| | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 | Hi Friends, With 5 more radiation and 1 more chemo to go, I thought I would give a little update on how my hubby, Roy, is doing. Overall, I would say he has tolerated treatment fairly well. Yes, there have been challenges, and boy, it sure hasn't been easy on him, but he is actually doing ok. His mucositis got really bad for awhile, but rinsing with Caphosol has made a big a difference. The radiation has caused his skin to be a little red, but it subsides quickly over the weekend. (Which I think is pretty good considering he's a redhead!)We had to add the Fentanyl patch (12mcg) to his Oxycodone when the pain got bad, and that seemed to help him a great deal. Using the gravity bags with his PEG has worked well, and he has regained 12 of the 15 pounds he lost orignally. He really has not had any problems with the Erbitux, with the exception of a slight rash that just started today. As I said, this has not been easy for him, but gosh, he has been such a trooper. We are getting close to the finish line here, and I just feel very, very thankful that he is doing as well as he is. He's still playing that Fender of his, but just from the couch now. I have to say, it's kind of cute when he falls asleep mid-song. ; ) Thank you all for the support and encouragement, and for just being there. It truly makes a difference.
Laurie
Wife (48) to Roy (52): He is a non-smoker, non-drinker, computer business owner, country musician, Dx 11/15/09 Stg IV SCC of right tonsil, T2N2bM0, had ND and tonsillectomy 1/8/10, Port 3/11/10, Peg 3/16/10, Erbitux, 33 IMRT, finished treatment 5/5/10
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | You guys are awesome and I'm so glad that you are both nearing the finish line! Job well done!
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | I seem to keep more track of Roy through Facebook than through here. Your "team" has done an awesome job to date but as I'm sure everyone else has told you - it takes some time after radiation is completed for the effects to be fully felt so while you will celebrate the last day you have to go for treatments - do not be surprised if the side effects actually worsen from that point on for a time. Lord I sound like a real "downer" - just want you to know what to expect!
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Laurie,
That's great. Let's hope the rest goes as smooth.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 235 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 235 | Laurie, thank you for posting the update. I know it's hard to find time(there are days where I'm so behind on e-mails I wonder if I'll ever catch up). But as someone who's husband is not far behind yours,it's so great to read a post like this.
CG to Spouse BOT, Chemo and radiation started on March 29,2010
Ended on May 14,2010. LET THE HEALING BEGIN!!!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 | Great news and keep up the fight as the WAR is not over quite yet!!! Semper-Fi Bob
Bob age 57, non smoker,non drinker, ended treatment on 11 Nov 2007 and started back to work on 29 Nov 2007. Veterans Day 2012 the Battle was lowered, folded, Taps was played and the Flag buried as I am know a 5 year survivor. Semper-FI !!!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 | Thanks Eric, Donna, David, Susan, and Bob!
I know we have some hard days yet to endure, but I can't help but give thanks for every good day he has at point in treatment.
Just spreadin' the love,
Laurie
Last edited by LaurieGH; 04-29-2010 08:13 PM.
Laurie
Wife (48) to Roy (52): He is a non-smoker, non-drinker, computer business owner, country musician, Dx 11/15/09 Stg IV SCC of right tonsil, T2N2bM0, had ND and tonsillectomy 1/8/10, Port 3/11/10, Peg 3/16/10, Erbitux, 33 IMRT, finished treatment 5/5/10
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 | Great nwes now keep up the good fight in this WAR!!!Semper-Fi Bob
Bob age 57, non smoker,non drinker, ended treatment on 11 Nov 2007 and started back to work on 29 Nov 2007. Veterans Day 2012 the Battle was lowered, folded, Taps was played and the Flag buried as I am know a 5 year survivor. Semper-FI !!!
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 | That's great to hear, Laurie. None of us had any doubts!
Keep it up, and keep us posted.
D2
David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 14 years all clear in 6/23 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 212 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 212 |
70 male, athlete...again
SSC of undetermined orgin , early july 09
40 tx radiation, 8 chemo cisplatin and ebuterx
finished TX in mid Sept 09
Clear at the 6 year mark!
Back to swimming, biking and running! just a tad slower
never regained my weight, even when I eat lots and lots, just a skinny guy now
Just way glad to be seeing the green side up!
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