Danny G,

Your dry mouth and swallowing issue might be minor compared to what Heather, Packer and others are going through. But that doesn't mean is isn't a major issue for you. I remember when Heather's RAD treatment was initially proposed. The docs insisted she needed both sides of her face and neck radiated, but she refused. The reason?...........she didn't want to have to live with a dry mouth the rest of her life! She already had somewhat of a dry mouth after her surgery and felt that to be totally dry permanently was an unacceptable side effect. No one, myself included, could sway her from her decision. And believe me, we tried! To her, it was a MAJOR issue.

Besides, helping one another cope with this terrible disease is what this forum is all about. Some issues may be more intense than others, but all issues are important to the people that have to deal with them. And the newcomers especially need information on ALL the issues. I sometimes might wish that Heather could trade places with some of you, but that doesn't mean I still don't wish you all the best outcome. I rejoice when I read about each success, no matter how small. It helps gives me a small measure of hope.

(For those of you who wonder.......no, the decision to radiate only one side had nothing to do with her recurrence. The second tumor is on the same side as the first. I personally doubt that this is actually a "recurrence". I think there is a strong probability that there was a second tumor right from the beginning.)

Peace, rainbows & hugs, wink
Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.