Michael,

By doing exactly what you're doing.....coming to this site to find out what to expect. I have always maintained that the mental aspect of this cancer is 50% of our battle so if we can prepare ourselves mentally that's one less obstacle we have to deal with.

Thanks. It is such an unknown with so many different effects for everyone. There is not one size fits all here. I am planning on keeping my life as familiar as possible. Am going to go to work, if I can and see how that goes, don't want toscare any ofmy co-workers when they notice extreme weight loss over short or long time.

Walknlite, it is now Friday and I still haven't heard from the chemo or the radiation doctor. I guess I'll be running around next week like crazy if I'm to start on the 16th. Keep in touch.

David, from what I understand the chemo doctor has yet to get approval for the concoction she wants to give me, so I don't know what it is yet. I am trying to eat calories like mad, but I had to get my teeth pulled so it is hard to eat anything except ice cream. I look like a monster because the shots the dentist gave me made big black and blue marks on my face and my neck dissection looks like someone tried to decapitate me.

I love hearing from people who had the same treatment I am going to have and lived to talk about it - lol. I really am usually quite brave for surgeries and I'm a fast healer, but this new stuff and the bolted head to a table ordeal is just horrifying.

I also sleep on my stomach. Will the PEG mess that up? I can't sleep any other way. OH BOY what a revolting development this is. (Anyone old enough to remember that phrase?)

Bloop

Sleeping on your tummy with a PEG tube will probably not be a possibility, it wasn't for me. It is actually a tube that they insert in your stomach and about 8 inches or so of the tube hangs out from your tummy, so putting pressure on it causes alot of discomfort.

When I first had my radiotherapy, I had no idea what I was in for, so I was terrified. After a couple of days of getting zapped, I was able to lay on the table without stressing. I actually amazed myself at how well I was able to deal with the treatment. They used to have cd's playing - so I was able to try and focus on the music.

Karen

I couldn't sleep on my stomach either. I actually started sleeping in a recliner so I wouldn't roll over on my PEG.

Oh boy, things are sounding worse and worse. Don, you had your PEG in for 4 months? I will probably have to get sleeping pills then to sleep in a recliner. I had an awful time sleeping the last few months of my two pregnancies and the first thing I did after I delivered was roll over on my tummy.

I did not need chemo or radiation and reading the stories on this thread is amazing. Blood and Angelina, you are both strong and you will get through this. Check out Wendy's blog titled "my Steve" it is an amazing story and he is doing well. Also ChristineB has been through a lot of treatment and is one of the most amazing people I know. Check out her story too. You will have my unwaivering support through this time.

Bloop, I just sent you a PM. You and I seem to have the some worries and concern.

I am finally scheduled for the port and peg to be put in this Friday so I'm assuming radiation and chemo will start next week. The surgeon said putting in the port is a 90 minute procedure!! I didn't think it was that complicated. Did everyone have to go to outpatient and have that long of a surgery for the port? I'm pretty sure I can handle that. It's still the mask that has me in a dither.