Hello, Everyone,
I am helping my husband get through the first wave of fatigue from his first chemo session on Wednesday. In searching the web for information on how to be a caregiver, I found this site and I can tell already that it will be a help. After noticing a lump on his neck that did not feel right,Tom was diagnosed with SCC of unknown primary on June 25. Subsequent biopsies nailed it as originating in the right tonsil. He has begun what is planned as 3 or 4 3-week courses of chemo (Cisplatin, Xeloda) and then 7 weeks of radiation, followed by surgery to remove the lymph nodes. We have had no experience with a major illness, and are finding this hard to deal with - esp. since Tom is a very healthy and active 55 yr old....never sick! I have never participated in any groups like this, but hope to be able to get good information from all of you. My MAJOR CONCERN is his weight! He is 5'10 and his weight is already down from 157 to about 150. I've read enough to know that eating is going to be a challenge, esp. with the radiation. Any and all hints on helping him will be appreciated. ALSO, tips on keeping his attitude/focus on track......he is a 5th degree black belt so I know he can focus, but he's never had to face anything as daunting as this.
God bless you all, and thank you.