Hi Jill

Have been thinking of you today, I know when Dave had his operation in 1998, it was the longest day in my life.

I hope everything has gone well, and just remember we are all hear to give you both support.

Take care

Sue

Dave & Sue

Dear Jill
Hope all has gone well today. Do let us know. Thinking of you,
Sara

Hi everyone, It was so nice to come home from a long day and read the great things you had to say. I am really tired. He looks really bad, I knew he was supposed to, but I guess I was not ready. Some bad news they found some in the lymph nodes. So he will need radiation and chemo. That was one of the longest days of my life. This sucks how fast this cancer grows. I hope tomorrow is a better day.


Thanks guys,
jilly

Tomorrow he will look better.It is very scary that moment when you first see them,nothing prepares you.
Get some rest sweetie you will need all your strength.

love liz

Hi Jill
You need to put your life jacket on and just go with the tide now. There will be some rough water and some not so rough but just take it as it comes and try not to get overwhelmed by anything that comes your way. You CAN get through this and you will both have the trusty Website Lifeguards here to bouy you on your way.
It can be considered bad news that the dr's found some affected lymph nodes or you can be glad it was found and now they are in the bin ( the affected nodes, not the dr's!).
Chin up (and rest up)
Onwards and upwards
Love
Deborah

Hi Jill,
My mum had the same, only she was spared chemo.
It's such a shock to see them like that, no matter how well prepared you think you are. She is 76 and that's 9 months ago now, and she is progressing all the time.

Like Deborah says, put your life jacket on and hold on tight.

Don't be afraid to ask questions on here either - just knowing you can get a response from someone who has been through it, certainly preserved my sanity - and still does.

xx

Hi Jilly,
No one can REALLY 'prepare' you for all this or what is to come. But be sure that there is plenty of moral support out there.
We're all here for tips and advice through treatment.
I hope you husband has a speedy recovery - and i hope you have someone there for you also.

All the best,
Michelle

Hi Jilly

Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts. This is a wonderful group of people so keep coming back. Remember to take care of yourself as well. Keep strong & positive.

Love Mum
x

Well thats the first awful bit out of the way. I think it's quite normal to have both the chemo and r/t as well. My husband had metastasis in his lymph nodes which were very evident lumps in his neck which during the first two days of chemo disappeared.

I am sure he will look a bit better tomorrow and if you can manage, you need to have a good sleep too,

Good luck

Really feel for you, Jill. Keep hanging in there.
Susan

Hi everyone, Just came home from the hospital. He says he feels like he is drowning. He hates his tracheostomy. It really stinks not being able to talk, one hand is in a cast, the other is so needled up. Please tell me about HPV. Can that cause mouth cancer?

I'm hanging in gang.

jilly

HPV or human papilloma virus,is usually associated more with women,and is a recognised cause of cervical cancer.In recent years it has been identified as a major cause of mouth cancer in men and women the link being an increase in the practise of oral sex.
From what i have been told,HPV associated mouth cancers respond slightly better to treatments,and are more common in men.

Dr Joshis recent post What about the boys? gives you links to more information about HPV.

Sorry things aren't to good at the moment,and i guess as he has a cast and a trache,he had the full blown operaton with a flap.Thats tough and his recovery will be hard,but its amazing what a difference a few days make in the recovery period,although mentally it is going to be an uphill struggle for him for a while.

good luck

love liz

Hi jilly

Just got home and read your posts. Sorry to hear your husband is feeling bad - I well remember the trachy, the frustration of not being able to speak and feeling at times that I couldn't breathe. This wasn't helped by the fact that it was so incredibly hot (apparently it has to be to help the flaps to take). It was such a relief after five days when they took it out.

Also sorry to hear your news about the lymph nodes. At least you now know what you are both facing and it will be treated.

Remember that we are all here for you.

Love
Gwyn

Dear Jilly,
I'm glad your husband is through the surgery, but now another battle to endure. MY heart goes out to you both. I, too, got the bad news of spread, 2 weeks after my surgery. I know it is devastating news. Radiation and chemo are very difficult, but please keep positive thoughts. My doctor told me I was basically going to be debilitated in bed on a 75mcg fentanyl patch, which was not the case at all. The pain at times can be bad but he will get through it, the physical is always easier than the mental pain. Eating will become very difficult so a peg tube may be necessary, I feel it saved me and helped me heal more quickly. Keep us informed on your husband's treatment and progress. And remember you both need lots of support.
Best Regards,
Pamela

Dear Jilly,
It is gerat news that your husband(what is his name?) is past the surgery and even though there are some tough times ahead it is not as bad as the alternative. It would be a good time to get your doctor to organise a PEG to be fitted before the RT starts as they can cause more grief if they are put in during treatment as you are already feeling LOW, the PEGs are a bitch BUT at least you can keep your wieght up and it is a lot easier than trying to swallow as the throat does get very constrictive(I know I went through it, & WON). Hang in there with your hubby as there is nothing more important to the patient than support from someone close and personal, and you too will find support for yourself by giving.
"Stay Strong"
Love TREV