My name is Norma Steele and I am the caregiver and wife to Gordon who has just completed his chemoradiation treatment this last Wednesday.

Gordon had 39 radiation and 7 chemotherapy (Cisplatin) treatments. He completed chemotherapy on 3/30 and just completed radiation this last Wednesday 4/5.

Although there have been quite a few ups and downs with him coping with treatment, right now he is going through a rough period and I find that I am in need of support from others who have gone through the same thing.

I understand the value of a forum such as this because I am a 9 year breast cancer survivor and I still remain active in the BC forum that I joined 9 years ago.

I look forward to meeting everyone currently part of this group and hope that you will be generous and understanding with my questions, for I have many.

Welcome, Norma.
My husband completed his chemo and radiation almost exactly 3 years ago. I know that the few weeks right after treatment were some of the worst. But it does get better. My husband is now back to zipping down the ski slopes out here in Colorado.

Let me know if there are any questions I can try to help you with.
Anita

Norma,
Welcome!- my Father is currently in the middle of treatments(chemo/radiation). I have found this website/forum to be invaluable during this process. I have read that the weeks after treatment ends can be tough. At this point we are just trying to get my Father to that point and think we will deal with everything as it comes. Since you are a cancer survivor yourself you know the best advice is to take it one day at a time. Of course this is always easier said than done. Blessings to you and your family in dealing with this horrible disease and total congrats!! to you on being a survivor!

Hi Norma,

I'm a year and 4 months out now. He is tired, and no one can blame him, although the worst is over. Hopefully, you both can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now the healing begins.

Aak anything, and my wife (my care giver) and I will try to help. My treatment was very similar. 35 rad treatments, 6 or 7 rounds of chemo, with 5fu, cisplatin and taxol.

Steve daib

Thanks to all that responded. It has been a tough day.

Gordon now has an infected tooth. He is currently taking amoxicillin for infection and dilaudid for pain. The amoxicillin seems to be working because the tooth is draining and the dilaudid stems the pain a bit but as soon as it starts to wear off he can really feel it.

We finally got the name of a dentist that specializes in oral cancer patients who I will call tomorrow morning.

So that I don't step on any toes on my first day, I am going to post more detailed info in the After Treatment Issues topic where I want to ask questions.

Welcome Norma,

My father just had surgery, he is healing quickly and we are preparing for 6-8 weeks of chemo and radiation.

While you search for answers, you may also be able to provide valuable insight, since you have just finished the journey we are about to begin.

We all bring something different to the forum.

Welcome again,

Scott

Scott, that I certainly can and certainly plan on doing just that. I will be keeping an eye on the different topics and pop in when appropriate.

In the meantime, I am off to write a list of questions for Gordon to take when he sees the rads onc tomorrow.

Hi Norma,

Welcome and thanks again for your input on my situation...

I am sure from your experience we all will learn something. So glad you are here.

DM

Welcome Norma;
Darrell

Hi Norma,

Welcome and thanks again for your input on my situation...

I am sure from your experience we all will learn something. So glad you are here.

DM

Welcome Norma;
Darrell