Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Oh Nicki! I am so sorry to read your posts. I saw you online and just had a bad feeling that your dad was struggling again. Your poor father! I have done this 3 times which was far from an easy thing, but I did it. I would look for posts from Charm who has done rads twice. The stent sounds like its an excellent plan. Im glad to hear his team is on top of things.
The most important thing you can do is to encourage him and support whatever decisions he makes. Make sure his nutrition is what it should be too. He must be getting high protein to help his body to heal and its back to the minimum 48oz water and 2500+ calories. Pay close attention to his weight and if he is looking frail to up the nutritional intake. This is going to play an even bigger role than before in his fight.
Dont forget to make time for yourself. Caregivers can get into the cycle of running around for others all the time and never stopping to catch a breath for themselves. Dont allow yourself to become worn out. Every single day take some time to relax. If your weather is warm, take a short walk around the block to clear your head. Stick around, you know we are here for you!
Best wishes to both of you! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |