On the Home Straight

Thanks Martyn

Reading your comments are always so positive and helpful. Having Diverticulitis means I already have my stockpile of Laxido to relieve constipation. Only took as and when I felt I needed but since hearing stories of others I have now been taking regularly for the last week.

All ready for tomorrow and hopefully will be able to getting lots of hugs from my son when I return home. He has to keep distance from me after having Covid test yesterday morning.

Update on diagnosis which is now T2N2 after having CT scan from T2N1 seen on MRI with HPV pending.

I've been told it makes no difference to treatment. 

Thanks for your support, it gives me strength.

Hi Stef,

Shouldn't make a difference to treatment from what Ive read as the RT is in that region anyway I guess a few more nodes get fried anyway.  Ever day a step closer to recovery.

You’re Right Martyn. Just out of interest I was told by my CNS that during RT they also give a lower dosage on the other side of the neck because the tongue is a central organ and it’s done to prevent it spreading to the other side.

is this what you’ve had done?

Hi Stef, 

Yes exactly that higher dosage for me is on left hand side but I get a dose on the other side as well. Best to be safe - because of the lower dosage on the right I have been able to maintain the swallow.  The magic drug for me was the Oxetacaine with Anatacid.  I take it 15 mins before eating and it seems to work for me.  I know you are having the PEG but should my Swallow consultant said to try and keep swallowing for as long as bearable because recovery likely to be quicker.  Could you read the exercises that i sent over ?

That’s really interesting how having the RT both sides has helped you. I will mention this to my Oncologist when we meet.

my CNS told me that the swallowing exercises would come later but then again the oncologist could tell me differently. I guess having my peg done in advance could maybe encourage me to use it sooner than later but will definitely try to keep eating as long as possible.

its clear all teams have different approaches and there own recommendations but long and short is they have to find what a respond to best. It’s quite mind blowing to read all the different medications people are using and you can only start with what you’re told. 

I shall mention yours seeing as we have symptoms that are quite similar. I hope they sort out your nausea quickly.

My sister-in-law has just chemo for lung cancer and has very few side effects. She says half the group she’s with before lockdown suffered and the other half didn’t. 

Its a lottery.

Sorry, yes I can just about make out the writing but will ask my team when we meet if they have copies which they should.

I will try and send as a pdf  had problems with scanner Sunday which I think I have now resolved.  Its true I was given my exercises between last biopsy and start of treatments along with dietician consult,  so maybe a bit soon now.  All have their own methods but I looked at it as training and a bit of a diversion. Also family got to laugh at me a bit. !!

Thanks Martyn,

it doesn’t take much for my two to laugh at me, so no change there. Got my comfy chair so I don’t slouch around as my wife says!

Thanks for the update Martyn.

Two very good points you make - taking meds regularly and laxatives (constipation is so very uncomfortable!).   

Best of luck for the next few weeks.

Linda x

Good luck tomorrow Stef.  

Linda x