Hi (Barry's wife reporting)-

The dental and nutritionist consults went well -- dental oncologist said Barry's teeth were sound and altough he has quite a few crowns, the roots and bone are good so he doesn't need any dental work. In fact he complimented Barry on his dental hygiene regime (which he is faithful about since a scare with peridontal disease 8-9 years ago.) They also took molds for the fluoride trays he will need to use from now on.

Nutritionist pretty much told him he would need to get a gastric tube (which he expected although not at all enthused) -- that will be done after we get back from our pre-treatment trip. He has gained about 12 pounds since his weigh-in on July 5 at Sloan and still has some time to bulk up more. All that cheesecake, cashew nuts and smoothies! Of course I am trying to be good as I do NOT want to add pounds, having just gotten down to my desired weight earlier this summer. <gr>.

They will do the radiation "walk-through" August 9 (checking the planning) and start the real thing the next day. The start of a long hard road but one that must be taken...

Gail