Anne, to answer your question about chemo and radiation...No! He wont be bedridden, at least I hope not. Light exercise is encouraged, so taking a daily walk would be helpful. It gives him a routine plus something to look forward to. Everyone is different and will handle things in their own way but he is young. Hopefully his age will help him get thru this easier.

Good nutrition and hydration are what will make things much easier. Every single day he will need a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. No skimping or it will quickly catch up to him and he will feel lousy. I cant stress this detail enough, think of it as being mandatory to take in that much every single day. If he can get more in thats even better!

Glad you are lining up help now. Anyone who offers write down their name and number. Let them know when the time comes you will call on them for assistance. Even for small things like taking the girls out for ice cream or to the movies will be a help.

Best wishes!

Christine
SCC 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 smile