Lots of Learning

Little did I know that having a family member get cancer involve so much learning on our part.

Way back in the beginning we learned that if you have head/neck cancer then it is VERY IMPORTANT to see a dentist before treatments start.  I cannot stress that enough.  Also, after treatments oral hygiene will be forever changed.  The radiation treatments cause the bone to lose oxygen so any tooth extractions later in life will have to be done in a hyperbolic chamber.  Be sure to check with your dentist and find one that is used to treating cancer patients for later.

Cisplatin is one very nasty drug.

There are many others out there as caregivers for cancer patients and while caring for our loved one we need to remember to care for ourselves as well.

Through all of this the most important thing I have learned is that we need our family and friends.  Something I have always really known, but having to rely on them more during this time has really proven it.  I have no idea what I would have done without a support system.

We hit a mile stone today.  Sean is home and completely done with chemo.  We have a few days of what seems like a million medications as always after chemo...but then it should be back to the usual pain and anti nausea meds.

We are also over 80% complete with his radiation treatments.  Just 6 more to go.

I know Sean is glad to be done with chemo and to only have 6 more radiation treatments.  I also know that not being able to speak is really frustrating him, especially as he tries to communicate about his medications.

I will be with him the rest of today and have tomorrow off to be with him as well.  Since most of his chemo meds are 2-3 days following treatment that should hopefully help get him over the hurdle.