My sister has been diagnosed but no treatment yet.

My sister who is 46 years old was diagnosed with throat cancer a week ago today.  We do know that it has spread to her sinus cavity, from one ear in to the other ear inside her head, it is from one side of her neck to the other and barely misses her voice box, and is in her face (all this is internal).  It is Carcinoma and is in stage 4.  I have heard this is the final stage.  I have also heard that there is 5 stages.  The doctor cut as much as he could out while doing the biopsy.  He said he can't cut anymore.  He wanted her to start chemo upon leaving the hospital using three large doses in a week then start radiation for five times a week for three months.  My concern is that it has been a week now since she was diagnosed and no treatment has been started.  He cut some of the tumor out so she could eat, breath, and talk a little better.  She was laid off at the end of last year so she has no medical insurance.  The chemo clinic will not start treatment until she has insurance.  She has been turned down by Tenncare.  At this point you know about as much as we know.  Her doctor (ENT) has said he will treat her for life with or without insurance.  He is a very kind man.  If anyone has advice or help for me at all I would really appreciate it.  Oh and the doctor said that this cancer responds well to treatment.  But we don't know if it is curable.  What her chances are or anything.  I am not giving up on hope and prayers but I would very much like to know what we are dealing with realistically.  My sister a week ago when in the hospital weighed 84 pounds.  She is 4'11" tall.  Please help me any way you can. Thank you so very very much.

I am so sorry to hear about your sister.  I hope that you have a treatment plan for her by now.  It is so hard for me to believe that we live in the most prosperous country on earth yet so many have no insurance.  Surely there are Drs. out there who will treat your sister.  Have you called the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  There is one in Tulsa - they are supposed to be excellent.  This is a tough beast to fight but you and your sister must never give up.  Put her on a diet high in fiber - no sugars - all veggies, fruits, fish, chicken.  Go to the health food store and buy anything and all supplements you can find to fight cancer.  My husband uses the Flor-Essence tea which is formulated for cancer patients.  Good luck and God Bless your family.  Please keep me posted.   My prayers are with you.   Cheryl   Oklahoma City