:wave: Hi, I am sorry thst your friend is going through this, it is very scarey but tell him he needs to be focused and very strong! He will loose weight and have a hell of a sore throat for sometime. There is excellent anti-nausea medication out now, I think the name is zofran. My husband said it was the best for the nausea. My husbands treament was very aggressive, he was treated at University of Chicago's Head and neck cancer center. They literally saved his life. He was also fortunate that the cancer did not spread to other vital organs. Your friend will need to drink as much ensure as possible, Did he already have the feeding tube? My husband refused and made himself drink even through it hurt like hell. It may take your friend a little longer to recover because when you have a feeding tube you have eliminated the act of swallowing so it takes a little longer to start that process. The caregiver will need to be very supportive and they will also need support. Rick received induction chem-(6 weeks) then radiation and chemo therapy. At this stage he was in the hospital for 5 days then home for seven. When he was hospitalized is when he had radiation 2x per day and chemo therapy 24hours. then he had the off week at home where he had
IV saline solution 2X daily. I learned how to give him the IV through his port.
If your firend needs any help or has any questions please let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Just tell him to count the weeks down til it's over, because it will be and believe me the way you go into this makes a big difference!

As others have described, a squamous cell carcinoma in the throat, nose, ears or neck is a VERY aggressive cancer. I had my surgery to remove two tumors in the carotid space in Jan of 03. I had 8 weeks of radiation (7500 rads) and the same of chemotherapy. I know that the cancer would have killed me, but the treatment almost did as well.

Getting the feeding tube is a good idea for those who are going to be radiated in the neck area. It will help keep your weight up and that is very important.

For nausea Zofran is ok, but Tri-Med is better, its made in the old time pharmacies that can take drugs and mix them. It is based on benedryl and two other drugs. The last place that made it for me was Lindy's Pharmacy in Arvada, Co (I was living there in suburban Denver) but call them at 303.422.4862 to find out what exactly is in this mixture. It was the BEST nausea fighter there was and believe me I have tried em all. I was sick (nausea) at least 3-5 times a day for six weeks and tried everything from Zofran to patches behind my ears to get past it. I thankfully did (the Good Lord is Good).

If you have any questions about this kind of treatment, or just need someone to share with, I am happy to do so. I still dont speak well and cannot swallow solid food (the Vegas nerve was severed in taking out my tumors) but I am alive and kicking. So if I can help, [ removed ] This is not something you want to handle alone.... it is too much.

stb.