Hi Allan,

We hate to see you here but as long as you are you might as well settle in and keep this site close to your side. I did not even find it until I was a month out of Tx and only wish I had known about it earlier.

I was close to where you are now just about a year ago, also with base of tongue, right side, Stage III/IV. I also had a PEG installed and even though I rejected the thought I was told that I had no choice if I wanted to be treated at Emory Univ. Hospital in Atlanta. The tube was a royal pain in the "arse" but it didn't take me long to find that it was necessary. Trying to eat by mouth starting around the 3rd or 4th week of treatment was like trying to eat through a garden hose. The biggest problem with it in my case was simply keeping the darned thing taped up to my stomach and chest area. I went through a lot of adhesive tape and eventually pulled all hair off stomach and chest from the tape. My tube was removed almost 8 months ago and I still have what looks like a small navel to go along with my real one. Acutally, it looks like a healed small caliber gunshot wound but and is one of the battle scars I will always have to be a reminder of this horrible disease.

Sit back, relax and be ready to accept whatever they throw at you to attack this monster. It is somewhat of a dark journey and it seems as though it affects everyone differently. The best part is that it's over before you know it!

Check in often and keep us updated on your progress as well as any questions or concerns.

Bill D.