| | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts) |  "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 | I know, I don't think he is trying to control the incontrolable, but maintain the balance he has fianlly achieved handling the medecine he is on. His oxynorm is giving him terrible bowel problems which he has to fix with Movicol, which makes him nauseus so he takes ondemet. That's the main ones he is worried about. He has just the right balance for him and I think he just doesn't want to add anything more, in case he gets back to the agonising trips to the mens room like before.
On the depression note, he went to see the surgery team and saw one of the seniors. The doctor was appalled that he hadn't had blood test with his fainting and blood pressure and is concerned about his fatigue. He had x-rays and bloods taken (they ticked every single box as for what they where testing for) and needs to go back in a week for the results. He is so much more positive, i think it's because someone finally decided to treat him, not just the disease.
He is also taking loads of the advice you give us.
Thanks you are all great.
Girlfriend to Martin 49 years old at diagnosis
Diagnosed with SCC unknown primary June 2008.
Cancer found in single node Stage N2A (3 to 6cm).
Tonsilectomy 16th june, Radical modified neck dissection left side 30th june.
30 TX radiotherapy ended 9th October
First comparative study scan came back clear
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 | I know how he feels on the constipation front! I was having Uncle Vern's "cement bowel" problems from the oxycodone, and am dealing with that by Docqlace stool softener and magnesium citrate saline laxative, both OTC products here.
Since I am using a PEG, the tastes don't matter. The Docqlace sez it should be taken in 6 to 8 oz glass of milk or fruit juice to prevent throat irritation.
Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 | This is not uncommon. I can relate to most all of what has been said. I realized a couple of weeks ago that I would just sit there and cry and feel sorry for myself. I tried to make myself snap out of it and be thankful that I am alive, but just couldn't do it. That's when I went to my primary doctor. She was so understanding and prescribed me Celexa. She had me take 1/2 pill the first two weeks then a whole pill after that. Wow what a difference. Yes it is still hard with these life changes we have to deal with but just do your best to be there for him. Also watched American's Funniest Video's and when I start to fell bad I go to my Tivo and watch it. Laughter can be a great medicine. Stay positive !
Tammy 43 yr non smoker- Dx-10/11/07 Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Surg.10/17/07, 1/4 Tongue and 14 Lymph nodes 5 positive, Peg tube/Chemo port,Chemo 3 wks/Radiation 6 wks begins 11/07 end 02/08.Teeth removed prior to radiation. PetScan 05/08 CLEAR 09/09. 2011 diag. w/osteoradionecrosis.100 HBO's
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 | He has had a very good week this week and has made a tremendous effort to keep awake do things, and he seems more positive. He has started going out for a coffee during the day to be around people and read the paper. I hope this is a turning point.
Girlfriend to Martin 49 years old at diagnosis
Diagnosed with SCC unknown primary June 2008.
Cancer found in single node Stage N2A (3 to 6cm).
Tonsilectomy 16th june, Radical modified neck dissection left side 30th june.
30 TX radiotherapy ended 9th October
First comparative study scan came back clear
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 225 | Martin has put on weight! he now weighs 147.7 pounds naked whereas in january he weighed 141.1 pounds clothed (he measures 6ft2 so that was very very thin).
He is happier and hungry and no longer depressed. Hooray!
Girlfriend to Martin 49 years old at diagnosis
Diagnosed with SCC unknown primary June 2008.
Cancer found in single node Stage N2A (3 to 6cm).
Tonsilectomy 16th june, Radical modified neck dissection left side 30th june.
30 TX radiotherapy ended 9th October
First comparative study scan came back clear
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | That's great news. Many of us had some form of depression post Tx.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 | Wonderful and I bet that you are feeling better too.
Patty
48
SCC Floor of Mouth 7/06
9/06 Surgery, bilateral neck dissection, 58 nodes clear PT2pN0pMx
35 rad 2006
Recurred 6/08, 1 Carboplatin, 1 Cisplatin
Surgery 9/08 - Total glossectomy, free flap from pectoral muscle, left mandible replaced using fibula
35 IMRT & Erbitux 11/08
4/15/09 recurrence
6/1/09 passed away, rest in peace
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I never had depression tht I know of , but I was told I was one mean character, which I have no recollection whatever. i got depressed after my gal friend of 5 yrs moved out and I still don't remember her moving unless it was done while I was in the hospital. My guardian angel at the time and she did the job well. Weight has been my problem. out it on and something else gets to you so you lose it again. WE akk get the means in us and don't even know we are mean and never will probably. But we do it anyway. I think most here have had that mean come out , but it lets up. Just smile with him and enjoy the time together.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Jim no one really has a mean character for no reason.I am sure you remember the terrible time i had with rob.He was verbally abusive toward me and at times mentally i felt like i imagine a battered wife feels,Nothing i ever did was right and i got the blame for everything.The hardest part is keeping perspective of the reasons why someone you love is being so awful towards you,pain,drugs particularly steroids and narcotics,fear,anger ,frustration.Severe depression is more a feeling of rejection for the carer as the person with the depresson withdraws away from you,and won't communicate.
As for you....men have selective memories even when they are well....lol
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Hey now cookey. LOL . that is because our listeners, women that is, hear with both ears and it comes right back out between the lips... Yes I do remember the problems Rob was giving you and I made a promise to myself that I was not going to be like that. Seems I broke my promise on that one. Man I hate a liar. LOL
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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