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#69847 02-13-2008 03:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,260
EzJim Offline OP
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,260
I learned this evening why I need a caregiver. I couldn't even swallow water to take a pill . I had to run for the sink while choking to get the water out of my mouth. THat sure is a scary and helpless feeling. I guess sooner or later the rads and chemo catch up with all of us. It made me realize the things that can happen at any time. My throat feels like it is closing shut and I will tell the surgeon tomorrow morning what happened. He's the Dr doing the implants. Maybe he has some advice for future occurences.


Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
EzJim #69849 02-13-2008 03:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 939
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 939
Jim,

That is why we are so worried about you...no one to at least be there if you have an immediate problem. I just don't know how anyone does this alone.

Please call your church or someone and see about getting someone to look after you. We all know you are tough, but everyone has their breaking point.

Hugs, Deb


Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!

Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
debandbill #69850 02-13-2008 04:15 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16
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Posts: 16
Jim, please take care of your needs by getting someone to take care of your needs... please! We don't need another hero, we need you and all of us to be well!


Tom Alexander
SCC Stage IV BOT, completed 35 Tx TOMO & 7 Tx chemo Taxol + Carboplatin 12/04/07. No surgery.
Alexants #69853 02-13-2008 05:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 681
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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Posts: 681
Jim,
I have also almost drowned myself by trying to take too much to drink at once. It is indeed terrifying. We who have trouble swallowing have to retrain ourselves to take smaller swallows of liquids just as we must take smaller bites of food.
Take care of yourself. Is there council on aging in your area? If so, they may be able to get you help. When you go in for your next treatment check out the resources there. Ask to speak with a medical social worker. Although you do not live in the same city, they may be able to help you get assistance in Barnesville.
There's been a rumor going around that Brian is looking for a new avatar for you - one that looks something like a horse with long ears!!


SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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