As some of you know hubby has been having sore throat, hoarseness and then difficulty swallowing started. I wondered if it was a little early, but since it is so variable and since several started as he did I wasn't unduly concerned. I think I have also mentioned that hubby does not ask questions or communicate with the doc(s), which is why I try to go every time. I missed the last two RO appointments due to issues with my son, so today I went back. I had some normal prognostic, treatment type questions and then I finished and said ok, now what do you recommend to help with the side effects and he's like (in a surprised voice) - what side effects? Shouldn't have any yet... I'm like well I thought he was pretty on track based on my support group. He said are they getting radiation on their throat and I said I would assume yes based on the type cancers they have.. He said Dan is not getting the throat - he is getting parotid area down the neck, but not directly on the throat. It may get some "off-fall" as we progress, but not this soon. Dan's symptoms are hoarseness (2 weeks +), sore throat (3 weeks +), difficulty swallowing (few days). He took antibiotics for a week (last week) - no change. And choking mucous. RO was concerned and wants us to see our ENT for a scope ASAP - he stepped into the hall and called him while we were there. We have an appointment Thursday morning.

On the physical exam he can't see anything in Dan's throat, just a little redness. He gave us Diflucan just in case.

Since they have told us this is a very aggressive form of cancer and the fact that it was in multiple lymph nodes is not good - I am course a little panicked by this.