First post, advice preparing for neck radio / chemo therapy

Hi Daffie  Well done for joining the group. It is all very worrying and scary, for you both now, but once his treatment gets under way, you will feel better about things. My advice would be to get a good cream to apply every day to his neck after his daily RT, (only apply after not before), my wife used to put Aloe Vera gel on my neck, that worked quite well, others may come up with other things to try. It's good he's had a RIG fitted, that will take the worry out of not eating, if it becomes difficult, during treatment. Just take it one day at a time, the treatment time will soon pass, and he will be on his recovery. If you have any worries or questions just ask away, we are all here to help, if we can. Make sure you take care of yourself through this also. All the best to you both.

Regards Ray   

Hi try to forget the what ifs our types of cancer has a very good response to the treatment. Concentrate on the what now phase take everything one day at a time and tick the days off. Be prepared for hi. To get annoyed or angry he doesn’t mean it I was pretty awful to my hubby it’s not unusual. My blog below might help. 
Treatments hard but if I at 61 can do it anyone can 

hugs Hazel 

Thank you Ray, for your reply.  I will get stocked up on aloe Vera gel.  Many thanks for your kind words.  He’s starts his treatment next week, it’s this time before that has sent his head and mine in a bit of a spin.  

Regards Poppy 

Thank you for your reply and your honesty.  Since his diagnosis and the surgeries.  They has been trying times.  He’s been worried and frustrated about everything, me the family, work and the future.  Also he’s so use to being independent and busy and that has been difficult for him slowing down especially after his surgery.

 I will look at your blog many thanks Hazel

You're welcome, bear in mind what Hazel has said, these cancers respond very well to the treatment, with a very high cure rate.

Hi 

I finished my chemo and 6 weeks of radiotherapy at the end of April. It is tough but just take one day at a time. Let him rest when he needs to, he will feel exhausted. I downloaded a couple of films on to my iPad and took my headphones when i went for my chemo (my chemo sessions were 8hrs long) and that occupied me. Initially i took a book but as time went on I found I couldn’t concentrate on a book. 
I was very sick with my chemo usually a few days after treatment but i was given medication which they had to tweak a couple of times before it helped, don’t be frightened to ask. 
Radiotherapy….again rest and if possible make sure your husband doesn’t drive himself to his appointments as he will be very tired. 
I used E45 but as it became worse they gave me Flamazine which was made especially for radiotherapy patients. Also check with your team there are some shower gels, shampoos which they advised not to use, anything containing SLS (sodium Lauryl sulphate), you can buy SLS free products on Amazon. A lot of products say they are SLS free but when you check the list of ingredients it’s hidden in there, very naughty! Lol 

Jacqui 

Hi You’re welcome any questions just ask we’re all happy to help between us all we normally know the answers. 
Hope blog didn’t bore you. 

Hazel x

Daffie said:

I am feeling so overwhelmed about him starting his chemo / radio therapy.  All the what ifs are creeping in my mind and I can’t stop them.  

Hi Daffie 

I’ll add to what others have said. This is all doable a day at a time. Don’t be brave over pain. I took anything I was offered and more. I tube fed for 8 weeks, didn’t lose weight and made an uneventful recovery  His radiographers are his daily point of contact to the others looking after him  and if he is in any trouble get him to say  

The what ifs are what they are. The past is done and for the time being the immediate future is in the hands of what you describe as a wonderful team 

He’s lucky to have such a supportive partner to care and reach out here for help. 
Hang on in there and stay with us. There are lots of us to watch your backs. 

Thank you with all the information I do have to keep

reminding myself that this treatment has a high cure rate.  I think our heads are spinning because the treatment is getting closer.  Thank you again your message has really helped.

Congratulations on finishing treatment.  Great idea about downloading films and head phones.  His attention span is t like what it was pre the diagnosis.  I will look into shower gels and shampoos to didn’t even think about that.  Thank you for all your help really appreciated and wishing you well with your recovery.