To Everyone,

Thanks for all your responses and prayers. And KirkGeorgia, you are right, we don't know what it is. As far as the CT goes, he had one in March and all was well. Started the HBO in May, did 40 treatments. The hope was that the HBO would promote the growth of healthy tissue where the original tumor was. Not having a medical background, what I was lead to believe, was that after the radiation and chemo,there was something like a crater where the original tumor was. That area was not healing, hence the HBO. Not sure the treatments did much of anything. Gosh are they expensive. At almost $2000 per treatment, I would hope for something. But then again, medicine is not an exact science. Thankfully, we were able to COBRA his insurance until May 2005. As far as the aloe vera drink, not an option. He cannot swallow. I was all set to tell the doctors that we needed to start working on the swallowing. Re-read replies from this site regarding that issue. Was ready to discuss possibility of placing tubes in his ears, with the hopes to lessen the pain throughout this head and ear. Wanted to discuss with doctor, swallowing test and speech therapy. Was hoping to talk about stretching his esophogus. Anything to aid with his ability to eat and drink by mouth. But then this. He is only 63, but we started his Social Security last December. Yesterday, I began the process on-line of applying for disability. Boy what a chore that was. Does anyone know, if he is accepted for disability, does he automatically get qualified for medicare? Sorry this post seems to go on and on, and in all directions. I feel much better outlook wise today as opposed to yesterday, and it's all thanks to you. You will never know how much you have helped. I pray that someday the big "C" will go the way of Polio. Thanks so much and God Bless You All.


VickieM