Hi Friends,

With 5 more radiation and 1 more chemo to go, I thought I would give a little update on how my hubby, Roy, is doing.

Overall, I would say he has tolerated treatment fairly well. Yes, there have been challenges, and boy, it sure hasn't been easy on him, but he is actually doing ok. His mucositis got really bad for awhile, but rinsing with Caphosol has made a big a difference. The radiation has caused his skin to be a little red, but it subsides quickly over the weekend. (Which I think is pretty good considering he's a redhead!)We had to add the Fentanyl patch (12mcg) to his Oxycodone when the pain got bad, and that seemed to help him a great deal. Using the gravity bags with his PEG has worked well, and he has regained 12 of the 15 pounds he lost orignally. He really has not had any problems with the Erbitux, with the exception of a slight rash that just started today.

As I said, this has not been easy for him, but gosh, he has been such a trooper. We are getting close to the finish line here, and I just feel very, very thankful that he is doing as well as he is. He's still playing that Fender of his, but just from the couch now. I have to say, it's kind of cute when he falls asleep mid-song. ; )

Thank you all for the support and encouragement, and for just being there. It truly makes a difference.