Hi. New to the group

FormerMember
FormerMember
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I am in my fourth week of ‘recovery’ after seven weeks radiotherapy and 5 chemotherapy treatments, for hpv neck cancer. I am struggling with very low moods and so so tired that I feel guilty for the wife, kids and the groups on the community  that I volunteer at. Also struggling with swallowing still! As anyone else experienced similar or can help

  • Very early days my friend I'm afraid. Low mood/depression is extremely common around this time, I suffered from it very badly, dreadful. I saw my GP and got some anti depressants and also had some counselling, the first session of which I sat down and burst into tears, I couldn't speak for 10/15 mins. Reach out for some help would be my advice on that.

    On swallowing, I was still only able to drink at that stage so was purely on supplements, so again quite a normal place to be at. It will get better though, for me the breakthrough was crumpets with Marmite; try not to let it worry you, time heals.

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    Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.

    http://mike-o.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Hi. Like Mike says it is early days week 3 I had just started experimenting with foods it’s a fairly long process recovery. Our body’s have been out through a lot of harsh treatment and time is what it takes. I was still drinking up tom6 ensures a day just to give me 1800 caloire is which kept me free to experiment with foods. My breakthrough was white bread toasted lots butter and a poached egg on too. Usually by 3 months you’ll notice a difference yhen again atb6 months. Please make sure you are well hydrated. And on top of oral hygiene as oral thrush is quite common in first few months. 
    my blog below might help with other tips of what worked for me. What you’re feeling is also radiation fatigue it’s debilitating and hits you like a wave all you can do is listen to your body and sleep. 
    You’ll get there we all do just early days for you 

    Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Hi CMB66

    I totally agree with Mike and Hazel.  4 weeks into recovery is still very early days so the fatigue and struggle swallowing is quite normal at this stage.  And as Mike pointed out, low mood/depression is also very common so do speak to your GP if you feel you need to.

    At your stage I was only managing fortified milkshakes, custard, semolina and Ready Brek.  A lot of people see an improvement around the 12 week mark although improvements do continue for months/years.

     Take it easy.  Try a little gentle exercise but rest when you need to.  And don't feel guilty.  You've taken a battering physically and mentally and you need time to recover.

    All the best.

    Linda x

  • Every body else has said it all but I’d just like to say hi and welcome. Take it slowly slowly. I got quite depressed at the lack of progress but realised after talking to folk on here and my oncologist that it’s not a race so just plodded on the best I could. 
    Don’t worry about the fatigue. It’s due to low dose radiation to the base of your brain, it’s not your fault nor is it because you’re not making the effort. It will get better as you repair but takes longer than anything else. 
    Best wishes 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Not really got anything else to add I'm afraid, other than understanding. I struggled at this point too as I'd expected to be recovering more. Just sleeping and bursting into tears. I had counselling which really helped. Was still mostly using PEG and sipping some ensures. 

    You will get there, its just frustrating and slow. My 1st weetabix was really milky and took 90 minutes to eat! Every little step is a victory though. Keep popping on here as and when you need support.

    Gill