My mom was diagnosed with oral cavity cancer. She's had surgery and now has 14 radiation sessions to go. She is in great pain and is now losing weight, as she finds it very hard to eat. This is a very stressful time for my family, I lost my dad and sister 2 years ago.
I'm glad I found this site, from scanning through the many posts on here, I can tell there are a bunch of great people here, and I look forward to making friends with you all

Hi Toni_A

I am also new to this site only being diagnosed with SCC on the 22nd May 2007 and have been having surgery and will start R/T and Chemo next week 31st July. I haven't had the pleasure of the results of the treatments yet but if you go through some of the other members treatments you will find a lot of meals that with go down well for you Mother.
Give her our best wishes and stay strong

Hello both. Toni-A this is a stressful procedure. But it can work. I'm sure you will find lots of help from those who have had recent treatment.
Good luck Trev.

Hello Pauline
I have been reading your story over the last few days! Wow, what a great job you have done with your diary! Thank you, thank you.
Your story is soooooooo similar to Trevor's (who I suspect is writing to you as we speak!). It was very reassuring and interesting to read your journey on a step by step basis. I hope you are well and that life is good for because sharing your experience as you have has been very enlightening.
Thanks!
Deborah

Hi PaulineT
Thank you so much for your reply it's good to hear from Survivors, I read with great interest your Diaries and almost cringed with some of the pictures that you displayed but then I thought even with all that you went hrough you sailed along and were able to still write. I am not into makeup and things but some of your ideas for nourishment was lifting.
My Specialist informed me that he was thinking of putting a Peg into me before I start my RT/Chemo on the 31st but thought maybe if needed he would give me a NasoGastric tube, so I will move mountains with my feeding before I get that.
He also informed me that my Kidney Function is acceptable for Chemo (I have gammy Kidneys and he was going to Modify the doses) but my first dose could take between 3 and 6 hrs, followed by RT, and this will go on for 7 weeks every day with weekend leave (HaHa).
Well thanks for a good feel I will keep you up todate

You are correct it's good to hear from survivors. I know just how you feel too just as I did when I read 'survived 10 years' on another post.
LOL I almost cringe when I see those pictures of me too. When I added them there were only about 2 or 3 images in google images that related to radiotherpay and they were of machines or the radioactive tri sign. Now loads of other patients show what treatment looks like. It's frighteneing to view before treatment, but when you are going through it reassuring to know that it can be that bad and is simply the treatment. I had closed the diary, but I still get letters especially about the red veins so I shall be adding more images in due course that clearly show skin damage at 5 years without make up.

BUT I never thought I'd be glad to look 5 years older!
Food - FWIW my favourite food is still the red check top Bon Maman creme caramels - soft slippery, no extra fluid required, no fear of choking and they taste home made and are quite portable.....

I can't advise on the nasal tube against the PEG. I was quite happy with it. I think you may wish to get back to normal eating faster with the naso tube in place as it's so visible. Also people instantly recognise you have problems without lots of explanation the odd times you get toa cafe for example. I should also think the naso tube in place means the natural swallowing channel is kept open better.

With a kidney problem I'm sure its essential that you get good electrolyte balance, so I expect they will be on your case and give you the best care. Good luck.

Deborah 50% of the emails I have had about the diaries are actually from carers who say they had no idea their food was being rejected because it tasted so disgusting etc. Many thought it was the patient just being difficult until they realise we have no control over it. Often they think it's just their loved one that finds the taste awful, but most HN patients who are treated more than 20 sessions have a terrible time with taste pall.

Thanks Trev and PaulineT...I just ordered a case of carnation instant breakfast vhc for my mom the nurse recommended it to her, that stuff is very expensive.
wishing Trev the best, you will be fine