Shelby, we are in a similar spot as you. My husband has finished 4 of 7 weekly infusions and about 20 rads. He's getting Erbitux rather than standard chemo, so nausea has never been an issue (of the friends I've seen get chemo, they nearly all dealt with nausea and more, even with zofran). The radiation is burning his mouth so badly. Up til today he could at least tolerate a milkshake (made with Boost). Today he couldn't even do that. In addition to lidocaine/"magic mouthwash" he's tried Episil (expensive and no relief, Rx), swishing with almond oil (like olive oil, but made of almonds, worked at first, not now) and alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol. Vicodin doesn't even help. Tonight we got an Rx of morphine. Hoping it helps.

We're looking into ups and downs of tubes. Bottom line is if he can't eat, he needs the tube. He's a tough guy with pain. He once cracked 3 ribs and hurt other areas in a motorcycle accident and didn't see a doctor for nearly 2 days. So, I know this is really bad pain. I keep reminding him the other option is death. The cancer caused very little pain, but we know eventually would have killed him. So, we have to figure out how to get him through this. He works full time and I'm a homeschool mom (with various health issues and surgery on March 20), so we need him to stay as well as possible.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know we're in the same boat. And to tell you I love your name. Our 3rd great niece, 10 mos. old, is Shelby!

Keep us all posted on what you decide!