 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Lynn! Im glad you have found our group, we will help both you and your father. I know how scary it can be in the beginning, especially not knowing what to expect.
One of the most important things to focus on is what is within your control.... the daily intake. Every single day push to get a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If your father can take in more, like 3000 or even 3500 calories it can only help. I cant stress enough how vital the intake is to making this easier on your father. Begin now to ensure your father eats all his favorite foods now before any treatments. His sense of taste and ability to swallow will probably be affected making eating very difficult. If your father is on the slim side, gaining a few pounds from eating all the favorites would be a good idea.
Anyone who offers to help, take their contact info and tell them when the time comes you will let them know how they can help. People want to help but most dont know what they can do.
Hang in there.
ChristineSCC 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  | 
