Nancy, thanks for the advice. Dad knows that a PEG tube may not be avoided this time, however he still does not want it. I don't mention it to him, but he did bring it up when we were at the doctors office and he said, "I don't want that". To try to talk him into something right now would only be upsetting to him. If the day comes that he needs it, he will know that it is unavoidable and will do what he has to do to get better. Dads pain is increasing daily even with two patches on and the percocet for break thru pain. We will take your suggestion about the roxanol before the MO on Friday when they have that appointment. My boss is a pharmacist and he will be in the office next week. I plan to talk to him too about other pain management options as well.

Colleen, Dad was so pleased with your recent clear scan. He said (jokingly, not sadly) "I wish I had made it two years.....I wish I had made it for two months!" He said to thank you for the prayers...keep them coming! I wish he were at least a little computer literate so he could come out here and talk to everyone directly, but sometimes I'm grateful that he's not. You and this board have provided so much valuable information. I can't imagine going through this without it and each of you.

Just a quick update: Radiation will start on the 17th. He meets with the MO on Friday to find out about the chemo. He met with the prosthodontist Tuesday. We were so hoping that they would be able to make him a set of uppers this time (All he wanted for Christmas was a set of upper teeth ) but because of the upcoming treatment it will be March before it even becomes a possibility. They also made an impression of his lower teeth, which is something they had not done before. It is a possibility that he may now loose the lower teeth due to the radiation. Wasn't exactly what we wanted to hear, but it is what it is.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. They are very much appreciated.

Hugs,

Joy