Hello ...my sister is 46 and was diagnosed with oral cancer in April 2009. She went through chemo and radiation and was better. Cancer came back the following year and she had surgery in August 2010. She had part of her tongue removed, but recovered nicely. In November 2011 the cancer was back. She had extensive surgery in December 2011 (jawbone removed and replaced with leg bone) and a lymph node removed. In March the cancer had returned or was never completely removed during surgery. She started chemo again in May but has had no results. She had a PET scan last week and met with the oncologist on Monday for results. The tumors are growing and she may only have a month. He gave her two options ...hospice or try a pain management doctor. She met with the pain doctor two days ago. He has prescribed methadone which is on order and due in tomorrow. She is in misery and no longer able to eat solid foods. Due to the size of the tumor(s) her teeth will not touch to chew. Swallowing is difficult and she's only drinking two cans of Boost per day and some water. She is very small, normal weight is 100 � 105. She weighed 91 on Monday. I ordered flash frozen wheatgrass juice which arrived on Tuesday. She has gotten a little wheatgrass down (mixed with water) but it�s a struggle. Hospice is coming today to talk with her and her husband. Does anyone have any recommendations? I am heartbroken.

What a tragic story. So sorry to hear it.
Have you asked about getting a feeding tube or PEG put in?
At least your sister would be able to get nutrition and full hydration and not have to worry about swallowing if she had a PEG. Again, my sympathy
Charm

She's had a feeding tube twice and hated it. I am seeing her this afternoon and will ask if she will consider it. Thank you so much for your reply.

Im very sorry to read about your sisters diagnosis. She certain had more than her share of pain and procedures. Ive been thru it 3 times too and have had my jaw removed. I do understand how difficult it is going thru everything. I hope hospice will give her some pain relief and comfort.

Thank you Christine, you've been through quite a lot yourself. I've never lost anyone to cancer and feel that hospice means there is no hope. So very sad. Thank you for your reply, I wish you well.

I am so so sorry to hear about your sister. I know where you are right now, it was not long ago my mother was dealt a similar hand. As scary as hospice sounds to the patient and their family, they are amazing people and will do everything in their power to keep her comfortable and enhance her quality of life for the time she has left. The most important thing right now is that she is not in pain and that she is surrounded by the love of her family. It doesn't get much more simple than that. I am so sad for you and your family, 46 is far too young... and no matter what age, nobody should have to go through the fear and pain that cancer brings.
I am glad you have come here and reached out for support. You will find the most amazing people here. Hang in there as best you can. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Sounds like she went through a lot. I very much appreciate your reply.

I am so sorry that your dear sister is going through this. My sister-in-law voluteered as a hospice helper for several years after she lost her mother. When I ask her how she could stand to do something so sad, she said that although it is sad, the moments of peace and even joy were precious to behold. As much as we would like, there are times when nothing we can do can restore youth and health. But we can bring love and comfort, and that is beyond price.

Thank you for sharing the story of your sister-in-law. She must be quite a lady. I appreciate your reply and kinds words.

Amen, Maria! Couldn't have said it any better than that.