Jon,

To clarify, Jim's HBO treatments are not part of a first defense in treating oral cancer. They are used later sometimes when someone has trouble healing after surgery or upon dental treatment that involves the bone to facilitate bone growth and healing.

Just wanted you to know that with all you are dealing with, HBO treatment is not something that you need to think about now. Use your energies in learning about radiation treatment and chemo (induction or concurrent or both) and dealing with the side effects of these. I would encourage you to get the PEG tube and definitely the mediport. Both are so helpful during your treatments and both require healing that is easier to achieve before you begin treatments.

Sending strength your way as you process all the information and decisions required at this time. We all understand.

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