Start chemo and radiation tomorrow

My husband starts his Chemo and radiation tomorrow for T2N2M0 Stage IV HPV related throat cancer.  Any words of encouragement?

The best words I can provide is stick by him and you "both" will make it through this.  Plus from what I understand the HPV related type has a higher survival rate.

God bless you both, Dave

He definately will be in my prayers through this time.  I remember going 90 mph when I started.  The ENT, Radiologist told me to eat, eat, eat as much as I could from time of dx to approximately the 4th week into radiation/chemo, as it would probably change so much around that time and it did!  I gained 15 lbs during that time, then wham! lost 30 lbs over the coarse.  Had a PEG tube inserted at the 5th week and wished I had listened and it inserted the 1st week treatment started.  But I made it as he will, 3.5 years later and I'm doing quite amazingly better.  Have only gained 10 lbs since then, but I'm trying!  Best of Luck to both of you, be there for him, he will need you!  Let us know is progress and of course any questions you may have, we ALL are here for you!

God Bless

Patricia

Thanks all.  We had family and friends over. he enjoyed a big meal.  Now researching what foods work best on chemo days.  Looks like lots of complex carbs and lean meats.  I will bring snacks f dried fruits, almonds, whole graincrackers and his favorite herbal teas.  Also need advise omn cost effective protien shakes.  he's lost 15 lounds in three weeks PRIOR to any treatments. 

You got to keep his strength up and push fulids, Keep his meds up before he starts with the nasuia, It will get nasty down the road but if you have any question about anything this is the place to ask. SOme of us have been down the road you are about to travil and will be glad to share what worked with us and what didn't work. he will most likely need a peg tube for eating cause his swallowing may go away then the only nurishment he will be able to have will be int he peg tube, Don't be afraid to blend food with the formula they give you. Keep  his protene level up and try not to let him lose to much weight. I lost 60 LBS with mine. I had Base of the toungue and lymph nodes involved, 36 radaitions and 6 chemo and a nbyladeral neck disection with lymph nodes removed. It has been a long road but one you can travel and win th ewar against this ugly beast called Cancer. Prayer helps a lot and the great caregiver that you are will be a God send too. If you need us were here to help.

LA from NC 

I remember how we felt the day before my husband's 1st treatment...I felt like we were jumping off a cliff!  Just know you have lots of support & encouragement here.  My husband had SCC left tonsil with lymph node involvement dx in April '09.   We just had first post treatment scan...we're all clear!  I was so fortunate to be able to take off work while he had treatment.  I had plenty of leave and never had to worry about losing a day's pay.  It was totally the right thing for us to do.  I could focus on his treatment, nutrition & care.  He had a PEG placed by the 3rd week of treatment and it was the right decision also.

Good luck & stay connected for support.

DT

On Nov 01, 2009 5:57 PM RNwife wrote:

My husband starts his Chemo and radiation tomorrow for T2N2M0 Stage IV HPV related throat cancer.  Any words of encouragement?

You have every right to feel nervous anticipation-I sure did for days, weeks, and months-perfectly normal-alot of stress and fear. You will hear more advise, some good, bad and overwhelming.  The key is to stay focused, ask allot of questions of the doctors and demand good care from the nurses-you have every right.  There is no such thing as "the normal patient" and expect the very best.  This is the Cross you will bear towards the Light at the end of the tunnel.  Each chemo and radiation treatment is one day closer to the complete elimination of all cancer cells.  Mostly, be kind and patient with yourselves.  Don't expect anything from yourselves except that you will be kind and gentle to yourselves first and then to each other.  Make Christ and my Champion the Holy Spirit a part of your daily journey and make your Gaurdian Angel a part of this journey (provide overtime pay).  Learn to laugh on your best and worst days and likewise learn to cry on your best and worst days, all the while asking God for his Grace which Jesus reminds us will be sufficient each day.  I sure didn't feel like I was making it through and here I am 18 months later cancer free after a Stage 4 diagnosis. Negative individuals, articles, blogs etc can't take your Spirit away from you, and the God of the Universe who loves you both completely, and gave his only Son for you and I, because he Loved us so much, is there for you every minute of this journey, you need only invite our God and Savior.  We are all deserving of foregiveness and mercy and love.  You can do this-you will do this-and when you are done-you both will be better persons and have a new joy for Life and your Savior.  Best wishes, OUDave  

On Nov 02, 2009 8:59 PM LONNIE_A wrote:

You got to keep his strength up and push fulids, Keep his meds up before he starts with the nasuia, It will get nasty down the road but if you have any question about anything this is the place to ask. SOme of us have been down the road you are about to travil and will be glad to share what worked with us and what didn't work. he will most likely need a peg tube for eating cause his swallowing may go away then the only nurishment he will be able to have will be int he peg tube, Don't be afraid to blend food with the formula they give you. Keep  his protene level up and try not to let him lose to much weight. I lost 60 LBS with mine. I had Base of the toungue and lymph nodes involved, 36 radaitions and 6 chemo and a nbyladeral neck disection with lymph nodes removed. It has been a long road but one you can travel and win th ewar against this ugly beast called Cancer. Prayer helps a lot and the great caregiver that you are will be a God send too. If you need us were here to help.

 

LA from NC 

Hey lonnie, OUdave from Columbus Ohio.  I went through the same thing as you starting in Jan 2008.  Wow, what a journey as you describeda-llot of physical and mental pain and suffering. Lonnie, have you had any problems with pain and stiffness from the neck dissection like me.  If so, how are you treating it.  If not, you are fortunate.  I still have allot of pain and stiffness and was wondering what all of my options are.  Any advise would be appreciated,  Thanks Lonnie, OUDave

my hubby also lost 27 lbs PRIOR to any treatment. he has managed to gain only 2 lbs back. i am trying everything to "fatten" him up as he is on his 3rd round of chemo and will start radiation the monday after Thanksgiving. u are just behind us on treatments, so if u have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

this is a fantastick site to help with everything. it is God sent.

i will be praying for u and urs.