We have just learned that my husband has SCC at BOT and we begin our journey next week with a RO and the foloowing week with MO. The ENT dr said he will likely start 6 weeks of RAD. Waiting to do a PET shortly...he does have an enlarged lymph node.

I'm curious as to what to expect during treatment. Will he and/or we both need to take weeks or months off of work with this battle. I understand that he will likely feel bad during the middle of that treatment and for sometime post treatment. We both are both self employed and run two businesses...I'm trying to plan ahead.

Thank you for the advice in advance.

Everyone is different (you will hear that a lot!) but there are several things that were common to most of us. Start eating now! Stuff you both love. If he puts on a few pounds that's great news too.

I was very fit as well and it benefit me greatly. I tried to work all the way through and ended up missing two consecutive weeks at the end. I know some that didn't miss a day and others who could not work from the midway point on. Chemo days are long and I never went to work after. I had Cisplatin and very few side effects but the rule of thumb is day 3 after Chem is the worst: mild flu like symptoms. I did chemo Friday in case I needed to lay in bed sunday and be ready for work Monday.

Your desire to work will help keep you both in the fight and IMO is a very good thing. Just remember to cut yourselves some slack if you need a day here or a day there to rest up in the midst of treatment.

Please read everything on this site! There is tons of validated information reviewed by medical professionals. Get as informed as you can.

As mentioned, every case is unique and every journey is unique and every destination is not exactly where we think it will be. There are a lot of similar treatments and events and side effects but you can not predict or plan just how it will be for you.

Our bodies react differently to the treatments and medications so there is no knowing what you will experience. Just be educated so as things happen you are prepared to deal with that situation.

Hi Cheri, welcome to our family, we're here to help. I'll sound like a broken record if I say that everyone reacts to treatment differently. Okay, I said it.

I found that it knocked me for a loop. Like you two, I'm self-employed, so I simply told everyone I was taking a leave. Not good for the finances but by about week 3 of RT I could barely sit upright for more than 20 minutes. I don't say this to scare you (see my first graf), just reporting my experience. I suggest you play as it it goes.

Assume that your husband has had his pre-rads dental checkup. It's also a good idea to get a thyroid reading now. I did not know to do this and, as often happens, the radiation zapped my thyroid so like many of us I'm now on medication.

Please keep us posted and ask any and all questions. With you by his side I know your husband will get through this!