On 8/6/2007
newtothis wrote:
My father was diagnosed with Satge 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the neck that has metastasis to the lungs. He will begin DCF - chemotherapy this week inpatient for 5 days. He will go home for 2 1/2 weeks and then go in for another 5 days for more chemo. He wil do this about 5 times. I need to know what should I be expecting after treatment. Do the side effects begin right away or after a couple of weeks. This is all new to me and I want to be mentally prepared to what is to come. Your comments and advice are greatly appreciated!
Everyone accepts treatment and it's side effects differently.
Talk to his Oncology nutritionist as soon as possible. They can help you with meal planning, before, during and after treatment. Pump in the calories now. We started my husband on ensure before treatment since he had lost so much weight prior to diagnosis. He was at 118 pounds at diagnosis and now, as treatments are ending, he is at 104.
We were fortunate that he did not require hospitalization during any of his treatments. He has had 9 chemo treatments so far, radiation twice a day, 5 days a week, since mid-June. He is still eating and drinking on his own.
There is a lot of support out there, ask if there is a local group you can join.