About to start treatment and mildly terrified

Hi. Best advice take it one day at a time don’t think too far in advance. Take medication as advised if you’re on opiates please take laxido or movicol as last thing you need in impacted poop. It’s enough ti deal with without that added worry. I’m a wimp i was  61 when diagnosed now fast approaching 5 years post treatment. Happily living my life. Remember we rarely get all the side effects they just have to advise us of them stick  with us in here we will all try to help. Between us we’ve covered most scenarios.

Hazel x

1. Agree with radioactiveRaz..  Base of tongue chemo radiotherapy 5 years this last month.  Yes it was a dark tunnel no getting away from it.  This group is the best ! For any questions,  they’re the only people who fully understand what you’re going through, reading others stories and blogs everyone is so helpful . ! If you haven’t already decided I would say get a peg so you don’t have to worry about what and how to eat.  

Thank you. Huge congratulations on your recovery. I must admit to being a wimp - came to terms with death when I had my second heart attack at age 50 and had myasthenia diagnosis 6 months later. To find the strength to fight this battle is proving difficult but I’m sure I will. 

Peg being fitted on Friday so at least nutrition should be taken care of. Congratulations on your recovery - I’m already in awe of anybody who has fought this.

DaddyBear said:

Reading everything I’ve been given and comments on here I get the impression I’m entering a very long dark tunnel.

Hi Daddybear and welcome. 
It’s a dark tunnel but it’s not that long and everything is manageable. Don’t panic. I was 67 when I started treatment and I’m 4 years clear. My advice would be “don’t be brave, tell your chemo team and your radiographers how you are feeling and what help you need. Take everything they give you. Take your painkillers by the clock and do it all a day at a time” It’s a challenge but it doesn’t last forever. 

Stuck around. Ask anything you want. There will be an answer somewhere. 
Good luck xx

Hi Daddybear Dont be terrified whats the worse that can happen , You have experts looking after you . I have also had a heart attack or probably a few and a stent fitted. Just take it one day at a time and you will get there. Get audible books and listen to something you like , I listened to Stephen Fry Cheeves and wooster. Watch the 11th man be inspired you will get through this time as I said  focus on one day at a time and you will be out of the tunnel . All the Best Regards Minmax 

Good that you are having a PEG fitted. I had mine fitted prior to treatment & relied on it for food, meds & hydration from week 4  Take it one day at a time, don’t overthink it. Listen to your body & sleep whenever you can. I am 11 months post treatment. Ask anything on this forum - someone will have the answer. 

Hello

I started similar treatment on 3 October and was off NG tube and feeling much better by Christmas. Main side effects for me in November were very sore throat, tiredness and nausea - not being able to keep anything down by the end. I was really lucky not to get sore mouth, raw neck or any of the scary side effects I read about on here. Try not to worry, take it one day at a time and you'll soon be out the other side.  Good luck! 

Catriona

It's is a very dark and difficult journey.  The hospital teams at Brighton were great, they will get you through treatment.  A good support group is essential.  My problem with hindsight was and still is, not accepting enough help and not listening to my body.  I didn't rest or sleep enough because I was frightened of getting into that habit.  Today 5 months post treatment I'm not a lot better at listening to my body! Still think I can do the garden! I can't after about 30 minutes.   I've lost over 3 stone and simply don't have the energy, muscle or ability to do very much, I get absolutely knackered!   So, take your meds, be kind to yourself and listen to your body.

I wish you all the luck innthe world for a total recovery.    X

Hi Daddybear

I'm 18 months post treatment for base of tongue cancer. I had chemo radiotherapy and I won't lie, it was brutal. I struggled with extreme nausea from day one and was hospitalised twice during my treatment because I couldn't stop vomiting. Like everyone says, you just take it day by day and before you know it you're ringing the end of treatment bell. I made the big mistake of thinking once I'd rang the bell I'd be feeling tickety boo again but how wrong I was!! It took me a few weeks before I started feeling better and even now I still have the odd bad day. Just listen to your team, take your meds religiously and rest whenever you can and you'll get through it. Wishing you well xx