Worried about starting radiotherapy

Hi best advise I can give you is listen to your team it’s not a walk in the park but I did it at 61 my blog below tells my version of what I went through sn now 3.5 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes. I had a n g tube fitted week 3 whuch I had agreed to have if I couldn’t swallow and I couldn’t swallow food ir water. If they are saying have a peg seriously think about it. 
Hazel x

Hello slammed 

I finished this same treatment around 7 months ago.  I have an over active gag reflex, I have always dreaded anyone poking about in my mouth all my life.  I was dreading everything like you, but to be honest, I have just got on with things and it’s been fine.  The phlegm caused a few issues but I survived to tell the tale. Don’t worry, you can do it.  I sm coming up 62 now snd am feeling better each week. And I didn’t have tube at all. Sending you all the best. 

lizzie123

I found it bloody awful to be honest. BUT the pain is manageable and you know it’s not for ever. I told myself there was no point in being frightened and I just had to get on with it. 
I had a nasogastric tube put in half way through week 4 as by then it was far too painful to swallow.  I took my pain killers by the clock and although they made me pretty sleepy I managed to cope 

By six weeks post I was eating soft food and by twelve I managed a steak. I’m not quite  the same as I was but I’m happy and well three years on. 
It’s not hell on earth but be prepared to feel utterly lost and out of control sometimes. 
I’m a little lady and I was 68 when I went through this. I managed notwithstanding the odd midnight meltdown. 
Don’t  be brave. Don’t struggle. Your team is there to support you so tell them every day how you feel. 
You’ll get there. Countless folk here have. 

Hi

im on week 6 of radiotherapy and yeah it’s hard. 
I was admitted to hospital as unable to eat and drink enough, lots of nausea, vomiting and pain. Had a NG tube fitted. I’m glad I have this now as it’s taken a lot of stress away. I hook myself up to my feed at night to get the nutrients I need and if I want to try foods in the day I can but everything tastes horrid tbh. So it’s a lifesaver really. I can often feel my ng tube which sometimes makes me gag but I keep on top of anti sickness meds and painkillers. I was also given antacid/octrenocain (oral rinse with local anaesthetic in it). I was given steroid meds to help with the throat inflammation too because of the gagging and it’s helped. 

at times I often wondered why put myself through this!! I was told I’d only need the operation which I had in December. Radiotherapy was offered to mop up any stray cells! So I decided to have it-if j hadn’t had it and the cancer recurs I know I’d regret it. The ball was very much in my court!! I listened to the oncologist and the MDT team and took what they offered. They have a multitude of drugs, lotions, potions (non of us want them) but they get you through the side effects if you keep on top of them especially the painkillers as for me, pain has intensified in the past 10 days. 
we’re all different but for me, I see lots of people going through stuff and there’s always someone worse off, this will certainly make me even stronger, determined and able to keep pushing back. It’s tough but on the whole Ive only had a handful of teary, poor me days, the rest I’m ok!! Although still early days for me too in the grand scheme of things. 

im 52, usually fit as a fiddle and I go out every day for a good walk and remember it’s not forever. There’s light s at the end of the tunnel and I’m heading towards it now.

good luck you can smash this, 

Well done Elaine. Your doing brilliantly!!

Thanks to you and other members for your invaluable support xx

Cheering you all the way through this last week Elaine ..  

Are you still managing your daily walks - I am so hoping I can keep doing mine through therapy .  Being out in the local woods is its own kind of therapy for me ..

I know it gets worse before it gets better , but its fair to say you’ve broke its back 

I get my therapy timetable on Wednesday when I get my mask fitted 

x

Jo

Hi There

I begin my radiotherapy and chemo in approximately 2 weeks time , I get my official dates / timetable on Wednesday .  

I am absolutely dreading it but I will take each day as it is dealt me .  Its going to be tough but thats just how it is .. I am trying to look ahead to life past treatment to keep me focused .. I am already in relentless pain and have been for weeks / months on end.  Eating Is already a massive struggle and I don’t eat normally , soft blended foods only for me.  Talking also leads to pain and discomfort  and all this is before my treatment   .  
I too am set to have PEG fitted this week .. 

Stay strong , one day at a time and know you are not alone 

x

Jo

Hi Elaine. Will be with you on last week m just remember first few weeks Of recovery you’ll probably still feel yucky just hang in there it gets better. 
She says eating chocolate while still in holiday in Southern Spain riding my bike and walking at least 10 km a day. One life just living it. 
Hugs Haze xx

Hi Jo Best wishes for Wednesday you’ll be fine, just lie back and have nice thoughts ,I used to take my head off in a bike ride ir favourite walk both during treatment and mask making. Anythjng to distract me worked 
Hugs Hazel