Congratulations Kevin!!!!!!!!!! What a relief for both of you!!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!!! Did you get your reports back? Praying they came out great!

Happy New Year Everyone!!! Had a great one full of family and good times. Getting concerned, the last week Pat has had to take pain pills again after eating, is that normal to regress? He had been doing great other than the sore on his tongue. We went to our regular doctor for our end of year follow ups and the doctor said he didn't see anything abnormal. We have a follow up at Moffit on the 10th, just wondering if he should be seen before then or not?

Happy New Years Debbie!

Being as your appointment is in 10 days, I would say that it depends on the severity of the pain and if there is any other conditions like bleeding or swelling etc. If he's just having an uptick in pain with no other issues and needs a little assistance then I would wait, if it's OMFG kind of pain and he's taking mad doses or has other issues like bleeding or major swelling then get in as soon as you can.

It's a tough call not being able to "see" what's going on so it really comes down to using your gut feeling but always error on the side of caution.

Hope that helps, keep up the good work on caregiving!

Eric

Thanks Eric, I do think that he is experiencing the end of treatments, what if it is still there feelings. However, that being said, the loose skin on his neck under his chin seems to be swollen, almost like it's full of water (the turkey neck). He has had pink tinged mucous and pain with swollowing. I think for his own peace of mind (and mine) I will try to get him in before the 10th just to be sure then get him to the beach just so he can unwind!

The swelling under the neck is very common. We have had many posts concerning it with some taking a comical approach. There isn't much that can be done for that other than time. Re the pain and the sore on his tongue, I personally don't think that's normal and as you say at least for everyone's peace of mind I would try and get that appt moved up.

Hi Debbie,
My mom had some similar issues, I recall the ENT telling her to watch for trouble swallowing with the swelling. I agree with Eric, if the pain increases I would call right away. If you are still troubled maybe call the office and ask. My mom went through many ups and downs, after a while she/we were able to tell when something needed to be addressed immediately. As for the neck issue, many do experience changes, some are only temporary. I don't see it here in your signature, did Pat have a neck dissection? It is highly recommended that lymph edema therapy be started as soon as surgeon gives an ok, so that he will have mobility, less swallowing issues, and the neck doesn't feel like hard like wood. Best wishes!

Hi,
Thanks for the congrats and the Happy New Year. Kevin went through the very same thing 3 weeks ago. Thanksgiving he ate like crazy with very little pain and just a bit of meds, then a week later he was back to eggs and oatmeal WITH pain meds every 4 hours. We were worried too, but they said it was normal. He's eating a wider variety of foods now, but still softish stuff with only a bit of pain meds. He also has the swelling under his chin and on the right side of his neck. I guess that's normal too. He's down 51 lbs now, but is going back to Alaska tomorrow. I am a basket case but not showing it. Will break down after I drop him at the airport. I can't imagine the next 2 weeks without him. Many, many miles away.
I didn't even look at the date of your post. Have you been to the Dr or were they closed until tomorrow?

My tests came back ok, but will recheck in 6 months. There is definetly abnormality there, but I guess not enough to do a hysterectomy. I'd like to just get stuff out of there!! Considering getting a second opinion on my mammogram too. Just considering at this point.

Thank you all for your advice. Kathy, you and Kevin are such a comfort since you are just a few weeks ahead of us. We thought the yo yo was done with, but knowing what to expect and that things are "normal" (if any of this is normal) really helps. We are still being seen and have a call into the Dr. It was a 30 minute hold time so I think getting in today after a holiday will be rough. Pat has an appt next Tuesday but if the nurse feels he should be seen sooner than that we will jump all over it. Second opinions are always a must when you are not convinced you are getting the right results. After surviving BC twice, believe me, you tend to get aggressive. Good luck to you! I am sure he will be fine in Alaska!

So Pat got into Moffit today and they found a colony of bacteria that was causing his pain and regression. (brought images of the Musinex guys to my mind, camping out in my husbands throat). The good news is they did a really good scope and other than swelling from the healing and a community that was setting up camp down there, there are no signs of cancer, swelling nada nothing! PET on Feb 6th. Wishing for a speedy month to go flying by!