I was diagnosed with Metastatic Squamous Cell in May. Had a surgery in back of tongue in July, surgeon did not remove the tumor in my neck since he found additional cancer on the right side of neck. Started radiation and chemo treatments in August. Got three weeks into treatments and had an allergic reaction to chemo drug. Wound up in hospital for 3 days. Got back to radiation treatments when my swallowing became affected. Had a PEG tube done in September. I have IBS so getting this regulated in correct formula has been rough too. Started radiation treatments again after missing 3 weeks. My first treatment has made me very sick again - how do you go on?? Depressed and overload of anxiety!

I’m sorry that you have had all these curve balls thrown at you. Treatment for oral cancer is difficult path to walk. My husband developed deep vein thrombosis in both legs after his second chemo session and ended up in a wheelchair for a couple of months. These unexpected turns of events are discouraging, to say the least. Are you being treated at a comprehensive cancer centre? If so, you should have access to a dietitian who can help you with your intake, or prescribe another brand of formula. Intake is important because it keeps you feeling okay, the same is true of hydration. You can also access Psychological Services and they can help you with your mood. Above all, talk to your doctors about how you are feeling, advocate for yourself. I was a cooperative caregiver, but I also demanded that the doctors answer my questions. I wrote them down in a notebook and announced at the beginning of each visit that I had x number of questions to ask. Then I went down the list and wrote down all the answers. It is partly about knowing what is happening in your treatment but it gives you a sense of control.

Wishing you better days ahead.