Mom had her neck dissection on 3/31 and has been through all the prep appts. The docs have decided on Erbitux and radiation. This past Mon. she started the first of 30 rad treatments (5 days/wk) and each Fri. she will have the Erbitux for as many weeks as it takes to go with the rad. They explained it all to her the other day but I know she is nervous and probably a little scared about it - especially the part where you can have sudden BP drop w/Erbitux (that scares her). Dad's going w/her but they asked if I could come too. I was going to ask anyway if they wanted me to come. I think she will get through this just fine if she can just stop losing weight. She is down to 102 now. Please send positive vibes our way as we all hope this will be the last time she has to go through this. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all it took was one round of treatments for everyone and it would never come back!!?? I know... back to reality. Anyway, we're ready. Ya'll take care and thanks for your support.

Nancy T

Wishing her nothing but the best. What a trooper she is. I think she puts Jim to shame.

Do I understand your Signature that this will be the 2nd time she will get 30+ rad Tx's?

Is she getting a PEG?

Your mom is doing great nancy. I had the same as she will and the blood pressure drop wasn't too bad. SHe shames me and has David walking backwards . Tell her good luck and she is in my prayers

At 102 lbs, I hope she has a peg. So sorry she has to go through this again, will send those positive vibes your way!

Man I wish I could walk all the way backwards to age 7 and start all over again. That would give me more time to cherish those 3B's.

nancy

thanks for sharing and I am sending not only ultra positive vibes your Mom's way but also prayers. With the sudden influx of youngsters on this board, it's easy to forget how this cancer skewed old traditionally. I hope I make it to 76, let alone be as strong and vibrant as your Mom sounds,
Echoing David's question: how can she be getting a major second round of radiation? I was told that if they did not have the CyberKnife for my second go round this time they would not have been able to re-radiate me since I already had "maximum" of 72 Grays (7200 rads). Still glad to hear her condition is treatable.

David,

Thanks for the good wishes. Yep, this is the second time around with 30+ radiation treatments. Isn't there a limit on how many you can have? They told her the Erbitux wouldn't make her nauseaous/sick but it did anyway. She just says "when have I ever been the average person" in her happy tone. She came over Sunday evening for a family dinner for my husband's birthday - couldn't eat much but said she was hanging in there. This is week 2 and no one has mentioned her getting a PEG yet. What's involved when you get a PEG? - don't mean to sound stupid but I've never known anyone who had one.

Hey there, Jim. Thanks! She did do great during her treatments last week. No problem w/the BP but she was definitely nervous. I highly doubt she shames you or David and I will definitely pass on the well wishes :o) Take care.

Nancy

Thanks, Margaret - we'll take all the good vibes we can get!!! Keep 'em coming and take care.

3 Bs ???