Waiting for treatment.

Don't doubt yourself Rich.  You are strong enough.   Really, you are. 

Linda x

Pretty much got my plan and it has been described as a curative treatment. Which is a good thing.

The nurses I met are amazing and really positive and supportive.

I feel a bit better. I’m still scared but everyone agreed that because of my (relatively) young age, my (relative) fitness and my general standard of health (this thing on/in my neck not withstanding), everything is stacked in my favour. I said to the surgeon, is this treatment likely to cure me and he said we wouldn’t go to all this trouble if we thought otherwise (or words to that affect).

I have to have some weird mask made and then they have to work out various coordinates on my body (so they zap the right stuff) and then everything should start in about 4 weeks (hopefully) and last for 6 weeks. So potentially I could be fixed in around 10 weeks. Due to what I have and where it is; it is an intense treatment with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy and I have to have some kind of feeding tube because swallowing will be hard. But that’s the price you pay for being lackadaisical with your health. If it cures me then it’ll be worth it. Three months after treatment ends, I have another scan to see if everything has worked as planned and if it has then I presume I get an all clear. Then hopefully I’ll start to get my life back. There are risks but that’s all part of the process and the alternative is a lot worse, so I’m more confident. I’m sure I’ll have my ups and downs but at least I have a plan in motion and people who I can contact and talk to and are there to support me through this whole crappy experience.

And thanks to all you for your support too. Still a way to go but it's a start.

Hi good thats the plan that most if us have had. We will help you through it    Yiu seem in a better frame  if mind. Yes the mask is to hold you down in one place on the radiotherapy table. 
hazel 

Hi Rich

The gold standard treatment my team called it.  All pretty much the norm in terms of treatment and timings. 

Incidentally, it may not not have anything to do with being lackadaisical with your health.

Linda x

Yes. Pretty standard curative treatment. Don’t expect to be anywhere near normal for six months after. There’s a post about the mask in my blog if you want to look 

Onwards and forwards. 

Leeds cancer centre have a decent video here https://youtu.be/zLF1o4BwbQs

Tough to watch but useful. Feeling a bit more positive today. Visually measuring the drive to see how big a camper we could park there. Hope to emulate some of the things you now enjoy. It might not be until next summer but I don't care, if I get through all of this I'll be more than grateful. And now at least I feel I have as good a chance as anyone.

Absolutely you have as good a chance as anyone so when you get through this you can put your plans into action.

Linda x

It’s not too bad getting it fitted. It feels like a warm wet flannel on your face and the technicians talk to you all the time to make it easier. Ask them to cut eyeholes in it. It makes the treatment easier if you can see round you. 
There is a motorhome and camper van show at the NEC in February. See you there

Hi Richy

Sorry if this sends twice. Think it timed out on me.

Glad you've got your plan and sounds much more positive. Same plan as they gave me and the PEG is standard practice there. They really are lively, as are the teams in the Deansley and Snowdrop. They got me through and will do the same for you. 

Sorry its really wordy, but click on my name and there's a link to my blog not this time. If you look at #5 that's the point you are at.

Any questions about NX please dm me, happy to support you. 

Take care, Ronnie