We coped by making the treatment our lives. We researched all aspects of the treatment and its side-effects. We asked for and accepted advice/help from everybody that offered. Every day we documented the way he looked (a picture each day), his medication, how he felt and any "special" event (such as vomiting). In keeping these records we feel that we will be able to let people know what to expect if they have to undergo the same or similar treatment.
	Pet therapy is an incredible assistance in the process of coping. We brought home Tiffany (kitten head on the left) and Isabella (kitten head on the right) a month after treatment ended. They were gorgeous kittens and are wonderful cats now.
The main coping device for us were our families. Without their love and support Michael would not be back at work and now leading a semi-normal life (although he has a few set backs now and then). We could not have done it without our families. Listed below is what you can expect to undertake as a carer:- · Constant day and night supervision because the location of the tumour meant the constant possibility of choking or aspiration from its secretions. · Provision of medication at appropriate time intervals. · Preparation of meals prior to PEG tube insertion. · Supervision of PEG tube feeding and cleaning of the feeding apparatus. · Scheduling of doctor’s appointments. · Purchase of medication. · Daily washing of bed linen and other items daily (side effects of the treatment lead to constant sweats). · Preparation of the PIC line site daily for bathing. · Driving to and from the hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions five days per week. · Applying cream to radiotherapy burns. · Conveying information to doctors since Michael was unable to talk due to side effects of the treatment. · Conveying information to family, friends and concerned workmates.