Hi Brian,

Thanks for the input. The yeast infection is gynecological, but yesterday I did notice a couple white patches in her mouth, which we will ask the dr about this morning.

After my post, I did a search for fistula to make sure I understood exactly what one was and the feeding tube info came up. So I read about the clogging problem when using anything "non-commercial". But thanks for pointing that out. We could have had some real problems had I not found out.

If anything new comes up at her appt with the surgeon this am, I'll be back.

I do have one question and I'm not sure I'll like the answer, but..... I know with being stage 3/4, her chances aren't very good. BUT we keep hearing to not go by the statistics. She's young and relatively healthy (other than the big C of course), she has a great team of aggressive drs, etc, etc. But seriously, of the people you mention sometimes that you personally know that don't make it...have you seen many young (20's/30's) people die from this? In your personal opinion, not medical statistics info, what do you think her chances are? Any better than the 20 - 30% in the statistics?

I know that is putting you on the spot, so if you don't want to answer, I understand. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but sometimes I think Heather still hasn't grasped the seriousness of this. Just trying to get her to pay more attention to proper nutrition is a challenge. I feel sometimes like I'm dealing with my 5 yr old granddaughter instead of a 28 yr old adult. I feel like I need something concrete to throw at her, i.e. "Heather, Brian PERSONALLY (from the forum, etc) knows X number of people that have died this year that were younger than 30".
Sorry, maybe this isn't the right way to be thinking. confused
Rosemary


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.