Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 476 | Hi Don. Welcome but sorry you have to be here. My husband was diagnosed 4 years ago next week with almost the same diagnosis. You can read my signature for the info. John had daily radiation and then Cisplatin every Friday for 7 weeks. John has some hearing loss from the Cisplatin but it didn't show up until his last treatment. These treatments are tough BUT you are tougher and will get through this. Continue to ask any and all questions. We like to help others.
Have any of your doctors suggested a PEG tube for nourishment and hydration? This is a sometimes "HOT" topic here but I see it as just another tool to get you through treatments. My husband insisted he wouldn't need one but thank God he got one. Even with the PEG he lost 30 lbs. Your body needs to be nourished and hydrated to get you through this. John started to use the PEG around week 3 and then had it removed around 6 weeks after treatments ended.
John made sure to swallow water every day since it is important as you can lose the ability if you don't continue to do so. Good luck as you start your journey. I know how totally overwhelming all this can be.
Wanda (47) caregiver to husband John (56) age at diag.(2009) 1-13-09 diagnosed Stage IV BOT SCC (HPV+) 2-12-09 PEG placed, 7-6-09 removed Cisplatin 7 weeks, 7 weeks (35) IMRT 4-15-09 - treatment completed 8-09,12-09-CT Scans clear, 4-10,6-11-PET Scans clear 4-2013 - HBO (30 dives) tooth extraction 10-2019 - tooth extraction, HBO (10 dives) 11-2019 - Left lateral tongue SCC - Stage 2
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