| Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 17 Member | OP Member Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 17 | My husband is suppose to use a CPAP machine in order to have continuous breathing while he sleeps. However, now in his 3rd week of radiation he says he cannot tolerate the CPAP mask. Has anyone else had any success using the CPAP while being treated with radiation?
Husband 79 metastatic cancer neck lymph nodes, biopsy Moffitt showed base of tongue, tonsil & vallecula. VA in Tampa - Teeth out 6/16, Radiation 5X7 and Erbitux 7/13 Carboplatin 8/4 - Amifostine added 8/6
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Never heard of a CRAP machine. We all had to wear a mask but again I've never heard of it with the word CRAP other than the whole Tx being described as CRAP!
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 17 Member | OP Member Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 17 |
Husband 79 metastatic cancer neck lymph nodes, biopsy Moffitt showed base of tongue, tonsil & vallecula. VA in Tampa - Teeth out 6/16, Radiation 5X7 and Erbitux 7/13 Carboplatin 8/4 - Amifostine added 8/6
| | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | I have a CPAP, and definitely could not use it during radiation, even though my side effects from radiation were not that severe. The CPAP, even with the humidifier, dries the nose and mouth out severely, which I found intolerable.
Today, I use my CPAP about half the time, due to the drying issues. Before I use it, I make sure the humidifier is working, and that I moisturize my nose and mouth well.
One positive note -- after completing the treatment and having the tumor eradicated, I snore less, even without the CPAP (according to my spouse). So there is hope.
Best of luck to both of you!! Jeff SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007 T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007 39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07 Complete response to treatment so far!!
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | CPAP is a new one to me. THey had me with lung cancer at our Dr Jeff, but he never mentioned anything to help with breathing.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 71 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 71 | I was on a CPAP w/out a humidifier, but added one before treatment and found it tolerable. I used the CPAP every night. I had to. My own snoring would wake me up! I did wake up with a drier mouth than usual. After treatment I got a little esophogaitis that may have been caused by the dryness. That�s gone now.
To JeffL, I think my snoring may be alleviated somewhat too. I haven�t tried to sleep without the machine yet, but I do feel more refreshed than I used to when I wake up. Maybe the BOT tumor back there had something to do with my snoring.
A suggestion I have is to look into a TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) . They supposedly work pretty good. It is like a pair of those invisiliners used for braces except the bottom one attaches to the top one and you turn a small screw that pulls your jaw forward. This leave a larger �hole� for air to pass through at the back or your throat.
I don�t know how this would work with someone who has had their teeth removed, but it might be worth checking out it.
NOTE: the TAP is not the only device available, but the one most dentists, including mine, are pushing. With a little googling you will find a lot of people trying to get into this market because it appears to be working.
57 @ Dx, Stg IV BOT (1.5cm), lymph nodes (lrgst 2.5cm), non-smoker, casual drinker and exercise nut, Cisplatin x 2, Erbetux w/IMRT x 35/70Gy, PEG, Treated in San Antonio @ CTRC 12/16/08-1/27/09. 3/5/09-CT 6/12/09-PET, PEG out 12/1/09-CT 12/6/10-PET 12-8/11-CT 1-4/13-CT (all clean) | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | OK I Google'd CRAP and of course you know what I got. Then I did CRAP machine and I got a web site about sleep disorders and saw some pictures of the machines and masks but I still don't know what CRAP stands for or what the heck those machines are supposed to do? And that mask!!! How can one sleep with that thing on?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 | David, you are supposed to google cPap not cRap. I believe it stands for Continous Postive Air Pressure. Margaret ---------- C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx) Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3) Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.
| | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | David it is CPAP as CRAP is something entirely different Here is some information; How is OSA Treated? (Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)) The most common treatment of OSA is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, pronounced �see-pap�. It is effective in almost all cases. CPAP provides light air pressure to hold the airway open and, as a result, allows uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Normally the air is delivered through a small mask worn over the nose during sleep. There are many different types of masks, and finding the most comfortable one is very important. Whilst the CPAP system may look a bit daunting, you will find that using it has minimal effect on anything but your sleeping. Putting on your CPAP will quickly become part of your regular routine. Please look at the equipment available for all the different options. CPAP therapy has been successfully used, since discovery in 1980, to treat patients with sleep apnea.
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma. 14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad. 6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012. bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia 24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 |
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 251 Gold Member (200+ posts) | Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 251 | David, I thought you were making a joke when you said you googled CRAP! Good one!
Catherine
2mm tumor excised 09/23/2008 (floor of mouth) SCC (superficially invasive, well-differentiated) Stage 1, T1N0M0 01/2009 and 01/2010 - PET/CT clear Four and 1/2 years - NED! "Detection can be easy, treatment is not!"
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I think David didn't have his specs on!!! LOL
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 | David,
Do you need new specs AND a new calculator? It's tough getting old. :-)
Margaret ---------- C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx) Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3) Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | You know it's funny but I've only made 2 mistakes in my whole life and they both happen to be while on this site, after my cancer Tx with way to much chemo and while Margaret was staring over my shoulder so I'm gonna blame Margaret for both.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Geez David, What is the feeling when you amke a mistake so that I will recognise ti if it should happen?? LOL
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Yes I did spell recognize wrong. LOL
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Hey I didn't even know I had cancer until it was a Stage IV so I'm the wrong person to ask about recognizing anything. lol
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Regognise is the right spelling for here. I wish the spell checker would stop trying to change it to the US format. Feel free to comment Liz!! Same with organise etc etc etc
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma. 14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad. 6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012. bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia 24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 |
Jeanna Wife/Carer of Rod, 56, Dx 5/3/09, SCC Oropharnyx T4 N2, End Tx 28th 07/09, 7wks Rad, 3 Cisplatin, primary tonsil, 4cm Lymph right of neck, 1cm left, in jaw & soft palate & base of tongue. Peg 06/09. CT & PET scans 02/11 - NED. Dentures 20/09/11, PEG out 28/10/11.
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