Hi, My husbands 5 weeks out of treatment stage 4 base of tongue cancer.Its been a slow process, but there are positive signs, his speech is much clearer, that was really tough because he couldn't communicate and I was left to handle all the business he usually took care of. the financial stress is a big issue,He used all his sick and vac time and the FMLA ended so he has 6 weeks of leave of absence which is up in Oct 5th, he thought for sure he would be back to work but its not going to happen that quickly so they have extended the leave untill Nov. So we are on one income, mine which is part time, thank goodness my job has been understanding and gave me time to care of him. And I'll tell you it's so true about going to treatment everyday and feeling like your taking an active roll in beating this cancer. Because once that stopped I could see my husband get down emotionally he is home all day and when I get home he has a list of things he wants to do he is going stir crazy. So I feel like a taxi driver but I understand his restlessness so I actually stumbled upon this site and thought it would be could for my husband to communicate with other going through the same thing. But I have found myself using it. Well I guess I've gone off track. Yes it's been difficult we have to pay our health insurance out of pocket OUCH with mortgage pymts 2 Kids. One thing I will tell you is to have him sign up for disability through social security. My husband did but it won't kick in untill well after he's back and work and he can't use it then. But the social worker said to apply anyways because you never know whats done the line and then it would be there for him if he could not return to work.
Take Care

Debra,
I lived alone during treatment and recovery although I had a mother, girlfriend , sister and many friends nearby. I found no difficulty at all in taking care of myself at home and most of the time even drove myself to and from treatments and Dr. visits as well.

Having said that, I still mostly sat around and read, watched TV or slept and, when I returned to work, only came in for short days and did not take on anything too challenging. I did get a little depressed for a short while after treatment ended. The world can look a little gloomy when you are not sure if you have a future and all that you have to look forward to is your next tube feeding. However I turned it around by finding a support group, taking a two mile walk every day, making sure that a friends would come to visit, and running a short errand every day, even if it was nothing more than going to Walgreen's or to the grocery store or book store.
In a short while I felt much better. Best of luck.

Danny G.