Hi everyone!!!!

Ive been in chemo and radiation treatment now for 5 weeks. Its been alot of ups and downs, but Im almost finished.

I was diagnosed w/ Stage 1 oral cancer of the cheek and roof of mouth in June. The end of July had my PEG tube and port placed. Treatemnets started on Aug 6th.

I was given 193 mg Cisplatin for 3 doses every 3rd week and 35 days of radiation. I just had my second Cisplatin which was dropped down to 154 mg. Per my chemo doc, that is my last one, I have done remarkably well and she does not feel its necessary for round 3.

I now rely completely on the PEG tube for eating my liquid diet of formula. I have managed to still swallow water and Yoo-Hoo which will help me when this is over. By continuing to swallow I will regain my eating habits much quicker.

I remember that I didnt want either the PEG or the port, and I am so glad I have both. Thank you to everyone on this board who recommended getting both, it has made this fight so much easier. Also, thru my insurance, I have a visiting nurse who comes once a week to check on my because I have the PEG tube.

Overall, I can say I have had more positive days than bad ones. But when a bad day comes, its usually pretty bad. My nausea hasnt been too hard to handle. I have only thrown up about 3 days total. My main obsticale has been fatigue. Ive been tired mostly everyday, somdays I can only make it from then bed to the couch. Everyday my goal has been to take a shower, which I have done. Somedays its been a struggle for even that much.

My advice to anyone who is starting out, listen to your doctors, nurses, and dieticians. Take any offers for help that are given to you. Do your best to keep a positive attitude, it has helped me tremendously.

Good Luck to all,

Christine,
it is good to see have the end of the treatment in sight. As may have said here, it will get worse after the treatment and the time it takes to recover varies greatly between people. Also there is much less activity since you do not have to go to the treatment anymore, this is of course good but it is also a change in a well established routine.
I found that it helps to be mentally prepared for this.

Best

Markus

I am so amazed and impressed with you, Christine.

I can not get over how you are your own caregiver during these difficult treatments, along with being a mom. You are one strong lady with an amazing attitude.

Kindest thoughts,

Margaret:

Thank you very much!!!!

Christine

Hi Christine,

Hang in there! There will be brighter days ahead.

Joy

Good job, Christine And please remember that you have every right to be tired, both physically and mentally - so keep resting as much as you can-
You'll feel better day by day. Amy in Oz

Thanks for the encourgaging words Amy and Joy. I try to rest as much as Im able to. I had a bad reaction to compazine and was so restless and couldnt sleep. Had to go to the hospital for extra hydration yesterday. Today is better, I am getting help w/ the PEG feedings at the hospital and thru my visiting nurse.

My son helps me daily and I also wish to thank Margaret (Mhupe) and her family for helping to guide me thru this. She has given me a tremendous amount of support and help. She has been my invisible caregiver, really she has been a miracle!!!!

Christine,
it is good to see have the end of the treatment in sight. As may have said here, it will get worse after the treatment and the time it takes to recover varies greatly between people. Also there is much less activity since you do not have to go to the treatment anymore, this is of course good but it is also a change in a well established routine.
I found that it helps to be mentally prepared for this.

Best

Markus

I am so amazed and impressed with you, Christine.

I can not get over how you are your own caregiver during these difficult treatments, along with being a mom. You are one strong lady with an amazing attitude.

Kindest thoughts,

Margaret:

Thank you very much!!!!

Christine