Sorry to hear about your mom but there are plenty of things that you, as her Caregiver (with a BIG C) can do to help her.

Get her to eat eat eat and eat like she has never before. Make a list of her top 10 all time favorite foods and do nothing but stuff herself with them until she can't stand them anymore. If the label reads WARNING HIGH FAT, then get her to pounce on it.

The first couple of weeks will probably be a non event but don't think that's all the rad will do as she will most likely suffer like the rest of us weeks 4 thru 3 weeks post Tx.

During the rad get her to consume at least 2000 calories and 48ozs of water each and every day however she can and that's where the Peg comes into play as her mouth will become very sore and swallowing will be difficult and painful. Along that line stay on top of her pain meds. If one combo doesn't work let her docs know and try something else. Along with the pain meds can come the big C for constipation so talk to her docs early on to be prepared for it.

She may loose her taste (about 2 weeks in) and she may develop thick mucous ( about 5 weeks in) and eventually her mouth may go dry (usually post Tx).

Mentally this whole cancer thing will take a tole on her and you and the family. IMO the mental aspect is at least 50% of our battle so don't let things bother you all without talking about them. We are the best sounding board you could possibly have.

Everyone can be different but generally these are the things to watch out for at first.

This site will be like your Guide to Surviving OC Treatment except the guide talks back so read all the pages and ask away about anything that concerns you.

She is the first case of Spindle Cell that has come to this Board since I've been her. Do they say what the possible causes are? Is it similar to SCC?

Good luck to the both of you.


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