Due to start radiotherapy end Jan. Tonsil cancer abnormal cells in lymph node and soft palate

Hi

My NG tube went in at the beginning of week four. I couldn't swallow anything for eight weeks

Best foot forward....you'll do it

Hi Lorr

Good luck with the treatment....I had a PEG feeding tube in place for 5 months....life saver....some do not need to use it.

Treatment is very challenging but some miss the worst of the side effects.

Keep the forum updated with your progress

Peter

Hi I had my ng tube in towards end of week 3 I had it removed start of week 3 recovery. I too had tonsil soft palate and 7 lymph nodes . I was treated both sides the left had slightly less. You’ll get through it we all do trust your team and tell the radiotherapy teams when if issues arise. If you’re on opiates remember the laxido. 
ask in here we’re all happy to help. 
im over 6 years now treatments hard but worth doing. As for work it depends what you do I know one  or 2 that managed by working from home. If your jobs manual that’s harder. 
Hazel xx

Good evening, Lorr O. We are all different, and recovery and side effects vary from person to person, so hopefully, you will have an easier ride. I did not suffer that badly compared to others. I had a PEG fitted from day one for 6 months and it proved to be a great help . Good luck with your treatment, take care.

                                                                 Chris x

Hi Lor and welcome from me. It seems to me that you are taking charge of your situation and that is great.  It will help tremendously over the coming months.  Just remember that we don't all get all of the side effects and the same treatment affects us differently - so ask questions as you go through this with us.

Glad you're getting your feeding tube sorted.  I had absolutely no problems with mine throughout the time it was in.  Get them to teach you how to use pump feed ASAP so you are ready to use it when the time comes for you.  That was a problem does not become a crisis.

We are all variable as to when we need some support in feeding.  Some make it through treatment and recovery still eating orally, but that is so few people.  Most need support from around week 3.  I made it through to the last day of treatment and then had to go onto pump feeding for around a month.  Prior to that my PEG had been extensively used for meds and hydration.

As to stopping working...  I guess that depends on your job and also how things affect you.  I was driving myself to the hospital - 100mile round trip - until I started to need opioid painkillers around week 3.  At that stage driving was definitely off the agenda.  You will find that the days are taken up with treatment and caring for yourself with little time for other things.  Also, be prepared for a long recovery.  I started CRT treatment a year ago today and I still have to pace myself due to fatigue and I find my attention span is quite short.  Although I am retired I do a "brain intensive" voluntary job and find that quite exhausting.  Maybe age is on your side and you will bounce back quickly!  I hope so.