Hi All
Ive just done my first red card call. And its not left me reassured
I had double radio today, and my voice has changed quite a bit today- very hoarse indeed.
I also just vomited up my protein shake and it was streaked with blood.
I called the red number and they basically said to do nothing for now?
Did anyone experience these side effects?
Pretty scary
Thanks.
I think you will be ok Trev as i expect you at the stage where the side effects are kicking in, not sure why you vomited your shake it could be because of the treatment. It should not continue to happen and if it does then get it checked out as its not normal , chemotherapy can cause this though where tablets can be taken to control it. The blood should not be a worry at this stage as i expect things are very tender and may be inflamed so any sudden retching or strain will cause a bit of bleeding. We are all the same when we see blood coming from this area. Keep up the great work and making great progress. All the best, take care.
Chris
Yes Trev. Streaky blood is common. Your assaulted throat is bleeding. It’s not dangerous. All you can do is to take care of it as well as you can. Make sure you keep your mouth as clean as you can with all those mouthwashes you were given. Difflam is a reasonable soother and can anaesthetise your throat a little. Nausea is a problem. Speak to your radio team about antiemetics.
Get that WhatsApp on. You’d have got this answer in ten minutes.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thanks both, it was the sudden voice loss (i can only speak half a dozen sentences without voice wearing out) combined with the blood that freaked me.
I think i need to spend more time clearing out secretions, its that making me heave.
Had forgotten all about whatsapp! i suck, will do today :)
Hi Trev
We never had to do radio twice in one day but I saw others that did. Usually due to bank holidays or broken machinery. Ken did do the weekends though.
I think what you have experienced is “normal” but of course, if you are not reassured you should call them back.
Sending hugs
Love Sharon
Sharon xx
Hubby - Left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma P16 positive with neck nodes T1N1M0 - 30 fractions of radiotherapy and 6 weeks of chemotherapy, Cisplatin in December / January 2019/20
Me - Invasive lobular breast cancer - Grade 2, Stage 2 - mastectomy October 2019 - 15 fractions of radiotherapy December / January 2019/20
Hi Trev
A worrying experience but the loss of voice and blood stained vomit are not unusual reactions to rt.
My advice would be to not worry about it but do mention it to your team so they are completely aware of how you're reacting to treatment so they can keep an eye on things and be proactive with medications if required
Good luck with the rest of the treatment.
Linda x
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