Paul’s Story

Site created on December 30, 2010

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!! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Linda DeLuca

Here we are again!  I am taken back on how quickly time has passed since I last updated his journal.  I can't seem to find a tiny piece of time to log on anymore.  So here I sit at work trying to give a quick update on how Paul's been doing since I last posted. 

Paul is doing well considering all he's been through so far.  His ability to eat anything by mouth is just about gone.  The last surgery in October 2018 played a major role.  He can still manage to get some beer down once in a while.  Can't take that away yet! 

Paul had dental work done at the University of Maryland Medical Center, School of Dentistry in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department.  We dealt with a wonderful board certified Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Dr. Dima Ghunaim.  She personally made his denture and fitted him over the course of a year or so (2019 - 2020).  He still has to get accustomed to it everyday.  It allows him to feel and look "normal".  It also helps him when he tries to take anything by mouth. 

Going through Covid-19 has been a challenge to say the least!  Probably more so for me than Paul.  Paul has been social distancing since he got sick in 2011.  We've managed to survive each other.  Paul was fully vaccinated in February 2021.  I have gotten my first, with the second vaccine in 10 days.  

For whomever is still keeping up with us here, hope you are well.  We appreciate all the support and love we have received over the last ten years.  Considering his prognosis was less than five years, we're working on the next ten years!! 

Give us a shout out on how you are when you have a moment! 

Love & Hugs...Linda 

 

 

 

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