9. Third week of treatment

The weekend went ok but on Sunday morning my throat was hurting a little more than it was last week when I swallow… is this the sign of things to come?

Monday 4^th and Tuesday 5^th August Radiotherapy session all went ok, the mask is still a little tight, but the staff helped each time so was bearable.

Wednesday 6^th August. I was asked to get bloods taken ahead of my consultation meeting later this morning, which I did at 0815hrs. Then went on to the radiotherapy session and onto my consultation meeting at 0940hrs.

Mr Shah (oncologist) did the consultation, the blood results weren’t back by the time of our meeting but we discussed the various options available for my next Chemotherapy session on the 11^th August. This was due to the muffled hearing, which hasn’t got any better but also hasn’t got any worse.

Theo options are

• carry on with a full dose of Chemo and take the risk my hearing might get worse and stay that way.
• Turn the chemo strength down to 75% and take a reduced risk with regards the hearing.
• Not have my second and last chemotherapy session at all.

After a lot of thought and discussion I decided to go for the 75% strength session option.

This is all depend on my blood test result, as he needs to check that my Kidneys haven’t been damage so far. He will ring me later today.

13:30 hrs the Oncologist rings to confirm blood tests were all ok and we agreed to go for the 75% strength Chemo session on the 11^th August.

Thursday 7^th August. Radiotherapy session went ok, but the mask was tight, pressing on my throat which made me want to cough, which is difficult with the mask on, so was gasping by the time they took the mask off. Before leaving we were told to collect 3 boxes of the fortisip energy drinks waiting for me a reception. I think we need a bigger cupboard at home for all this stuff !

Friday 8^th August. Radiotherapy session went ok, mask still a little tight, My face must be swollen a little !!

Had our weekly end of week review meeting with the radiologist; She is pleased I am still managing to eat normally, but issued me some soluble paracetamol tablets just in case.

Went onto have more blood tests, these are the ones 3 days before Chemotherapy session to check everything is ok. Received phone call later in the afternoon to confirm bloods all ok, also went through their Q & A session, so everything’s ok for the Chemo session on Monday… at 75% strength !

What Have I learnt?

Radiotherapy still doesn’t hurt while its been administered, but the neck area is going red, but in my case its not sore.. at the moment.

Getting used to flushing and twisting the PEG every day which is now a routine habit each morning.

Throat is sore while swallowing but not enough to stop me eating.