Over the weekend there has been no change with regards the constipation, despite taking the capsules. On Sunday woke up to being a little light headed, so waited to see if this went by mid morning, which it hadn’t, so I phoned the hospital triage number for help.
They were very friendly and helpful. They could see that I have some laxative powder sachets to collect from pharmacy on Monday morning, but suggested I get some today from the local chemist. They confirmed that the capsules I had been given were very low strength and weren’t surprised nothing had happened !!
They put the light headedness down to my muffled hearing and said they would expect this to go by the end of the day, which it did.
Collected the laxative powder sachets locally and started drinking them straight way, but apart from rumbling and wind, nothing else happened.
Monday 18th August. Finally, we have movement !!!!, fortunately just before we had to leave in the morning for the hospital.
Radiotherapy session was ok, beginning to get to know the others in the waiting room each morning, while waiting to be called for my session.
Collected my “stuff” from the pharmacy before heading home.
Tuesday 19th August. Throat feels worse today, with ulcers in my mouth which adds to the pain when eating anything.
Radiotherapy session went ok, still down to one shim for the mask.
Upped the amount of paracetamol I take each day, now on the full dose of 4 lots a day (8 x 500g soluble tablets)
Wednesday 20th August. Radiotherapy session went ok
Consultation afterwards, weight is 72.75kg, talked about my sore throat and pain levels, they are surprised I am still managing to eat normally, even if it is in smaller quantities and still haven’t used my PEG tube. They reminded my that it’s not a competition and to use pain killers when needed, and the PEG, as that’s what its there for !!
They gave me a colour printout of my head and neck to show the areas being treated by the radiotherapy, as I asked if it was possible to see this as I was curious about the radiotherapy treatment.
Thursday 21st August. Radiotherapy session went ok, my end of week review meeting had been brought forward to today rather then Friday, but I cancelled this as didn’t see the point as only had the weekly consultation meeting yesterday.
Friday 22nd August. Radiotherapy session went ok. Throat feels worse than earlier in the week, so continuing on 4 lots of paracetamol per day.
Also had another movement today, so the powder sachets are working !!
One more week to go !!
What have I learnt?
Keep taking the laxative so constipation doesn’t return !
Mention any possible concerns to the radiotherapy team, they will pass on to someone to speak to and help.
Ulcers in the mouth are painful and hinder the swallowing.
Keep doing the throat exercises it does help !
Have noticed during the week that my saliva is thicker each day, don’t like this, so cough it up and spit it out when I can.
