Posted By: AngAk Hello, also new member and caregiver to DH - 03-08-2006 06:59 PM
Hello all. I am the spouse of a patient with SCC base of tongue with partial glossectomy left base of tongue, bilateral neck dissection, left radial forearm free flap and he has a J tube in the intestines because of previous stomach surgery. His cancer surgery was Feb 7 at U of Wa and he starts radiation/chemo next week. We were hoping for IMRT, but it looks like standard for him now because of the amount of lymph nodes involved. Writing this all down makes my heart race. We are so very scared and still in disbelief. He is a non-smoker/drinker. Your support is so very appreciated.
Posted By: JAM Re: Hello, also new member and caregiver to DH - 03-08-2006 11:40 PM
Dear AngAk, As a caregiver, be prepared for your heart to race alot over the next months. It goes with the territory. Hope you have a good support group for the both of you because when the rad\chemo starts things are liable to get pretty hectic [and scary at times]. It helped me to have the direct phone numbers to my husband's Surgeon and nurse, so when we had a scary time I could call and get answers or help just about anytime.
Don't know what your household situation is [kids?] but I would suggest that you cook and freeze some nutritious soups, casseroles, etc for yourself before the next phase starts. If he gets down during the next phase, you will not feel like cooking and you need to keep yourself well and strong. My thoughts go out to you. This is a really tough time for you both. Amy
Posted By: Darrell G. Rakestraw Re: Hello, also new member and caregiver to DH - 03-09-2006 11:22 AM
Hang in there,,,,When you reach the end of your rope; tie a knot and hang on.....
Darrell
Posted By: praveen_peddi Re: Hello, also new member and caregiver to DH - 03-16-2006 04:57 PM
Hello AngAk

Hope everything goes well with your husband. You are in my prayers.

Praveen
Posted By: Daniel Bogan Re: Hello, also new member and caregiver to DH - 03-16-2006 08:45 PM
Hello AngAk,

Welcome to the Oral Cancer Foundation. It is quite normal to feel scared of the unknown. Hopefully we can help educate you about oral cancer. Use the search engine at the top of the page and you will find tons of good info.

What stage was your husband dx at? What type of chemo drugs are they starting him on?
There are many of us here who have survived this diaease and I see no reason why he can't to!!!

Please keep us posted on his road to recovery.

All my best, Danny Boy
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