Dehydration was a big problem for me during Tx (last 2 weeks and 2 weeks post Tx). I wish the standard would be required port and daily hydration until 2 weeks post Tx. problem is that when you become dehydrated which only takes a few days without adequate hydration, you can pull your skin up say on the back of your hand and it will just stay up and your veins are almost impossible to find so that's why I think a port is important. The side effects of dehydration (nausea and constipation just to name a few)can make this Tx all the more unbearable.

To avoid dehydration one must drink 2-3 liters of water every day (that's 6-8 12oz bottles). This includes fluids found in foods such as soup. Fluids must be replaced if they are lost through vomiting or diarrhea. It is very easy to get dehydrated and it will make you feel like sh*t as well. Staying hydrated also protects your kidneys if you are on chemo.

Hi Wendy

I'm really sorry to hear that Steve has to deal with this horrid disease. I hope that his doctors are managing his pain.

Where abouts are you located in Australia? I'm in Melbourne and if I can be of any assistance - please do not hesitate to let me know

Talk to you soon

Karen

Wendy, there are no silly questions! We have actually kept a food and water diary for the past several months. We couldn't understand why Dana was losing weight and getting dehydrated until we saw it in writing. We line empty water bottles up on the counter. The goal is 6 empties/day. If he is having trouble swallowing, it goes in through the peg tube. We started this after extreme dehydration led to low blood pressure with dizziness (no fun!) At one point, the Dr. wanted him to consume almost 3000 calories/day. This was when he was relying completeley on the peg. It was like having a baby in the house...feedings every four hours! Talk about quality time together! We still count every precious calorie, whether swallowed or liquid formula through the peg. We add calories by using whole milk, gravy on everything, and real butter. Unfortunately, I've gained weight way to well! Best of luck to you. We're here to answer any questions you have.

Diane

Thanks to everyone. I'm learning so much here. Things I never dreamed of. But I feel much more confident about where we are heading and the things we will be going through. Karen I'm in NSW on the hunter valley. We were in Townsville Nth Qld but after Steve's diagnoses we decided to sell up and head back to our family in NSW. So in the space of about 6 weeks we got his diagnoses, sold our house and took off on a 4 day, 2500km drive with 2 german shepherds and a cat in the car. Since we've been here it's been all go as well so as you can imagine it's been exhausting and extremely cold. Nice to meet another Aussie on here although I think you are all amazing.

Wendy, we started off w/pen and paper but now my mom uses a small dry erase board which gives her a sturdier base. Works much better. Good luck to you and I'm so glad you found this website - it's a wonderful place for support and information. Take care.

Nancy T

Hi Wendy,
I have been away for a while from the board having surgery unrelated to OC.
Let me be another Aussie to say welcome to the OCF Forum.
Have read your posts both on this thread and on �New Job � Caregiver� and am happy to hear that all went well with the operation regarding the removal of teeth. Good to hear that he was able to keep the front ones.
I still have a few Oxycodone, find them great and am stretching the few I have left out over the next 4 days. Panadol should do the trick after that.
I can see that you are getting great advice from people here. As I had surgery only for my OC I cannot help with questions on Chemo or Radiation.
Did have teeth removed which added to the ones I already had missing and can help with food ideas.
You have had a long journey already with having to leave Townsville (have been there a few times and of course have holidayed on Magnetic Island a while ago now).
Is Steve being treated at Newcastle Hospital or coming down to Sydney.
There are 2 others close to Sydney that I am in contact with and I will let them know about your posts.
You both sound so positive and you will need to keep it up with the coming treatments.
Best Wishes
Gabriele

I lost sll of my teeth to OC as did ChristineB and it isn't fun and games for us. He will make it thru, but in the meantime. stsrt checking out recipes that are soft or can be made soft. The eating part is a big time pain in the butt. I hope she doesn't mind my speaking for her on this one, We exchanged recipes too LOL.. food for Gummy mouths and folks. There are some recipes posted in the formums.

Thanks Jim, eating is a challenge alright. We are tough and can overcome this. Its just a tiny part of recovering.

Wendy, if you need more food ideas, let me know. Eggs are an easy soft food too. Applesauce should be ok for a while til hes mouth gets sore. Puddings and yogurt are also very easy foods.

Nice to see you up to posting again Gabe. Glad you are feeling better.

He's being treated at Newcastle Gabe. We started everything in Townsville but the waiting lists up there are huge. It took 8 weeks from biopsy to full diagnoses up there. They also make people wait 6 weeks for radiation to start after dental work, not because of healing but because of their waiting lists. So we chose to sell up and luckily our house sold after only 9 days on the market. Mind you settlement hasn't happened yet but that's whole other story lol. It's been tough as I got knocked back for carers pension and steve got knocked back for disability pension. He is now at least getting some kind of benefit which helps slightly but as for me, nothing. Although Centrelink are reassessing my application after our social worker spoke to them. But yes, it's all been worth it as the hospital down here is wonderful. We are going to the Mater in Newcastle which is about a 40 minute drive away.