Preparation and the beginning of treatment
The rest of September was filled with appointments to discuss treatment and visits to the dentist to prepare for eventual radiation treatments. Oral cancer radiation treatments as well as chemo damage healthy cells in the mouth. Radiation slows saliva production and can damage teeth. Dentists like to remove any bad teeth before you start treatment. It’s best to get your teeth checked out before treatment.
In October, the chemo port and peg were inserted. Tom was fitted for a radiation mask. Chemo and radiation began that month.
Throughout the process, the Sparrow dietitian Wendy LaFontaine was a great help to us. Wendy emphasized the importance of good nutrition and staying hydrated. It became more difficult for Tom to eat as his mouth and tongue were affected by the radiation. “Dry mouth” is a symptom of radiation but this phrase is an understatement. The radiation caused a thick mucus build-up in the mouth that needed to be suctioned out. Oftentimes, the mucus was bloody. Tom had difficulty even swallowing water. As a result, he became dehydrated. At an early November appointment, the radiation oncologist told us he was “afraid.” He told Tom, “You meet the criteria of malnutrition.” He scheduled several infusions for him for hydration and from this point forward, we spent many hours at the infusion center battling dehydration. Shortly after that, Tom started tube feedings. Even after the tube feedings, dehydration remained a problem. (to be continued)