Hi, I'm Janet and I've been reading the messages for a few weeks. My husband John was recently diagnosed (July 6,05) with left tonsil cancer with one node and no distant mets, had a tonsillectomy (lost 10 pounds), had the mediport implanted (needed a chest tube for a pneumothorax), started chemo 5 days ago (cisplatin)with delayed nausea, has had 4 radiation treatments and a peg tube inserted 2 days ago. He is wiped out, no energy, less nauseous but no appetite at all. He seems very uncomfortable moving around though the tube is good. He complains of a headache - muscle/tension. He is very anxious and feels awful for feeling this bad so early in the treatments. He is miserable except when he is sleeping which is a lot. He is on Ativan. Do others feel this bad this soon in the treatments? We're overwhelmed with what is happening to us so quickly. Thanks for any support offered.

My husband got violently ill on the second day of treatment and was very ill all the way through. We had bouts with dehydration, weight loss, loss of function control and was even bed ridden for almost a month. It is not unusual to have the treatments affect one person right away and another barely at all and every stage in between.

Being overwhelmed is also a natural reaction. Most of us have definately been there.

Try to step back for a moment, take a deep breath and then move forward.

It was said to me many times, there is an end and things do get better. Hang onto that vision and you will make it through.

The ativan is common to help the anxiety that the treatments bring on. Tell him not to feel badly about how he feels physically at the moment, it is temporary.

Take one day at a time and mark your milestones and before you know it you will be past the hard part.

My best to you both,
Cindy

I too was overwhelmed, however, he must learn to take this one day at a time. Focus on what you must get through today. It is a tough few months, but it is just a couple of months. The end seems like it is a lot farther away then it really is. I am nine months out of treatment and doing well. the chemo and radiation treat everyone differently and we all will have our own story when wwe finish. You have to be strong for him and he must resist feeling down or sorry. You can get through this, it will be hard, but it is worth it.

Steve

I was not supposed to get burns or even a sore throat for 2-3 three weeks and starting the 8th. day I couldn't swallow and my neck was read as a beet. I guess its different for everyone.

Has he spoke with his physicians about a Xanax or something for his nerves? I take those "as needed" and they do help me some. Even though it seems there is "no end" it does come and then it seems like it flew past. I hope time flies for him.

Blessings,
Barb~
1 left!

Good morning, everyone. I am brand new at this, so please bear with me. I am a 54 year old male, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth and mandible (lower Jaw) last July. I had surgery replacing my infected areas with a free flap (the fibula and surrounding muscles from my left leg were used to make a new jaw bone and floor of the mouth). I went through extensive radiation therapy (6,900 rads) for six weeks, twice a day, every day. I was told I would be able to have dental implants in my new jaw within a year or shortly thereafter. Now they are saying my radiation levels were too high, and they may have to wait for another YEAR OR SO. Has this happened to anyone else? I am so frustrated, I could scream.

Moved to new thread

Hi and I am sorry. Why not put this post in "After treatment Issues." You might get more answers.

Blessings,
Barb~

Hi
Don't panic I recall several members having to wait for dental implants, try using the search you may find their posts.
Anyway glad you found us...
Sunshine... love and hugs
Helen

Janet-just be strong for him! Everyone's experience is different yet they all know what you're going through. Focus on the NOW. My dad is in the beginning of his 4th week and they are delaying his chemo/radiation because his mouth is so bad. MAKE SURE that your hubbie is taking all of the anti nausea meds REGULARLY. I bet your hubbie is turning into a real bear. So is my dad. Get him started and going on intense pain meds-he'll be more relaxed for sure. Fentanyl patch and whatever else you can shove in the tube. My dad is getting his tube tomorrow.
Good luck-the only way to describe this is experiencing hell. BUT, there is light--none of this is permanent.

Hi Janet, my husband's name is John too. John did well after surgery and has fallen apart since the 2nd week of rad. His last rad was July 8th. He is sleeping most of the time, is cold[wearing flannel shirts, and it's 95 outside and 85 in the house]complains of sore arms, hands,and legs. His mouth is NOT real sore at present. I suspect there will be alot of ups and downs over the next few weeks. You are probably gonna feel like you are on a hugh roller coaster that you did not buy a ticket for. Stay in touch here and ask all the questions you need to. There are so many experienced and caring people here. Amy

Thanks for the support. Yesterday was a little better although he wouldn't let me give him any Jevity in the peg -said it tasted terrible when he hiccuped. We went for a ride after radiation and he cried a bit and vented. He managed to eat a sandwich and drink some pepsi and water but complained he "ate too much" and it just sits in his stomach. We'll see the doctor tomorrow and I'll check with the nurse today - he's losing weight fast and I really think he needs nutrients sooner rather than later but I know I have to respect his decisions about his body and what he can take. I'm sort of enjoying the fact we only have radiation this week and not chemo and surgeries on top of that. I cry a lot though at the sudden change in our lives and those of our children. I think I should know better having lost my father to colon cancer at 55 and currently being a hospice nurse (on leave). I just hate to see John suffer and feel pretty helpless. I do have to remember that love and growth can happen through these dark times - I've seen it and felt it in the past. Hoping that it will happen again!