Ditto what David said above, Claw. And Ken, if you're reading this I hope you've started a thread for yourself as he recommended.

CubanKeith, what exactly is the Nebulizer? Brand name, type, generic name ???
Thanks
MickeyW

I googled nebulizer, I see it is a machine used for asthma , but is it used to combat dry mouth from radiation? Is there a special medicine to put in it.. ?

Kris uses a Salter Aire Plus nebulizer. He just puts some saline solution in it . This works well at humidifying the airways , so would moisten both the mouth and throat as well.
During radiation he used a Vicks Steam Inhaler - personal electric inhaler. This is a much cheaper option and it worked well. This machine you just put water in and then breathe in the hot moist air.
Hope this helps,
Tammt

Hi just wanted to check in after crawling thru the dark tunnel in July and August. I weathered thru not eating well and now will try to eat anything as long as I have water to keep things flowing. My fatigue is less but still present daily. Light exercise helps reduce effects of fatigue. Had been getting 2 liters H20 twice a week via port. This is reduced to 1 a week. Enables me to quench my thirst naturally, drinking lots of water daily. More is better. Still have pain in throat, taking 10mg Oxy 3x's day as needed. Reduced pain in throat allows me to eat. Need to make up some of the 40 lbs I lost since Apr 2012. Glad to be here telling you about my journey.

P.S. About HPV, wondering why the education campaign does not communicate oral sex can lead to SCC HN HPV+. Papers found on this site by Dr. Robert Haddad outline causation of SCC HN HPV+ to oral sex. Based on my own behaviors, I would believe it was from oral sex versus smoking and drinking. I quit smoking 14 yrs ago. I used to drink some, but not heavy drinker. Makes more sense cause from oral sex (in my case) than other causations. I'm finding this is not discussed in most literature when discussing SCC HN (tonsil) HPV+. Is it mainstream do not think it's polite to discuss this cause? Wondering because I believe more education on this rapidly rising cancer should be made to the public, including strong advocacy for all to get HPV vaccination.

Ken,

Your fatigue is going to be due in part to the oxy, it depresses the central nervous system, slowing the cardio vascular system which causes physical fatigue due to lack of blood circulation and lower oxygen levels. Opiates also constrain testosterone levels making recovery harder and causing fatigue. Just as an fyi. Any weight you lost during treatment will primarily be lean muscle mass, meaning you have less skeletal muscle to support your frame, and you've certainly been exposed to highly elevated Cortisol levels due to the cancer experience. So the fact that you are only slightly fatigued is a good sign.

OCF has been the leader in HPV awareness and vaccine advocacy in every way, and putting money towards research in it for a very long time. Brian Hill has been at the forefront of HPV awareness, vaccine advocacy, and education, it's a huge hill to climb so when you're feeling up to it jump on board. Those of us in the fight could use some help.

Eric

Ken,

You don't mention but did your cancer cells test positive for HPV?

Ever since I found out my cancer was caused by HPV, 6 yrs ago, I have been trying to educate the masses. Newspaper articles, TV spots, radio shows, public speaking, HPV OC seminars at Moffitt, testifying before the Florida House in favor of a mandatory (then added a no questions asked opt out feature) Gardasil vaccination for all girls entering the 9th grade and testifying before the CDC on behalf of the female Gardasil vaccination. I posted so much on this site about HPV 6 years ago that I angered many members so much so that I almost quit posting.

Trust me I have tried to bring a much needed awareness to HPV cancers and the need for ALL pre sexually active young men and women to get the only vaccine the world had that will prevent cancer.

My docs think that I have HPV but my ENT didn't get a big enough piece to test when he did a biopsy so we don't know for sure. However, I never smoked and drank very, very little but was involved with oral sex. I have spoken with all my friends and relatives who have children and have urged them to get their kids vaccinated. My 24 year old son has done so even though he's older and it will be less effective.

I would hope that all those with oral cancer, whether HPV related, or not, knowing the misery of treatment would actively promote HPV vaccinations.

The OCF has been an advocate for the Gardasil vaccination ever since it came out. It's a no brainer. Just think we have a vaccination that will prevent cancers related to HPV. Too bad it's the parents that need to make this decision.