LINKS & CONTACTS

RELATED LINKS

National Cancer Institute (NCI): 800-4-CANCER

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/oralcomplications/Patient

American Cancer Society (ACS): 800-ACS-2345
http://www.cancer.org/


Cancer Care: 800-813-HOPE
http://www.cancercare.org


Gilda's Club: 888-Gilda-4-U
http://www.gildasclub.org


National Coalition of Cancer Survivors (NCCS): 877-NCCS-YES
http://www.canceradvocacy.org

National Institute of Health (NIH): 888-346-3656
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov


Oncology Nursing Society (ONS):
http://www.thecancerjourney.org/

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): 703-797-1914
http://www.cancer.net/

Strength for Caring: 888-ICARE-80
http://www.strengthforcaring.com

Support for People with Oral & Head & Neck Cancer: 800-377-0928
http://www.spohnc.org

Dealing with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation:

http://www.cancure.org/help_side_effects.htm

3-29-10 and 3-30-10

3-29-10 - Day 11 of Radiation

As I walked in the CBCC (Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center) I was greeted by receptionists who seemed resistant to connect me with a medical social worker. Many thanks to Kathleen Stout, a cancer survivor, for recommending this route because I think she will be a great advocate for my father. Unfortunately it was not so easy, no thanks to the CBCC front office staff, to get connected with her.

After the medication messup (having him crush up time-released capsules of pain medicine to put in his feeding tube to a point of dosage that could have killed him until finally he noticed the pharmacy put on a "do not crush this pill" tab) and lack of communication between the different doctors, I do not feel confident about the capabilities of some CBCC staff. So we shall proceed carefully as they seem to expect us to take the reins and make things happen.

Elle, the radiation nurse, was very kind and helpful in answering my list of questions. She was efficient about prescribing the medications my dad requested and encouraging him to try the Duragesic pads for pain instead of messing with crushing Motrin and Tylenol.

3-30-10 - Day 12 of Radiation

Staci had a breakthrough with the chemotherapy department today, thanks to her and Shannon, the social worker.

His first, and maybe only, chemotherapy appointment is scheduled for Thursday, April 1. The family orientation is at 8:00. Aunt Linda and Staci are planning/ hoping to go.

First Post ~ Background

The intention of this blog is to keep all interested parties involved and informed about my dad's cancer. I really hope this blog facilitates communication and support!

- Jessica

Background

* In early October, he was diagnosed with stage 2 tongue cancer: invasive-moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

* After meeting with many doctors and trying many herbal, natural treatments, he settled on a treatment plan with three doctors in Bakersfield. The ENT (ear, nose, & throat) doctor, Trang, is overseeing the group. Dr. Gorla is the radiologist and Dr. Shambaugh is the chemotherapist.

* By early February, after an endoscopy, the diagnosis increased to stage 4. His tongue had become so swollen and infected that the doctors offered surgery as an option, and a combination of radiation/ chemotherapy as another. He does not want the surgery as it will take out his entire tongue, voice box, and perhaps more.

* Because of the swelling and difficulty breathing and swallowing, he had to have all of his teeth removed (to prevent future infection), get a feeding tube, and a trachea tube put in surgically. This process left his body weak, although not his spirits!

* Early March - he was in the hospital for 10 long days after the surgeries. We all visited and hoped he would get out sooner but they kept pushing things back because of fevers and increased heart rate, etc.

* The plan is for him to have 35 radiation treatments (once a day Mon.-Fri. for 7 weeks) and 3 concurrent chemo treatments while he stays at The Harris house with Staci, Dion, Derek, and Erin.

* After the treatment he wants to return home as soon as possible to Bishop.