CancerCompass message board discussion started by beautyluv on 8/22/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,15540,0.htm Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have a friend, who was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, I am trying to be there for him emotionally and help him through this difficult stage, I have known him for a while, I truly care for him any pointers on what i can do to help him , currently his is on a feeding tube, I can only imagine what he is going through, any ideas on how to brighten his day, and show him he is not alone beautyluv Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 8/22/2007 beautyluv wrote:I have a friend, who was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, I am trying to be there for him emotionally and help him through this difficult stage, I have known him for a while, I truly care for him any pointers on what i can do to help him , currently his is on a feeding tube, I can only imagine what he is going through, any ideas on how to brighten his day, and show him he is not alone You are truly a friend to help him through this event in his life.I would suggest you do some research on nutrition.  Every oncologist has a nutritionist either on staff or available.  One of the major problems is to keep someone going through radiation treatments eating and drinking.  Try to keep him taking at least part of his nutrition orally.  The speed with which someone forgets how to eat and drink is amazing and once gone it takes a long time to re-learn. Experiment with different food and drinks.  The textures you would assume are the easiest to swallow are not always the case.  My husband was diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 scc with lymph node involvement.  His prognosis is not good BUT without trying the chance is 100% that he won't be here.My husband is at 100 pounds after treatment.  His oncologist and radioncologist worked well together.  He had 9 weeks of cisplatin chepmo and 90 radiation treatments in 9 weeks.  (2 a day).  He never had the PEG but it is still the best idea.  There is a pump that can continue to provide him nourishment when sleeping. Take care of your friend.  Honestly, just BE there for him when he needs itOne major affect on my husband has been his speach.  If I had not been around him since this started I would not understand him at all.  Doctor's cannot understand what he is saying so I have to speak for him.Your friend is blessed to have you.   Weezy Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT