CancerCompass message board discussion started by Lauralynn on 1/14/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,8830,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ my daddy was diagnosed with cancer in Nov 2006.He started his kemo and radiation treatments the first week of Dec. now grant it he wasn't in the best of health when he was diagnosed because he was in a motorcycle accident in June of 2006.He fractured his pelvis in 4 places because someone pulled out in front of him on his bike.So he had been layed up and was having some trouble when this all came up....He lives in Georgia and I live in Fl..So most of my info on how he is doing relies on my brother who lives with him and who has been doing all the caretaking because I can't be there all the time...My problem is when he doesn't tell me everything...So I am in the dark most of the time because the treatments have been centered on the tumor in my dads nose and the large knot on his neck...and he has all but lost his voice...I went up to see him this weekend and found that he has lost so much weight it took my breath away.He can't eat...his mouth , throat and tongue are so  sore that he can barely drink water...I tried everything to make something that he could eat but he says everything burns so badly....so i tried making things from scratch with no salt or anything in it and still he can't eat...All he seems to be able to get down is some applesauce..I just found out that the physicans have already set a date for a feeding tube on Tues......I don't know whether to be worried or relieved  that he will be getting something to eat....I just don't know what to do.....any info??? Lauralynn Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Wow,  how ironic.. my father was also in a terrible motorcycle accident 7 years ago and has been recently diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in both lungs, we have been going through radiation and chemo.  He has to have a blood transfusion tomorrow.  We live in North West Arkansas, my father lives with me, the rest of our family is in Florida.  I work full time, my husband drives truck over the road and I am quite sure I fail to completely inform everyone of everything.  It is over whelming at times to try to keep all the balls in the air and know where they all are.  I would suggest you ask that you be added to the paper work as someone authorized to have medical information released to you...that would also provide another avenue for your family other than your brother.. take a bit of the load off of him.. it's a lot tougher than you might think, being away from "ground zero" often leaves some feeling as if the care taker is somehow missing the boat on information.  Just from my view point.. I'm kinda on the other side..Sandra Jasmine1963 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Ooops.. kinda mis read your post,  I thought you were talking about your brother not telling you everything, after re-reading I see you were talking about your dad.. if he's like mine, half the time they don't know what they want or need.  I spend half my time in the store trying to find something, anything that will keep dad interested in eating.  Does your dad have a port?  We insisted on the port, Dad hates needles, and the bike accident left him so traumatized with the entire medical profession his stress level jumps off the radar immediately so I work very hard to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.  We have been so very lucky, the only side effects of the treatments we are seeing are fatigue and weight loss.. he is so fragile though, I must admit, I am very much like an angry pit bull on a short chain when it comes to my dad, he has signed over all authority to me and I deal with all of the medical people and procedures,  On more than one occassion I have put the skids on something that was not being handled with the degree of compassion and focus that I demand it to have.. I personally see nothing wrong with that, it's bad enough our loved ones are suffering a really terrible condition, they should always be treated with kit gloves..  Do you have a prescription for your dad's mouth and stuff.. I have read there are meds to help all of that.. If you are of the opinion the degree of discomfort is extreme for your father, go to the Dr's and get them involved... there is no reason for him to have to deal with any more than he has to.. I know this is tough.... it's the most difficult time of my life.. hang in there.. let him know it is o.k. to feel what he feels and that you have to know in able to help. Jasmine1963 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT