#67246 01-10-2008 06:37 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP  Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Dad had his 16th RT today. We are almost at the half way mark. The tumor is getting softer and continues to drain. He has thrush and is bein treated for that. He's still on all the pain meds but overall he is doing very well.
Today he saw the cardiologist because the gastro team wanted the all clear from cardio to put the PEG tube in. Cardio feels like we must focus on the cancer now and worry about the heart later. I'll get more into that in a minute. As of the other day the RO said he would see how things are going in a week or so and determine if dad will need a PEG tube.
The visit with the cardiologist was interesting to say the least. It was a very frank discussion about dads condition. We were told that Dad was not expected to survive after the surgery. The cardiologist was amazed that he was still here fighting another round. He wanted to know how long dad had been given. We explained that the location of the tumor was inoperable but between the radiation and chemo the hope was to shrink the tumor and kill the cancer cells and that we were not given a time. We have never discussed with dad about what will happen if the treatments don't work. It's important to stay positive around him. Mom and I sometimes touch of the subject with each other, but I don't even go into my deepest, darkest fears with her.
I guess because of our response to his question Cardio spoke positively using "when" not "if", and said that when dad recovered from this second round and when he gained his strength back that we would then start to fix the heart. Cardio gave the blessing for the PEG tube if needed and when we left he shook dad's hand and said that he was the toughest man he had ever met.
Overall dad is doing as well as can be expected. He's been eating pretty good (for him) the last couple of days, in spite of having thrush and the sore mouth. He had the hiccups when I talked to him on the phone tonight. I let him know that was a side effect of the chemo. He's so glad that I can come out here and get information to pass along to him. He's gotten very forgetful which is upsetting to him. He's kind of unsteady on his feet now - before it's all over with we think he may need to be taken to treatment in a wheelchair so he doesn't fall. He sleeps a lot now. We may end up moving their bedroom downstairs so he doesn't have to climb any stairs.
I guess I could say for right now everything is ok, or as ok as it's going to be for someone in his situation. He said that today was a good day. For me, that's all that matters.
Hugs,
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Joy, you dad must be one tough cookie. He's been thru hell and back and shows some improvement. He has one tough constiution. As for the forgetfullness, I think some of these meds do that to you and maybe he will improve in the memory dept too. I at times have a little trouble remembering too, but it passes and I'm OK. You are a great ispiration to him I bet.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 | Wow Joy---what a set of fighters your family are!
Tell dad the forgetfullness is called 'Chemo Brain'!!!!
And it's a useful excuse for all sorts of things!
Brenda
Brenda in UK--Diagnosis 30/5/07--undifferentiated carcinoma in right jawbone and muscles. Stage 4
6/7/07--new diagnosis primary is in lung. Finished 4cycles of palliative carboplatin/gemcitabine
therapy September 07
Now dying to live!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Joy,
You tell him that the mental part is just as important as the physical part so he needs to continue to battle from within and beat this cancer.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi Joy,
Finally got a chance to check the forum from Utah. I'm happy to read that things are going as well as they are. Your dad is obviously a fighter and you and your mom are doing a fantastic job.
I'll be looking for more positive updates.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Thanks you guys.
Dad has always been a very positive person. I've never heard him talk negatively about anything or anyone. He is MY inspiration. While his journey is a difficult one, I feel blessed that he allows me to walk it beside him. I hope that one day I will be able to show the courage and determination that he does.
We are grateful yet again for another good day.
Hugs,
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | Joy -
It's so good to hear that there have been some improvements and that your Dad is doing as well as he is. He really sounds like a fighter. I'll be looking for more "good days" for all of you.
Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Joy:
Thats great news about your father. Attitude plays a big part in this and it sure sounds like your dad has what it takes. Its wonderful he is able to overcome the sore mouth and thrush to eat. This will be over before you know it.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Hi Christine,
Glad to see you out here! Hope you are doing ok.
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
Joy,
I had some pretty rough times going thru treatment, so I didnt post at all for a couple months. Now Im 3 1/2 months post treatment and doing great. I cant complain at all, Im a very fortunate person. I count my blessings everyday. Keep posting about your dad's progress. I wish you the best and will say a prayer for both you and your dad.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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