My husband is now 7 weeks out from end of IMRT treatment at Moffit Cancer Center in Florida. He seemed to be having a (relatively) easy time of it through treatment. Had the peg, but never needed to use it (could drink shakes). Didn't lose any weight. Drove himself to treatments up through Week 6. At 3 weeks out, rad oncologist said he was doing great. However, then his father (who had been in a nursing home for a year) became very ill and died and he seemed to stop improving much during the next 3 week period. Last Wednesday, he was outside trimming plants for about 45 minutes and helped move some light furniture. Then on Thursday, he had his teeth cleaned for the first time since treatment began. As of the next day, he had a very sore throat, can't swallow as well as he could before, lost his appetite, and feels very fatigued and depressed (4 days now). Also, had a f/u visit with his surgeon last week as well and was told there was a spot the size of a hole punch at the surgery site (right BOT) where they also boosted the rad (IMRT). She said something about being concerned and to watch it closely in case his tongue area became more sore. I saw another thread where people said it was typical to be up and down for quite awhile after radiation. Don't know whether to think it is post-rad ups/downs or whether something more serious is happening here. I've made an appt for him on Wed though he doesn't want to go until next week.

Damn doctors, they don't seem to know how just the tone of their voice can send a patient into an emotional tailspin. Yes the emotions (depressions) run hot and cold especially in this after treatment time where all you can do is wait....for me the 6 months after treatment were some of the worst. I can't imagine what I would have been like if I had lost my father in that same time. I agree with you, the appointment Wednesday should help you to get peace of mind.

Mark, yes, he was close to his parents and had just lost his mother (85) to cancer a year ago. Also, we live in Florida and both of our families are in California, so we couldn't even travel out for the funeral service because he wasn't up to it. The thing I am most concerned about now is that he had been able to eat without the peg all along, only shakes for several weeks, but the last few he had been eating scrambled eggs and soups. Now since his teeth were cleaned on Thursday, he has both lost his appetite and can't seem to eat/swallow very well anymore. The rad nurse checked with the Dr and he said it would have nothing to do with the teeth cleaning. I have an appointment for him at noon tomorrow with the radiation onc. His surgeon/oncologist is a pretty blunt cold fish and she scared us both at that last appt (as she seems to do at every appt - it's her way). The rad onc is quite a bit kinder and more compassionate. I haven't felt this scared since he was first diagnosed. I'm trying to be calm and objective though - not jump to conclusions prematurely.

I remember very well several times when I "felt" something or looked into a mirror and saw something it would affect my attitude and demeanor for days. Usually I would let it bug me until I couldn't stand it any more then I'd call the ENT and he would look and say that is "normal" and everything looks fine.

If this "spot" is of concern to Jerry's ENT then have her deal with it (as in biopsy) I wonder if her concern is not about cancer but instead about the non healing spot being a different kind of problem related to the radiation (but due to her bad "bedside manners" is unable to spell that out for you). If it is just not healing then she should be giving you options for how to fix that. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (which is painless) comes to mind. Jerry's sore throat may just be infection from this non healing spot. My suggestion is to get more answers from this ENT of find another ENT. Having to deal with an arrogant Doc. while going through this would have made me crazy.

Thanks, Mark. You've made us both feel better. I'll update this after his appointment tomorrow.

I am reeling here. We just returned from my husband's appointment with the rad oncologist and he thinks the spot that hasn't healed at the base of the tongue has a very small lump also and is probably cancer again. Everything went so well throughout the whole treatment and after until just last Thursday. We are both in shock. My husband is convinced, at the moment, this is a death sentence for him. They can't do any more radiation for 6 months, just surgery. They have to run a CAT scan and do a biopsy to be sure. The doctor did say it could be something else, a non-healing spot, but thought it had all the signs of cancer. I know stress only makes things worse, but we're both sick about this. Trying to get objective again, wait it out, maybe he is wrong.

How awful for both of you. Most times it's the "waiting" period that's the most difficult. Try to be patient with each other and do something you enjoy together to help the time pass before the biopsy/CT results come in. It's the most productive way to spend what will seem an endless time. It would be so great if the ENT & RO were mistaken, but if they aren't, it is NOT a death sentence. Many on this website have fought the battle more than once (although none have wanted to!) and WON. You are so right about regaining objectivity. I'll be holding you and Jerry in the light of good thoughts. Hang in there.

I was so sorry to read your post .
I know you both must be scared out of your wits by this latest news. However, Bellarte is right this is ABSOLUTELY not a death sentence.
I won`t tell you not to worry , that would be impossible but, do try and fill your time until the results come in with something that brings joy and comfort to both of you.
Lots of positive vibes coming your way.
Marica

I'd push to get the CT scan and biopsy appts asap. Are they going to do surgical biospy? CT scan results are usually available for the dr to read within an hour or so of the scan although the written report may take several days. Waiting is such a drag so push to get tests and results quickly. Try not to stress too much.

Take care,
Eileen

We have the CT scan set up for the morning. Can't get into the surgeon/oncologist until Tuesday to have her take a look and do a biopsy. Didn't realize we might be able to hear something early from the cat scan results. That would be good. I'm taking a few vacation days so we can spend a long weekend together. We've worked on staying upbeat since this whole thing began last January and been pretty successful. Amazing how easy it is for an unknown factor to drag you way down. We're both doing much better than we were after the appointment. I know he counts on me to be optimistic and believe that everything will be OK. Hopefully by tonight or tomorrow, I'll have my head back where it needs to be. Thanks for the support.