My ex husband has gotten and completed radiation and chemotherapy for cancer found on his tonsil and lymph node. He is now loosing weight and his body is not processing proteins. Is this fatal? Can it be corrected? What are the options and/or prognoses in cases like this. We have children together and I am wondering if their father is going to be here for them.
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Cancer usually requires long term treatment and followup. Treatment depends on stage of disease and tonsil cancer is one of the less common cancers. Treatment of cancers (chemotherapy and radiation) decreases the normal function in some patients and can make them weak. If he is unable to process proteins, then his liver and kidney functions need to be assessed. You may discuss the liver function and kidney function tests with his doctor. If he develops jaundice his liver might be affected. Options in these cases lies in evaluating post treatment outcomes and subsequent aggressive treatment if necessary. If his liver and kidneys are not doing well, chemotherapy alternatives need to be given. At the moment he needs willpower, good nutrition and response to treatment to work for him. Hope this helps