Welcome but I'm sorry you have to be here. As you can see I am a 6 year survivor of the same type of oral cancer you have. I didn't allow them to put a feeding tube in me until after my treatment was over. I am probably going to start the feeding tube war all over again but I am not in favor of getting the PEG but I am in favor of getting the nasal tube only when it's necessary.

You didn't indicate if you have some positive nodes but that's usually how HPV+ SCC is found and most likely why you are getting chemo. What type and frequency of chemo are they giving you?

Have your teeth checked by a qualified dentist (one that's familar with oral cancer and it's radiation treatment) and get trays made for daily fluoride treatment. Start them ASAP.

Have your TSH tested in the next blood work they do and record that number for later on.

I don't card what your weight is but start eating all your favorite foods in great quanity, the fattier the better IMO. Have pizza and ice cream for breakfast if you want! You will most likely loose your taste and it can take a very long time before you start to enjoy eating again so eat up.

We will be with you and your caregiver 24/7 from now until you don't want us anymore. Don't hesitate asking anything.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.