My husband Steve has been diagnosed with oral cancer. Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Primary in left tonsil with mets to cervical lymph node(plum size). Most likely stage 4a He had panendoscopies and tonsillectomy on Sept 7, 2012. That was ROUGH for him. Saw medical oncologist yesterday and will start chemo 2 rounds in six weeks) on Oct 11. To be followed by 2 more rounds in six weeks along with 7 weeks of radiation. He is going to try working thorough the first two treatments.
I'm here for support and thank you in advance!

Hi Teresa- welcome. You have come to the right place for both support, and an education. If you take the time to read the many posts under the different topics, you will learn all sorts of helpful tips, from supplies to have on hand, to questions to ask your docs, to what to expect when somethingstarts/happens, among other things. I start my treatments on Monday, and I do so as well prepared as possible, both with supplies and information. I wish you, your husband, and your family well through this journey. I am sure you will hear from many others on here who will welcome you, and help you through this.
Thoughts and prayers,
Lyn

Hello Teresa welcome to the forum. I am also new and I support my mother-in-law who had oral cancer. She was first diagnosed in March 2010 with tongue cancer and she had surgery to remove 1/2 of her tongue. She had no chemo and radiation at that time.

May 2012 she noticed a lesion on her gums which she totally ignored due to her cataract surgery in June and July. August she went to the dentist and he referred her again to the oncologist. September 2012 the oncologist diagnosed her with gum cancer and after a CT scan they of the head they was cancer on her jawbone. She will be having surgery October 10, 2012 to remove her upper jaws. After which she will have 33 radiation treatments. She will also have chemotherapy since they saw nodules on her lungs.

Best wishes to your husband and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ina

Hi Teresa,
I know this is a really scary place to be. We were there last July. We did the induction chemo as well, then 6 weeks of IMRT 2x day. It is a hard journey, but you will make it through.
As the care giver there will be times when you are completely overwhelmed, please don't hesitate to personal message any of us, or just fire away on these forums. We have all been there and between all of our experiences will be able to answer many of your questions.
The thing right to do right now, if he is able, is to eat like crazy. My husband lost 56 pounds. Most everyone loses a substantial amount of weight so whatever he can eat after his surgery he should be eating triple of it!! Hydration is the most important thing after nutrition. Christine will be along to give you specifics. It is vital to keep him eating and drinking for as long as possible. Scrambled eggs work great when his throat starts to get sore. That and milk shakes of course! There is a list of foods that are easier to eat. Christine will be able to give you the link to that too.
Activia works well for intestinal issues from the chemo.
What is he getting for chemo?
Anyway, we are here. Please feel free to vent, cry, yell...whatever you need to do, we have your back!!
Blessings,
Kathy

Since he has recovered from his tonsilllectomy (HPV+) he has gained weight and is eating very well. I have concerns about him losing weight during treatment. He loses quick.I found this protein and high calorie supplement at the health food store (Fusion 7) with about 10 oz milk per two scoops it provides 46 gms protein, nutrients and 600 cal. This has really helped put on weight.
He will be getting Cisplatin and Taxotare IV on a one whole day basis and then three weeks later the same thing. Each round of chemo is an 8 hour IV. Dr. thinks he should be able to work through the first two rounds.

Thanks! I came across this website by accident and glad I did. It is very informative and repares you for what may come.

You will be in my thought and prayers as your journey begins.

So sorry to hear recurrence of cancer. Sounds like a very rough road ahead. Stay strong, I know I am going to try to.

My thoughts and prayers with you Ina and your MIL.

Teresa,

Where is he being treated?

Welcome to OCF! Sorry you have had to find this site but stick with us and we will help you get thru this. Right now try to focus on nutrition and having your husband eat everything he can. Ignore the calories and push him to eat. Eating will become difficult and things wont taste right for a while so he should enjoy his favorites now. During treatments he will need 2500-3000 calories every single day and 48 oz of water. This can be tricky to do but its necessary so he will have an easier time of it. Best wishes with everything!

University of Tennessee Cancer Institute