Update - Week 1 - Right tonsil T2N1M0

Hi Lindyloo it sounds like you are doing great...and  getting through with a really positive mindset. I totally agree with you about the regime and am going to post a question to the group in a bit about that very point. I am halfway through week 3 and am starting to feel quite a bit of pain swallowing and my taste has gone to crap which I am really struggling with. The days do seem to be passing quickly and I hope it continues like this. Good luck and I look forward to hearing how you are getting on Karen xxx

Hi Lindy. Yes seems like you’re  par for the course it was  towards end if week 2 when I started ti notice more discomfort. Yes the days are a bit like Groundhog Day eat brush sleep repeat became one of my mantras. 
Just keep on doing what you are  doing before you know ii t treatments finished and recovery begins. 
Remeber when you start with pain don’t be brave ask for strong pain killers and laxido or movicol as constipation can occur. 
Hazel  X

Thanks Karen, I'm probably overthinking it, but it does get a bit confusing! I've kinda got into a routine now , but it sometimes means late nights fitting it all in or having mouthwashes 2 hours apart.  

The radiographer said it would probably be week 3 when things started getting worse. I hope it doesn't get too bad for you. Take care

Linda xxx

Hi Linda. I used to cheat in mouthwashes and if bedtime was calling I wouldn’t wait  t the full 30 mins. My appointment s we’re always 0830 which  meant leaving at 0630 so I reckoned sleep was more important. 4 years on I’ve not needed as much as a filling and dentist is pleased with my oral card. Just a thought you don’t need tj be a slave ti the clock 

Hazel x

Thanks Hazel , my teefies have never been so pampered,  hoping my mouth will be gentle with me going forward. Don't worry,  I won't be brave, drugs all the way if that's what it takes. They said today to just ask for anything I needed

Linda x

Hi Linda, i used to do silly counting games in my head to make the time pass during radio. I know what you mean about itches by the way!.

As for discomfort, it was about week three for me, the first two weeks i gained weight as i was eating tonnes of chinese takeaways while i could. Then about week three i struggled with a pizza and it gradually went downhill from there.

When the discomfort starts, do not be afraid to ask for better pain relief if you feel yours is not sufficient, and if taking opoids, make sure to take laxatives whether you need them or not.. The constipation can be worse than anything if you dont keep on the laxatives.

Good luck and hope treatment goes smoothly.

Trev

Thanks Hazel, I'm lucky most of my appointments are 12, only got a couple of early ones,  but I'll bear that in mind x

Hi Trev, I must admit I'm not looking forward to being restrained once my throat is uncomfortable and mucousy...I hate lying on my back when I'm well...at least it"s not for long!

I have put on a couple of pounds, been making the most of being able to eat bread. Savoury stuff starting to taste the same....sweet still OK, but I prefer savoury. I went off chocolate before treatment,  probably because I'm getting a bit OCD about my mouth being clean!

Thanks, I'll remember about the laxatives,  I've seem it mentioned a few times. 

Best wishes for a speedy recovery 

Linda

Lindyloo112 said:

I'm never sure which order to do it in, so I usually, eat, floss, brush, mouthwash after @30 mins or so of brushing, then start drinking water again after 30 mins of mouthwash.

My hospital dentist and oncologist were always adamant that brushing before eating was infinitely better than afterwards, especially over night. So that’s what I did through treatment and afterwards. Brushing  30 minutes before eating does two things. 1.It removes the plaque build up that bacteria live in and start producing acid when bathed in whatever you are eating. Ensures and Fortisips are largely sugar after all. 2. It leaves a protective layer on your teeth to stop food acid attacking the enamel. After eating you can rinse with warm water then mouthwash. I use interdental brushes morning and night with toothpicks in between. My hygienist assured me interdentals are much more effective than flossing. 
So there you are. I seem to be back to front.