Jennie- I'm sorry to hear you have become one of us (caregivers of people with oral cancer) but I'm really glad you found the OCF so quickly. I can't tell you how valuable it was, and continues to be, when we were going through the treatment stages. Everyone here has given you such wonderful advise. The only additional thing I can say is to ALWAYS feel free to "vent" here. This can be very overwhelming and often everyone is focused on the patient, you get pushed to the sidelines. YOU are just as important, your kids know that, and you will have just as many ups and downs emotionally and physically as your husband will. I remember most times I felt like I was being petty complaining about what I had to do and go through...your problems and fears are just as important! So...if you feel like you can't complain or vent to anyone else...do it here! We all care, will NEVER judge and we have all been there. I must tell you that I had to go on Lexapro during this entire ordeal...there is no shame in getting the help you need for yourself.

One last note. During the radiation/chemo treatments my husband's sense of smell was very sensative. He couldn't handle having me cook anything at the house...it either made him nauseous or made him sad cause he couldn't eat anything except via his PEG. So, you might want to start enlisting your family, friends and church members to make meals for your family. It will take a great burden off you and really help your husband.

Keep us updated. You are in my prayers.

Lorie