Welcome to OCF. Glad that you have found this site. There is tons of info not just on the forum but also on the main pages of OCF. Both areas can be easily navigated with the search function. You will find lots of support here to help you along. Being a caregiver isnt an easy job. Take a notebook to the appointments and take notes, sometimes the info can be too overwhelming to remember.

As far as the feeding tube goes. That can be a hot subject around here. Some swear against it while others have found it a life saver. The length of time its in is all up to the patient on how well he recovers and can properly eat. Everyone responds to treatments differently. What works for one might not be the best for another person. I used the feeding tube for about 1.5 yrs and recently had it removed. For me, it was a necessity.

Sorry about the loss of your mother. Im sure it wasnt easy for you with her fighting for that long. Please feel free to ask questions, we are here to help.





Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile