Hello everyone! I haven't posted much, but I've been a frequent visitor over the past year. You all have helped us in many ways, just by reading your posts.
My husband James was diagnosed in January '03 with cancer of the tongue. In Feb., he had surgery (partial glossectomy with reconstruction using a flap from his forearm); followed by 7 weeks of radiation with 3 treatments of Cisplatin. He came through all of that remarkably well and we were very hopeful.
Then, in August, we learned that the cancer was present in the opposite side of the tongue. We were given no good options. Surgery would take his remaining tongue, as well as the ablility to speak or eat. At 31 years old, this was not a way he wanted to live his life. He chose to try some palliative chemo, which we started in Sept. (carbo-taxol).
He had 3 doses of that, with no success in lessening any progression or alleviating any symptoms. He had a trach put in on 10/16 and 2 weeks ago, we switched from carbo-taxol to irinotecan. His first irinotecan treatment went OK. However last weeks' has hit him like a truck. He has vomited all weekend, and at less than 100 lbs., this isn't something we can continue. Going back to the oncologist on Thurs.
We have started hospice services and they are wonderful. We have a very supportive family and a awesome church family that have kept us uplifted through all of this. Our faith is very strong and we have continued to trust God to keep us going.
Things have just changed a lot over the past few weeks. James cannot talk (due to trach and swelling of the tongue) and this brings a whole new set of issues to the table as I struggle to keep up communication while he wants to retreat. We have a 15 month old son that demands so much energy, too. My Mom died of breast cancer 6 years ago and although she had been sick for 2 years, her death was "sudden"; nothing like this.
Sorry this is so long, I just needed to get a lot out I guess. I would love any words of wisdom anyone might have to share. Thanks for listening.