Tom- My husband had the Cisplatin along with the rads also. I asked the doctor about doing the chemo every week instead of the larger dose every month and that's what he did. Not too many side effects from the chemo-radiation was worse. They will probably give your wife lots of meds to reduce nausea and vomiting. My husband didn't even lose his hair. He did lose alot of weight though. He gets all of his nutrition via the PEG tube he has had since October '07. He is 6'3" and at his lowest he weighed 159. He is back up to 179 now.

As for you, if you have to go back to work there's not much you can do about that. Don't feel guilty. I'm sure your wife would not want you to. Can you have family or friends help her out while you're out? Even just having someone to call if need be may be enough. Women are pretty tough about taking care of themselves but don't let her try to be wonderwoman. Take care of yourself-you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you help the person next to you!

Sue

cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.