I am not new to this site. My husband was diagnosed with late stage 4 base of tongue cancer in Jan, 2004 - given 12-15 months to live. Underwent radiation/chemo therapy immediately. One week after end of those treatments, an artery in his throat burst due to radiation burns -- fortunately, we had just driven into town in Gainesville, FL to get a 2nd opinion from a surgeon there (we lived in Pensacola). Three weeks of ICU and the artery bursting again, after cauterization, every time they would bring him back to consciousness and sit him up. But, he made it .. had a tracheotomy but made it through that nightmare. Had the trach for 3 months. Cancer returned in October; radical neck dissection on both sides. He passed away in February, 2005.

All that said, I have since known personally 4 other people who have had some form of oral cancer. I feel that our experiences, my loss, put me here for a reason. I came to these forums often during those tough times 10 years ago -- for advice, hope, someone to hold me together at times. Cancer is a monster - we all hate it and would never wish it upon another. But, it's the monster everyone here has living in their home.

I have a close friend who is currently battling early stage 4 tonsil cancer - just had right side radical neck dissection and most common concern he has is food not tasting good. He can't eat "dry" foods well and says most things just don't taste right. I have come to the site, again, to seek help for someone else. I have seen several postings on this issue and will pass the info along to him.

I think my reason for introducing myself again is to let you all know that there are those who care. Surviving the loss of someone who meant the world to me was tough in itself. Ten years is a long time, but he was my best friend. He taught me that we can deal with, handle, and even die with dignity. When he was undergoing treatment, he had a PEG tube - his oncologist got me to write down the "recipe" I came up with for the feeding tube as he lost only 10 pounds during that horrible time. It was a mishmash of foods you'd never want to put in your mouth, as they would taste horrible, but it kept his protein, potassium, etc levels GREAT during treatments. I would be happy to share this with anyone who needs. Basically, I went to the grocery store and looked at labels of things I could "blend together" to go into the tube and bought what would add up to enough to keep his levels up each day. Ask your doctor how many mg of each you need each day to help fight the effects of chemo and radiation and either contact me or shop on your own -- baby food, yogurts, peanut butter, etc are very high in these needed items. Also, consider things like Carnation Instant Breakfast over Ensure -- much less expensive and had the same ingredients!

So, bless you all. I wish you good health, recovery, and a wonderful life. I know this site, and the people on it, helped me. Never be afraid to ask -- everyone's situation is different but everyone is also the same here - we're all here to help get through this.

Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry for the loss of your husband. Im sure your experiences will be very valuable to those in the fight.

Hello. It is wonderful to see that you feel able to come back and support others.
This is indeed an amazing place to come to , especially when we are in the dark depths of despair with this disease. The help I found here , got me through my darkest days and gave me hope.
Tammy

Sorry about all you have been through I don't know that there are many out there who haven't been touched by cancer. Hugs and we more than welcome your insight and help.

PerdidoMermaid, do you remember who you or your husband were here the last time?