What Can My Fiance Expect?

My fiance had one cancerous tonsil removed; no other throat/tongue/etc. involvement, but the lymph node in his neck is very large, and it took months of different doctors to finally diagnose correctly. He is in a fine hospital in Galveston, and I am in Philadelphia, and cannot be with him on a daily basis for his treatment (long story).

He begins radiation on Monday 5/4, with chemo as well. The doctors have told him to expect a possible feeding tube and a "rough time." But nobody actually SAYS what he will be facing. What is it really like? What are the side effects and symptoms? I am crazed at the thought that I cannot be there with him every minute.

Can somebody please tell me the truth of what is facing him? I can take it--not knowing is worse.

My prayers to everyone on these boards, you have already helped so much.

Calyndula

On 4/29/2008 calyndula wrote:

My fiance had one cancerous tonsil removed; no other throat/tongue/etc. involvement, but the lymph node in his neck is very large, and it took months of different doctors to finally diagnose correctly. He is in a fine hospital in Galveston, and I am in Philadelphia, and cannot be with him on a daily basis for his treatment (long story).

He begins radiation on Monday 5/4, with chemo as well. The doctors have told him to expect a possible feeding tube and a "rough time." But nobody actually SAYS what he will be facing. What is it really like? What are the side effects and symptoms? I am crazed at the thought that I cannot be there with him every minute.

Can somebody please tell me the truth of what is facing him? I can take it--not knowing is worse.

My prayers to everyone on these boards, you have already helped so much.

Calyndula

Ok Calyndula, since you asked...  1)  expect a sore, sore throat 2) swallowing will be too painful 3)  mucus of all sorts is coming from the glands 4) nausea, headaches and burnt skin

Expect your fiance to be really miserable and tell him togo and eat the biggest and best dinner before treatmnt starts!

The peg tube is actually a good thing, that will prevent him from losing too much weight.  All the best.

Laurena 

Thank You, it's better to KNOW!

On 4/30/2008 laurena wrote:

 

On 4/29/2008 calyndula wrote:

My fiance had one cancerous tonsil removed; no other throat/tongue/etc. involvement, but the lymph node in his neck is very large, and it took months of different doctors to finally diagnose correctly. He is in a fine hospital in Galveston, and I am in Philadelphia, and cannot be with him on a daily basis for his treatment (long story).

He begins radiation on Monday 5/4, with chemo as well. The doctors have told him to expect a possible feeding tube and a "rough time." But nobody actually SAYS what he will be facing. What is it really like? What are the side effects and symptoms? I am crazed at the thought that I cannot be there with him every minute.

Can somebody please tell me the truth of what is facing him? I can take it--not knowing is worse.

My prayers to everyone on these boards, you have already helped so much.

Calyndula

Ok Calyndula, since you asked...  1)  expect a sore, sore throat 2) swallowing will be too painful 3)  mucus of all sorts is coming from the glands 4) nausea, headaches and burnt skin

Expect your fiance to be really miserable and tell him togo and eat the biggest and best dinner before treatmnt starts!

The peg tube is actually a good thing, that will prevent him from losing too much weight.  All the best.

Laurena