Hello,

I have reviewed many of the messages in this site and I feel so comforted to be able to discuss information regarding oral cancer with others in the same situation.

My Name is Kate. My Dad was diagnosed with Throat cancer in Feb., 2005. He opted for chemo/radiation therapy vs surgery. As he and my Mother are very private people, they give myself and our family with minimal information on his treatment and prognosis. I am so concerned and want to help. I am able to talk to them over the phone and see them when possible, however, I don't want to risk infection by seeing them in person b/c I have 2 little boys 4 and 1 & 1/2 who are constanltly around germs in school and daycare.

It is May 7, 2005 and I know that he has approximately 1 1/2 weeks of treatment left. These last stages of chemo/radiation treatment has seemed to take a toll on his body and morale. His throat is so sore and he has difficulty speaking, eating and resting. I want to be able to offer him and my Mom hope on getting through this hopefully last part of treatment.

Thankfully he is using his stomach feeding tube during this time (something he wasn't so keen on in the beginning of treatment).

If anyone has any suggestions or comments regarding my Dad's treatment and healing, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Kate

Kate,

Your dad is in for the fight of his life, but there are many people on these boards who have made it through and he will too. I got a lot of comfort from the cards and letters I got in the mail every day. So if you feel you can't visit him in person, write him a note, have the kids draw, send a card. Getting the mail was the highlight of my day for several weeks during my recovery.

Good luck,

Barb

Hello Kate; The caring involvement of family is one of the best medecines we have in our fight with SCC. You will have plenty of time to help your Dad out as his recovery is likely not going to be a quick thing. Some wise person on this board told me to "take a month for every week of radiation" and I have found that rule of thumb to be pretty close.
After his rads finish your Dad will continue to experience side effects, likely the worst so far of his TX, so don't let him throw away the pain meds. But it does slowly improve, the crazy taste buds that have gone on strike return...or at least most of them do. The fatigue is REAL and rest is important. He may enjoy having the lawn cut or the yard tidied.
A pot of simple plain soup (no spice) brought a tear to my eye when my friend dropped it off.
When I think about it, it's so true, actions do speak louder than words. Your own practical response to his situation will speak volumes and your wonderful loving support is a treasure.

Keep in touch, hopefully we survivors can be of some help to you.
All the best,
Fran