So sorry for this rough road ahead of you. We are here for you. Please keep us in the loop.
Blessings,
Kathy

Thanks to all for the additional info you supplied. Marie-Jeanne---prayers with you and your father. We're trying hard to encourage mom to drink & eat more (what little she can eat) to "beef up" for the radiation she'll begin. We're thinking at this time, and her too, that maybe things won't be so difficult in the end. She had surgery to the roof of her mouth in April, and despite the Erbitux (alone) it's now in her sinus cavity. She's having some little nosebleeds & this week she said it's now "uncomfortable"....says little else. She cared for a man years ago in the nursing home she worked at who'd had 1/2 his face eaten away by cancer...she does not want to deal or us to deal with something so horrible. We don't feel she's strong enough to do much radiation...but she's going to start it. We were of no help in coming to a decision about doing radiation...and we feel it's probably past the point where it will help much...but who knows....I just know she's a very brave person. And I think the individuals who have fought this battle are some of the bravest I know. Thanks to all of you who share so much of yourselves. Jane

Thanks so much Ann for this additional information. We have a 2nd opinion lined up for Monday at UCSF. Will keep all posted. Hoping we get more clarity.

Thanks so much. Just read it. AM overwhelmed but absorbing.

THanks for your blessings

charm: Thanks for your words of wisdom that come from the heart

Jane: Bravery is the word for the night. THanks for sharing your story and my heart goes out to you and your family.

Maria:

this info. on seniors was super helpful. It's hard for me to write anything eloquent as I absorb the info and deal with emotions. Thanks to you all for your support!

MJ -
we have my 96 year old father living with us. He will not let a doctor treat his skin cancer - very frustrating to us, but it is his decision. My mother passed from a stroke almost 7 years ago to the day. Before that she had told me, in no uncertain terms, that she didn't want to have anymore stuff done to her. After the stroke, I signed a DNR order, and did not give permission for the surgery that would have given a small chance of some recovery. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it was what she wanted.
We're with you whatever the choice!
Maria
PS - don't worry about the eloquent part just now!