This is not only my first post, but today was my first chemo treatment. I'm on taxol for 8 cycles. Looking forward to chatting with all of you.

Welcome to "the club". While I'm always sorry to have another join our ranks, I am pleased that you found us, and hope that we can (as both individual members and as an organization) answer your questions or just offer moral support. Here's hoping that your process is short and your full recovery soon.

Hi Baron50,

I am the caregiver to my mother. She will be starting chemo next week - either cisplatin, once a week for 6 weeks, or carbo/taxol, same schedule.

She will also be undergoing twice daily radiation.

It has been difficult to pinpoint the best chemo protocol because there doesn't seem to be agreement on this. At this point I simply am hoping for the best.

Good luck with your treatments and let's compare notes.

Cynthia

Hi Baron50,

We are all surviors here or caretakers and can give you practical advice. I personally did not have Chemo or RAD, but still suffer from all the procedures I have gone through and still going through. We are here to listen and give support. Keep us posted.

Anne.

Yet another welcome, Baron50.

I too, have been switched to Taxol (and another) and have had the first of weekly infusions. Have they told you that this works as a total body hair removal system at two to three weeks? What fun! I have it in writing that all will grow back.

You will be glad you have found this forum, as it is inhabited by knowledgeable, experienced and generous people who will answer all questions and help you through just about anything.

Joanna

Thanks to all of you for the replies.So far all of my contacts with my cancer team have gone well.The first thing i would like to say is what a great web site. I just wish that all of the people in our condition could fine this place.After having my first chemo treatment every thing is ok so far.Start radiation twicw a day Monday.I guess one of my biggest problems for me is that i have never been really sick in my life.52 years old and haver never spent the night in a hosiptal before.Now going to all these differnet medical center is kinda scary.

welcome...
i know the feeling about never being in a hospital before. i'm 26 and have just started my chemo and radiation regimine. i've been though 2 round of cisplatin and 4 rounds of radiation. i have one more chemo left and 3 more radiations until my big surgery tuesday. i will have 1/2 or more of my tongue removed and rebuilt as well as a neck dissection.
the thought of 12 days in the hospital really gets to me, but i'm going to try and make the best of it.
i found that staying positive is the key for getting through this. believe that you will beat this and you'll come out a winner.

keep your head up....i'll add you to my prayers.

Nettypoho.......... Your attitude is remarkable! Keep us posted on the outcome of your surgery and continued treatment regimine. We'll do our part by rooting for you...praying for you...or just sending good thoughts your way. You WILL get through this Netty, the road might be a bit bumpy along the way, but you will get through it and come out a stronger person for having gone through the cancer jouney. You will speak, eat, swallow, and enjoy not only food but life once again. That I promise! Five years ago I lost over two-thirds of my tongue, had a radical neck dissection, endured 38 rounds of RAD and 3 twenty four hour, five day drips of chemotherapy. Today, five years later I am alive to TALK about it, I eat well, and my speech is very acceptable. My life is different but it is good....no, I take that back...it is great! The journey back to good health takes time but I have no doubt you'll be back participating sooner than you think. Keep positive and keep us posted. Sending good thoughts your way...........Sincerely, Donna