Seremom,

I have been a caretaker to my family member (SCC tongue, surgery, radiation and chemo) since January 2005 and ongoing. It has been the hardest thing I had to do in my life. It takes incrediable strength and patience.

I also find myself tired and burnout but I persevere because they need our help and support.

I have struggled with anxieties and depression plus dealing with the patient depresssion. Finally I consulted my doctor and got a prescription for an anti-depressent because I realized that if I would let depression rule my life I would be of no use to my loved one.

Hnag in there and good luck to you and your husband.

CG to wife;
Jan 2005 DX SCC Tongue T2N1MO; RND surgery Mar 2005; 35 XRT and 4 cisplatin completed Jul 2005.
Dec 2006 tongue surgery, Scar tissue no cancer.
Feb 2010 neck node FNA - negative.
2010 ORN right jaw plus fracture
2015 ORN left jaw plus fracture
Feb 2016 Lower jaw reconstruction by Fibula free flap+titanium plate - Permanent G-tube
June 2016 Difficulty breathing - Permanent Trachea tube
Dec 2019 DX Cervical cancer - Stage 1 - Surgery Jan 16 2020.
15-20 esophagus/larynx dilations