Welcome to Paul DeLuca's CaringBridge website. Paul & I have created it to keep our family and friends updated about Paul's progress. Get started by reading the introduction to our website, My Story.
Visit often to read the latest journal entries on his progress, visit the photo gallery (we will try to post a few photos), and write us a note, story, one liner or whatever the mood stricks in our guestbook. We want all of you to stay connected with us as we go through this. You can share your stories with us as well.
What started out as a sore throat that wouldn't go away has been diagnosed as BOT (base of tongue) Cancer. This type of cancer is very difficult to diagnose and usually is not discovered until stage 3 or stage 4. Paul's cancer is in stage 4 (a). There are 3 substages to stage 4, a,b,c. His is (a).
He is scheduled to start an aggressive dose of Radiation on Monday, January 3, 2011. Radiation will be given 5 days a week, (mon-fri) for 6-8 weeks. He will also start Chemo on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. The Chemo will be given once every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how well the tumor reacts to the treatment.
It has become very difficult for Paul to chew and swallow. Most of the food is soft and/or puree'd. He has had to have a feeding tube put in just in case the treatment makes it impossible for him the swallow. It is there as a precaution. We hope he never has to use it!!
