Hi everyone. My name is Sherri and I am new to this website. I am the caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed in August. I've replied to a couple of posts written by others. My "signature" where it shows my husband's diagnosis, etc. is not showing up at the end of my posts. Can any of you tell me why and how to correct it so that it will show up. Thanks a lot.

When I do a quick reply, there is data to the left of the box I am typing in that says "HTML is disabled, UBBCode is enabled." And underneath that there is a check box that says "Add Signature". Try to do a quick reply to this post and make sure the box is checked.

I think once it is checked it stays checked.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Margaret. Let's see if that takes care of the problem.

Well, that didn't work. Any other suggestions?

Hey Margaret. Hopefully this will work. I think I had just entered my signature information in the incorrect spot when I was setting up my profile.

skp,

Looks like you got it...you might add the date he finished all treatments...helps posters to know his recovery time.

Deb

Thanks, Deb. I'll do that. Is your husband's throat and mouth still really sore?

Sherri,

Hubby has had a pretty fast recovery. He was back eating totally by mouth (PEG tube placed before treatments started and totally PEG dependent by week 4 of treatments) around the third week after the end of rads. His mouth is not really sore per se...his tongue gets tired after he eats though and aches. His saliva output is at about 50% of what it was...definitely peters out at meals. He is beginning to taste sweets now..salty was there quickly after treatments. He talks about the sensation of something in his throat when he swallows... but is not getting choked much at all...I hear a "click" sound a lot when he is drinking something. Bill's energy level is amazing..really back to pre diagnosis levels.

So, all in all, a nice recovery. Bill is scheduled at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL on Monday for his first CT and PET scans....I am scared to death!

Deb

Deb: Buzz is scheduled for first CTs of Head and Chest on Monday.....he's not worried....I'm a basket case!
Not sure how long it will take to get results! Keep us posted about Bill!

Lois

Wow Lois,

Sounds like Monday is going to be a stressful day for both of us. Make you a deal...I will send prayers for you and Buzz and you do the same for Bill and I. It will help both of us to stay centered and in control. That is my worst fear....I feel the tears and emotions rising in my throat every time I think about Monday. We will have our results Monday afternoon as the lovely Dr's at Moffitt respect the time it takes for us to drive two hours north to Tampa and offered to do it all in one day. So scans in the morning (early, ugh..we need to leave Punta Gorda around 4:30am) and then our appointment with the doc around 1:00 pm.

Much hugs and hope from a fellow Tarheel...Deb

Deb/Lois:

Good luck to both Bill and Buzz. I also get to go on Monday for my tests, then back to Duke Tues am for the results. I am pretty positive but will be glad to hear the offical good news on Tuesday. I am praying for a Tar Heel sweep (3-0).

Bill

Well why not..Bill..we will add you to our thoughts on Monday. Seems you NC boys are tough! How are you feeling..I see you are only out of treatment around 8 weeks??

Bill and I are headed your way the end of January..going to the old homeplace on Clubfoot Creek near Beaufort/Morehead City. Bill grew up on the farm(tobacco) there..college was at NC State. Sister and brother live in Beaufort. We fly into RDU...gonna stop at Kings and have BBQ on the way down.

All the best to you on Monday (and Tuesday)...I will be thinking of you..Deb

Will be better after Tuesday. I still have to go through neck surgery this month but after Rad and Chemo that should be a piece of cake. Overall I think I am doing good...maybe 90%. Did a business trip to DC last week (drove) and was a bit tired. Can't do the 12 hr days anymore. Working normal schedule and doing some walking/yard work so .....I can eat most foods(some don't taste very good yet).

Beaufort is a great town. I may have mentioned that we have an old fishing shack on the Pamilico River. Middle of no where, we are 45 minutes from a store !! Southeast of Little Washington.

Bill

NC Bill: Glad to read you post....have been thinking about you! Now, please explain to me how you can get NEXT DAY CT results! Wow!
I can't believe you did 35 IMRT - what an accomplishment!
Re your neck surgery, are you going for single side or bilateral?
Ya! GO HEELS!
Beaufort, Pamlico, fishing, KINGS BBQ! Stop! You and Deb are killing me!

Keep us posted, Bill! So pleased to hear that you're doing so well...

Lois & Buzz in Troy

I think the next day CT results are common at the major CCC's. I know that's the way they do it at MD Anderson - plus they have PACS so my dr. can show me my images and anything that shows up on the computer screen. (PACS allow the images to be distributed and stored electronically, so there's almost immediate reading capability by the radiologist and referring physician)

One memorable CT scan for me was when, just less than an hour after the scan, we ran in to our radiation oncologist in the hospital hallway and he (seeing, most likely, my state of anxiety over waiting for the results) took us to his office and pulled the scans up on his computer for us all to view together. I do remember pacing his office anxiously as he moved through the different "slices".

Best to all of you doing the "Waiting Game" - it's the worst.
Anita

Anita - your RO sounds like a very special person to be able to see what you were going thru and be so kind and understanding. You're right, the "Waiting Game" is the worst. Ever since our own "waiting game" with my son, I don't like waiting for anything else and I usually don't. My heart goes out to all who are having to do the waiting, now. I hope that the compassion you find here, will help to ease the anxious feelings a little.

Hey guys,

Scan results are back...see my post: "Good News" in Survivor Stories.....Deb