hi. I"m a new member who's been recently diagnosed with SCC, stage IV. primary tumor was in my tonsils, which came out 3 weeks ago. Had a port-a-cath and a g-tube placed last week. All in prep for radiation 5 days/wk and chemo 1 day/wk for 7 weeks, to begin June 1. very apprehensive about it all.

Welcome to the family, Skatejackson. Sorry you need to be here but you're now part of us. Please ask any and all questions however trivial they might seem to you. We're here to help.

Apprehension is all part of it. But we'll help you get through it! Suggest you start eating all the foods you love. Don't worry about calories, eat big and often. I'm sure Christine will be here on the thread shortly to give you more pointed advice and support.

Welcome to OCF. You are in the best place for info and support. We will be here to help you get thru the next rough months.

The most important thing you can do is start pushing yourself with your daily intake. During rads and for at least the first year you need at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. No skimping as that quickly turns into a cycle of playing catch up which never happens. End result of the catch up game is hospitalization for malnutrition and/or dehydration. Bottom line, your intake is what will make the whole thing easier, if you can take more in thats even better and can only help. If you need extra fluids, your doc can write a prescription for extra hydration in the chemo lab.

Line up a bunch of helpers. You might not be driving and need help to get to your rads. You might need help with many small tasks that other would be happy to pitch in and give you a hand if you ask. The American Cancer Society can help with volunteer drivers and/or a pharmacy voucher to help cover up to $300 of prescriptions or your co-pays.

Hang in there!!!

Well, you've found the place that has kept me going since my very similar diagnosis in late March. The folks here are a wealth of information and support.

My treatment is very much the same as yours, but I am not having a port installed, and my PEG goes in tomorrow. I'll be watching with interest your progress and sharing my own. Welcome, and here's to us!

PJE-
Yes, we have strong parallels! I'll be vested in following your progress as well. Knowing I'm not alone somehow brings calm inside me.
Hang in there!!!
Kate

Hi,
I may be starting radiation soon, would like to keep in touch with you and know how you are doing with your radiation and what if any side effects you may have.

Supermom, I dont want to take anything away from Kate's thread by having everyone welcome you so on behalf of all OCF members... WELCOME to our group.

One important thing to understand about this disease is everyone is different and will respond in their own way. What Kate experiences could be completely opposite of what you or any other member will go thru during rads. My advice is to focus on your intake and read this forum so you can educate yourself to be a strong advocate.