Hi everyone... Since Richard was so sick from the first chemo, I requested Emend for the 2nd round, plus Zofran and Ativan as needed. I was surprised when the MO ordered it. Why didn't they do it in the first place? That's a rhetorical question because it's probably a cost factor. Compazine was worthless. So he goes in for his 2nd chemo on Jan 26th and we hope, at least, that his reaction is more tolerable.

We are hanging in there and Richard is eating as much as possible to keep his weight stable for now. We had an excellent day today with our RO and nurses. The RO came right out and said that the treatment would be successful in curing his cancer, but "horrible." They are prepared to do everything possible to help with the pain that's coming. The area at the base of the tongue is very small and they expect the node to be successfully treated. So, all in all, a good day and we are very thankful.

Before the radiation appt today, we met with the peg tube nurse to check the tube. Richard has a some red area on the skin that seems due to irritation. He's still pretty active, hauling wood for the fire, walking, etc. The nurse checked it out, flushed it and said it looked fine. She recommended some over the counter topical medicine. I know he'll probably hit the wall, especially by the 4th week, but why not do what you can as long as possible. The nurse had just removed another head and neck patient's peg a month after finishing radiation and he is doing great. She was so encouraging and it was good to hear that some people do really well without too many complications.

We are going to take one day at a time with no expectations positive or negative. I know things can change rapidly and we'll need to roll with the punches. I have a big mark on my calendar for Feb 20th when the treatments are over and Richard can start to heal.