Hurray for animals! I was sitting down early this morn after my first chemo and radiation yesterday and getting great comfort from my sweet Shiloh (border collie/boxer/lab mix) sitting next to me on the couch with her head in my lap. We have 1 dog and 2 cats so I guess I really need to step up.

Susan,

I wanted to keep a few things the same, no matter what, when I went through treatment. One thing I did was walk my dog every night.

Congrats on 3 years Markus! Having just passed that milestone myself, I understand the feeling. No cats to interfere with posting, but two dogs, including a 13 year old purebred Lab who delights in toppling over my wastebasket and/or stealing papers from my desk and hold them hostage for treats. ;-)

Animals are a great comfort. The time I was at home I had a constant companion in Hannibal (Chihuahua). Looking at my shredded arm it might not be a good idea to have a little kitten during treatment because of infections.

M

Congrats on your 3 yr anniversary, Markus! I was just thinking about you as I've been asked to talk to someone here in Atlanta newly diagnosed, who's apparently tried to get a second opinion at Emory, where you were treated, but isn't having much luck. I am going to call him today. I want to encourage him to get on the websire and the forum, so he can learn from all this great information and folks like you! I may cntact you again once I understand what he's done so far if advice/info in Emory is needed. If you recall, I was treated at MDACC but I think that might be very difficult for him due to travel, etc.

By all means, please do, I am happy if I can help.

My treatment was sort of strange.
I went to an ENT in Griffin, then for follow up and surgery at Emory. There the surgeon told me after surgery that I needed radiation as well. My petscans were in Fayetteville and PEG/port in Griffin. My first MO tried to "kill" me in Fayetteville. The dentist is in Griffin he also made the tongue depressor to keep the thing in a defined location during IMRT. I then had radiation in Griffin at a brand new IMRT facility and Chemo in Lovejoy.
This sounds crazy, it worked for me since the wife is an MD and all she knows all the "players". They coordinated extremely well, the RO took over after surgery and successfully arranged the PET/CT scans. (Emory had problems doing this). Following radiation the focus shifted back to the oral surgeon/ENT. He is clearly more familiar with the tissues. The MO was only involved during the chemo regimen which he coordinated with the RO. At this point I just see the RO once every year while the surgeon sees me 2-3 times a year.
In general, I would not recommend this crazy scheme. I was very happy with my surgeon at Emory and also with the RO. If I had to choose one place only in the Atlanta area it would have to be Emory. I just do not know the other places.

Hope that helps. PM me so we can talk names.

M