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#10400 05-02-2007 09:02 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
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Thalia Offline OP
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 20
We are about to embark on this big chapter called "treatment"...having the PEG put in tomorrow morning...first chemo and Radiations next week SO...
I am the primary caregiver to my sweet love and I am wondering what kind of supports will help keep ME solid through all this. (besides this WONDERFUL resource). Caregivers out there...what really helps you stay strong?


~thalia
Joined: Apr 2007
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I'm new at this too...I'll be sending my prayers to you for peace of mind, knowledge and comfort.
Donna


Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
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Hello Thalia
Please read the forum "Caregiver / Co-Survivor" There is much info there. As you begin treatment, when YOU have a QUESTION put it in the most appropriate forum. ie: Currently in Treatment / Medications Treatment, Procedures / Coping Anger & Fear. etc, etc. DO NOT WORRY. So many people will respond to your questions it will astound you. These are been there, done that people. Everyone on this board will walk with you through your journey. The search at the top of the page looks in this forum. The search on the bottom is a Google web search. You Are Not Alone Here! smile
Try to get as much knowledge on all the treatments so you have no surprises. Write down what the doctors say. Share it here with us. Write down your questions so you remember to tell the Dr.


DX 3-21-07 L tongue,SCC Stage IV (T3N2MO) TX Slash/Burn/Poison Method.
***Rapid Aggressive Recurrence 8-4-07 with same DX/TX. Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh. Never Give Up! ****UPDATE**** Our dear friend Petey passed away, RIP 9-2-07
Joined: Apr 2005
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JAM Offline
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Hi, Thalia, just to echo what Petey said, those of us who are caregivers will gladly help you every step of the way by listening, sharing practical information, whatever. Your role is going to be tough at times, frustrating at times, scary at times, and tiring at times. If you don't have any medical background, you are going to learn alot of new "STUFF" along the way. 1st step, get very organized and start a journal. You can find suggestions on how to do this in the "Getting through it" forum. 2nd step- don't project too far ahead. Try to stick with the next few weeks at a time as his tx. progresses. That way you won't feel inundated. Remember, you can post any question or concern or yell when you need to. We'll be here. Best luck going forward. Amy in the Ozarks


CGtoJohn:SCC Flr of Mouth.Dx 3\05. Surg.4\05.T3NOMO.IMRTx30. Recur Dx 1\06.Surg 2\06. Chemo: 4 Cycles of Carbo\Taxol:on Erbitux for 7 mo. Lost our battle 2-23-07- But not the will to fight this disease

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Hi Thalia,

I agree with Petey and Amy....
It also helps if you have someone to share the caregiver role with. My brother-in-law and I would switch off, keep good records of feedings and medications, vomiting, BM's, etc...time and amount for each, if you forget to write it down, with all that's going on, you may become confused. My brother in law printed out a schedule each day, it was on the computer, so easy to modify when needed. Also ask questions, either of the hospital staff or here, knowledge makes it less scary. My best to you and your sweetheart.

Nancy


Caregiver to sister Connie, dx 2005, scc tongue, 4 surgeries inc. radical left side neck dissection 7/06, 35 IMRT, and 7 cisplatin 2/07, passed away 8-11-07, 51 yrs. young, fought with courage, strength and grace, found peace on her new journey.

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