Sandyjo's Profile Page

Biography

I am 61. Spring,summer & fall has been camping and kayaking (floating, not rapids). My husband said I’ll be kayaking before I know it. I also watercolor paint. I think that will help me get through this. I don’t have a photo so I used one of my paintings in progress.

Cancer Symptoms

sore throat & I thought I had a swollen gland

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Removed remaining tonsil with cancer cells, a spot on my tongue, lymph nodes and one saliva gland – December 15, 2010. I could nto get my mouth open far so they had to cut through jaw & neck. Chin, tongue, rt side inside my mouth and some teeth are still sensitive on June 6, 2011.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Cetuximab – Brand name: Erbitux – April 1, 2010 – so far just really really tired. I was told later a rash and other stuff could happen. ( 5/1/10 – rash did appear including itching. Scalp was the worst. Lying down felt like pins sticking my head. I was told if not rash, med is not working. After they know it was working, I got med to help the rash and itch.)

Comments:

Hi Sandyjo,

Oh my gosh. I am with you on the itchy scalp. I am done with my 3rd chemo (Cituximab) with the 4th this friday, and have had this rash since the day after the loading dose. Dr put me on Hydrocortisone 2.5 then decided on Clindamycin. Helps on my face but not on my scalp. Yesterday, they ordered another antibiotic (Minacycline) so hopefully I can get rid of the itch. Good luck to you!

Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:00:46 AM by John

I am sorry that I made light of the PEG. I didn’t think (which I need to do) about the different stages you have gone through. I need in the future to keep in mind where others are in their treatment/recovery and not assume because I had stage 1 that they did too.

I am not depressed, just lonely on a local level. I have no one here with me except my cat. Thank heavens for her! I know, again, I may assume it would be nice to have a spouse/significant other here with me, but it may be just as difficult as being alone.

Thanks for the comment.

Hugs and prayers to you, too!

Posted on December 14, 2011 at 5:45:00 PM by Sydney

Hi Sandyjo! I hope this is the last birthday you’ll find hard to swallow…Have a Great Birthday!
xoxo

Posted on September 27, 2011 at 10:47:36 AM by Debbie