CancerCompass message board discussion started by Micnat on 7/25/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,6177,0.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/ my mom was diagnosed with stage iv SCC (primary left tonsil and 6 lymph nodes) about 9 weeks ago...since then we have successfully completed 27 radiation and 2 chemo sessions. Then we needed the "feeding tube"....That was inserted 2 weeks ago and my mom has not left the hospital??? Apparently it got infected with a rare bacteria (scary) and now she is in horrific pain and the smell is beyond words. Last but not least she gained 22 lbs. in less then 3 days and her docter said it WAS NOT from getting to much fluid but does not have an answer as to why the sudden weight gain (mostly swelling in the belly and knees, and ankels??)?? All I can say is that my mom is only 52 and I have 2 little (14 & 15) year old brothers and we are at a loss with out mom being home and noone seems to have any information. Believe it or not we are at Karmanos Cancer Institiute (go figure)!!! Micnat Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT My boyfriend's doctors put the feeding tube in BEFORE he actually will need it (before radiation) so the risk of infection is lessened. Liz Loves Dogs Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT My mom has had 2 different tubes. The first one that was in her intestine (I think it is called a J-tube) gave her a lot of problems. When she was in the hosptial for the first tube she had fluid on the heart (CHF I think). Her belly looked like she was carring twins at full term. They stopped her fluids changed her meds and it reduces the swelling very quickly. Have they checked her heart? Are they feeding her every couple of hours or by machine? Threed Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT My mom also had the J-Tube in, however, when she went in for surgery to have it put in she got a nasty infection because the white blood count was so low. She is now doing soooo much better and the feeding tube is working well. We honestly didn't think she would make it but after three months of horrific treatment she is still fighting and winning!!! She had an appointment yesterday and the doc said he can't tell which side the cancer was on :) I now feel that beating cancer is possible and you MUST stay positive and have the will to survive!! My mom is 52, 5'6, and weighs 91 lbs and still going strong (she does have a good heart thank god)!!! We will be celebrating her 53 Birthday September 9th and this time we have MUCH to celebrate! I really hope this gives everyone hope! Thanks for your response Desiree and I will pray for your mom!!! Micnat Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT