I had the same TPF induction chemo in 2009, which hospitalized me for 6 months, paralyzed me from the waist down, blinded me, etc. I regained my ability how to walk again, like a baby, you just don't pop out of bed and walk, 10 months later, but have severe neuropathy in my legs, feet, hands since, and still some muscle loss, lost 110lbs, although I regained about 50lbs, and some muscle paralysis still in the calves, hamstrings, buttocks. I can't move my toes at all, feet in certain directions, and permamrntly blind in one eye. I take lyrica, but did take neurontin, aka Gabapentin, which helps somewhat, but don't like taking them during the day. Went to rehab a few times, and need to start my exercise again after my last treatment. These problems are all from chemo, in addition to the anemia, kidney disease, etc.

As far as radiation, they can cause problems too. Lymphdemia, Trismus, dysphasia, tooth loss, cavities. Then surgery, which was easiest out of all, caused fibrosis, lympdemia, muscle loss in neck, traps, chest, and arm raising on the side of surgery, coughing, aspiration.

Take it one at a time. When you think about them all, try to treat all at once it seems unmanageable. I set priorities, and deal with them separately, some not at all, although some fall into other areas as well.

Good luck with everything Lottie.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs