#40895 04-03-2007 10:56 AM | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 | Have eventually moved from 'Introduce Yourself' after several months. My sister, Lesley, was diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer last March and all that the doctors could offer was 20 days of radiotherapy - then palliative care. She has been in and out of a local hospice over the past few months, mainly when problems arise with her medication.
However, she was taken in ten days ago suffering from a bad infection in the throat/jaw area. The infected area just seemed to erupt and 'wept' uncontrollably (on the outside) for several days. We are now told that she has an actual hole through the cheek which is unlikely to heal itself - we guess as the tumour is continually pushing onwards and outwards. She didn't really manage to eat much before (gets a nightly 'feed' through her PEG) but she does like to drink milk & coffee, and to try to eat soft, mushy food. But everything she drinks now just comes straight out the other side of her cheek. The doctors have told her she cannot eat anything until they have managed to 'plug' the hole - but they seem to be having difficulty in getting something to stick, due to its position (low down on the jaw line). They fitted on some sort of rubbery-looking plaster today, then stuck a large, padded plaster over that, but within an hour or so, the whole lot was soaked - and hanging off. The doctor has gone off to try something else but said he might not be back to see Lesley for several days. She is trying so hard to be brave, but this is just another problem that she doesn't need right now. So, I was just wondering if anyone else had experience of this happening - and if so, how was the problem managed. | | |
#40896 04-03-2007 11:09 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 | Shelagh- one of John's tumors opened up the outside of his jaw also.[ you could see from outside to inside his mouth] However, since everything he ate or drank was by peg, we didn't have the same issues youall are having. I hope your sister is well medicated and that everyone who is important to her is getting to spend time with her. From this point on, your family will have to be very strong and "together". My main goal during John's last weeks was to keep him pain free and be with him. 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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#40897 04-03-2007 12:26 PM | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 168 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 168 | Hello Shelagh. I have no experience with your sister's situation but I hope you will allow me to put you, your sister and the rest of your family on my prayer list. I really hope the dr.s find a solution to your sisters dilemna. It seems it would really help her to be more comfy. You are in my prayers. Lee
Lee, age 33, stage 4a, T2N2bM0, Tumor left tonsil (removed), 2 left side nodes removed (poorly differientiatied)total of 3 nodes involved. Treatment IMRT x33/ 2x Cysplatin completed. Good Health and Good Help to you.
Lee
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#40898 07-21-2007 09:36 AM | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 | After battling for 16 months, my dear sister passed away yesterday morning. She had been admitted to the general hospital three weeks ago after a fall and was then taken to the hospice a week ago, where her condition quickly deteriorated. She battled to the end and I admire her so for her strength and bravery.
I also have the greatest respect for every one of you fighting this disease - and I can't begin to imagine the daily battles you all have to get through.
You are all stars. | | |
#40899 07-21-2007 10:34 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 | Dear Shelagh, I know you are very sad, but I am glad she is no longer suffering. 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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#40900 07-21-2007 11:04 AM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 | Dear Shelagh,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
God Bless,
Margaret
Margaret
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C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx)
Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3)
Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.
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#40901 07-21-2007 11:46 AM | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 | Shelagh
I was so sorry to read your post about Lesley.
Thinking of you.
Marica
Caregiver to husband (Pete) Stage IV Base of Tongue. Dx 04 2003 Chemo/Radiation no surgery.. doing great!
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#40902 07-21-2007 03:25 PM | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 179 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 179 | So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
LJ
CG to husband 53,39 rads. 3 rds cisplastin ended 6/2/07 Tonsils removed 1.10.07 11 of 20 nodes positive- lump removed on rt. side of neck 1/26/07 cancer of nasal pharnyx TXN2MX 2nd rd. of chemo- carbo/taxol on 6/11/07
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#40903 07-21-2007 04:40 PM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Shelagh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember your earlier posts and it was obviously a long hard fight for your sister. I'm sure having your support is part of helped her stay brave. Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#40904 07-23-2007 06:46 AM | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Shelagh,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your sister.
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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#40905 07-23-2007 12:03 PM | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 |
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
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#40906 07-23-2007 01:58 PM | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 | Shelagh
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Shar
Sharlee
35 year old Female Non smoker, very occasional alcohol ..Scc T1N0M0,partial glossectomy and left neck disection ,2/9/07 No rad deemed ness. 4/16 tonsillectomy ..Trimengenial Neuralga due to surgery
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#40907 07-24-2007 12:45 AM | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 102 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 102 | Dear Shelagh,
My prayers are with Lesley, you and your family.
Even having witnessed my Aunt's battle, it still amazes me what strength and courage our loved ones have shown. I am so very sorry for your loss, but I am relieved for Lesley that her fight with this hideous dragon is over. Now she is free and you will have an angel on your shoulder to protect you always. She will always be with you.
Hugs,
Lisa
Niece to Aunt Ro- Dx: 4/03. SCC Stg 4 BOT with mets to fl of mth & crvcl lymph node. AdenoC 1 sal gland. Two add. reconstrc. surgeries for adhesions. Recurrence 7/06- Sub-Mand AdenoC. Mets to both lungs. Lost her battle 5/4/07.
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#40908 07-29-2007 09:11 AM | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 19 | Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I just feel a huge sense of relief that Lesley is at peace now and no longer struggling.
Best wishes to you all - fighters and supporters. | | |
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