles he will win the war

- encourge friends and family to send cards to Papi, they don't have to write anything just their name.... that will be enough as he will be thrilled that someone has taken the time just to send the card.

- for yourself.... Believe all will be fine and all will be fine. 

just by taking the time to come here show how much you care and love your Papi

john 

Hello Marcia and WELCOME...

Glad you are there to support the T-Man.  He is very lucky to have you in his life.  Sounds like you both know the path you are about to walk down.  It will be a battle for sure, but it is very doable.  You will be a terrific caregiver.  We have given T-Man lots of advice, so when it is time to be tough on him, just do it.

If you haven't already done so, check out the Super Thread on the first page here.  It is full of helpful tips and tools to help you both get thru the next few months.  And know that you have a huge support network here whenever you need us.  Don't hesitate to ask questions...we are happy to help.

Good Luck to you both.

Ingrid

Stage III, tongue cancer. Surgery 1/3/11 to remove 70% of tongue and replaced with forearm freeflap, 30 days of radiation, no chemo. all clear since.

My boyfriend has SCC Base of Tongue cancer since Oct of 2012.  He has 5 of 35 radiations treatments left and 3 cisplatin chemos as well a 3 erbitux chemos. He is doing well. No PEG-his dr wanted him to keep swallowing the whole timethe throat can get lazy if not used. But some people need it. He carries a water bottle around everywhere and takes sips all the time. His mouth is very dry and not hurts (on fire) Muguard is a great thing to help coat the mouth and thoart. Je does salt water and baking soda now. We just got a rc for magic mouthwash.  He eats tiny meals all day, a cup yogurt, some eggs, pudding, shakes made with ensure, protien powder, ice cream & banana's,mac/cheese/spanish rice(which is good a lot of flavor) With rads your taste buds get damaged -so no taste. that comes back in time.  He has lost about 17 pounds-which the Dr is happy with since they said in the beginning he might lose 40-45.

What I do is just be there, make foods that are soft and flavorful, make sure he takes pain meds before the pain gets to bad.

Keep visiting and keep in touch. This site is a godsend-many great people I would call my unmet friends and family

Sue

Happy that you found this message board. We do care about one another. Your English is fine, and your words do show your love for your father. As much as possible, try to keep him eating and drinking water. I found that food/drink at body temperature was less painful than either hot or cold foods/drinks. Not certain it will work for your Papi. However, warming food/drink (like you were giving it in a bottle to a baby) may be worth a try. But that's a little later. Take care. Rick.