I just thought I would join this group to say hi and find some support by reading other people’s stories. I am quite scared at the moment. I go to the Royal Marsden on Monday to get my mask made etc.
I felt awful throughout all my treatment, I had a pump fitted while in hospital which administered strong anti-sickness meds throughout the day. I couldn't eat or drink and lost so much weight that is why they put the feeding tube down my nose. Due to the treatment, I couldn't swallow anything including liquids. I was in the Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital, so had to be transferred to an other hospital to have the peg tube fitted in my stomach, then back to Clatterbridge for the remainder of my treatment. The peg tube is a godsend for me, as I still have trouble eating, so need to still have tube, it gets changed every three months in the hospital. They are leaving it in because when I have my reconstructive surgery, I will not be able to eat for a while. So had my peg tube for nearly a year now. As I have said I am leading as normal a life as possible and am back in work. I just explain to people that I can't eat at the moment, I can drink but need to use a beaker.
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you seem to be okay now, so just take each day as it comes and if you need any additional help it is there for you.
i am sorry that you have had to go through all these things. I am feeling much less sick now and eating so that’s good. I am going to ask my team for a ng tube though as it seems everyone has to use extra means to get liquids/food in as treatment progresses.
Hi Lizzie, I am just over 1 week after completed 30 RT. I was prescribed Intrasite gel during treatment and Flamazine post. I did burn quite badly however my skin does seem to recovering quickly.I just wished some of the other symptoms would as well, particularly the nausea and lack of appetite. I know I am being impatient !
Hi heather. Just remembered I didn’t reply. So sorry. Been a bit of a tough week getting used to no food!!!! I was eating everything up to last Sunday and now only managing weetabix and jelly etc. Odd ice cream. I feel ok in myself, more tired as on morphine now. I am on morphine and paracetamol. Asperin rinses snd a bit of Diflam. Still very burny though when I eat most things. So just don’t eat. The Marsden try not to fit a ng tube, but I must admit I would like one even just for meds. I hope your going back to work is smooth. Next week is it? regards
Hi john. Yes the nausea is awful isn’t it. I really hope it improves for you soon. I will be impatient as well, I know, This whole thing is very tough isn’t it. Let me know how you get on because thatt will inspire me. Lizzie
I did not have my tube fitted until near the end of my treatment, when I got to the point that I could not eat or drink anything, just constantly feeling sick and tired just wanted to sleep. The dietition got so worried when I lost so much weight, so I had a tube fitted down my nasel cavity at first and then had to wait for the ng tube to be fitted. It was such a relief I tell you. If you really feel you would benefit from an ng tube you need to keep telling them that you need one before you get to the point that I did.
