thanks anne marie. as he completes his 3rd week his taste is pretty much shot. he still has sweet taste but everything else is gone.

but here's the pluses and i so hope this helps others: his swallowing and ear shooting pain is gone. he gained 4 lbs since starting treatment. he is pumping carnation hc in addition to light weights and soft foods. he is taking all his meds now regularly without fighting us, and i truly believe the neurontin and oxy up front is keeping things in check for him. he's doing water even tho it tastes like 'oil' and he was never a water guy. he is tired, fluctuates between constipation and the opposite, and he dev'd thrush, but all this is under control.

and today : )...his Rad and pain docs felt his lymph area where his nodes where swollen, and both said they are clear. his pain doc checked 2 x to make sure she wasnt imagining it. they'll scope him in two weeks but his tumor is shrinking (he checks it with a dental mirror lol!) and everyone is optimistic. he polished off a milkshake afterwards celebrating with grandkids.

promising and scary times. so happy he went with a ccc, that it was option, so worth the sacrifices.