#14128 04-22-2003 11:06 AM | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 30 | My husband had radical surgery on February 11, 2003. He had his tonsils,some of the base of the tongue,right side of his soft palate removed and the right side of his jaw bone reconstructed. He did have a flap made from his forearm. He has had 15 radiation treaments, with 20 more to go. Eating has been so difficult and I know because of the surgery and radiation that will be the case for a long time. I need to know from past patients with similar treatments, what they have experienced especially with eating. It has been so frustrating for us but I am happy to have him here whatever he can manage to do. He does have a good attitude but I know he would love to have a hamburger someday. I know this site will be a lifesaver for me in the months to come. Thanks for any advice. Becky | | | 
#14129 04-22-2003 03:45 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Becky,
Does he have a PEG tube? It sounds like he is the perfect candidate for one.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#14130 04-22-2003 03:50 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Hi Becky,
You are in the middle of the worst time. I feel for you both. Hang in there. Be bold and creative with the blender. You can get some really good tastes out of the blender using regular food.
keep posting
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#14131 04-23-2003 08:06 AM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 188 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 188 | Becky..... Just so you know, the chances of your husband having a hamburger this summer are probably very slim, however, by next summer he'll be able to eat a hamburger everyday if that is what he chooses. Recovery from treatment takes a long time but both of your lives will continue to get better with each passing day. Be patient and enjoy even the slightest improvements. It's babysteps at first but before long you'll be running and right back to where you started from -- healthy. Keep posting. Sincerely, Donna
SCC first time 1989, with a diagnoses of 'cancer in situ' removed lesion, no other treatments.
SCC recurrence 1997 of tongue and floor of the mouth. Stage III /IV Hemmiglossectomy (removed over 60% of tongue/ floor of the mouth), free flap, modified neck, RAD and Chemo(cisplatin, 5fu) simutainously.
Cancer free 6, yes, six, years!
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