First post, advice preparing for neck radio / chemo therapy

Hazel I looked at your blog earlier and was hooked ! I haven’t read it all but sure I will they was times I was overwhelmed reading, your strength and determination through all of your treatment and recovery has inspired me and my husband.  It’s truly an amazing blog.  I have mentioned to him about joining this group but he’s not ready yet maybe he will him in time.  I feel it would help him so much.
 But I told him I was reading your blog and he asked me to read some out, I could see it really resonated with him, you inspired both of us thank you.  It was just what we needed right now.  You’re an inspiration. As are most on here sharing your stories with honesty and supporting others feel so grateful to have joined this group.  

Thanks again x

 i Daffie. Thank you, I started the blog initially so family and friends coukd read and see what  I was going  through without John having to constantly repeat. . Since then it’s taken off and have had people from Canada and Australia plus places in between contact  me.  Our cancers aren’t well known so if it helps one person it would have been worthwhile. It shows that after cancer as Dani often says there’s a great life to be had. No prizes for guessing where I’m typing this from ! Yes living my life riding my beloved pushbike. 
You’ll both get there sometime 2 steps forward and one step back 

P.s. I wasn’t prepared to let it beat me without me giving it my all I have too much living to do.

hugs Hazel x

Thank you for your reply Dani, and sharing your treatment.  Your message has really helped, wish I would have plucked up the courage to write a message sooner. Rather than overthinking for the past week I was concerned about him loosing weight, with the rig feeding but that’s reassured me.  

He’s a slim build to start with and after his surgeries he lost a lot of weight due to have difficult swallowing.  But we didn’t have the rig then.  Glad it’s fitted now.

I will look forward to looking at your blog.  Thank you again really appreciate your message. 

Hazel it was just what we both needed to read today it’s helped put our feet back on the ground and re focus again.  I must say brilliant wrote to ! I can see why it has taken off just so refreshing to read real accounts about real people even though I would say you are perfect combination of half warrior half queen ! 

We was struggling to see beyond treatment.  But I love the fact you are living your life riding your beloved pushbike.  

it was wake up call, we have been consumed with up coming treatment.  We are planning a walk out with our family on Sunday being sensible about it safe distancing but living to enjoy some quality time with our loved ones.  Thank you enjoy your night x

Hi Yes ine kife kive u5 and yes go our see family and friends of course be sensible. I was pre covid but we asked people not to come round if they were showing signs of colds etc as last thing I wanted was to catch cold. Saying that I’ve been in here and we’ve had patients unlucky enough to get covid but they still went for radiotherapy and chemo just as the last patients of the. Day. Once treatment starts they don’t stop it for anything. 
Off out in bike ,plus let him eat what he wants my guilty pleasure was double chocolate magnums  until I couldn’t eat orally any more. But son made uo when I could eat 

Hazel x

Daffie said:

, wish I would have plucked up the courage to write a message sooner. Rather than overthinking for the past week

There is a wealth of experience here and the generosity of all our members to share their experiences. We are all different but the same. You’ll both get there. I was 67 when I started treatment and the cancer came out of the blue without warning. That’s why it was so difficult to accept initially. A good few people here grounded me and I am forever grateful. It’s why I stay to try to help and I’m honest it’s ongoing therapy for me too. 

Hello, just wanted to say good luck to you both. It's less than a year since I started chemo & RT for tongue cancer & I am fine now (touch wood). My partner was brilliant at keeping me fed & managing all my meds - it will really help your husband to have you supporting him. It's tough for a while but we just have to get through it and hang on to the successful treatment statistics!

Catriona 

Hi Daffie

There is not much to add here as its all been covered, only we are all different & it effects us all differently. I finished 35 RT & 7 Chemo's at the end of Feb, no sickness & worked from home everyday but had to stop frequently for sleeps & still do occasionally. Once the treatment starts it just becomes like a job that you go to everyday & like this board you will meet some inspirational people at the hospital which can be truly humbling (& makes you think what am I worried about!)

Recovery, I am discovering, is a long process but you will be amazed how utterly fantastic some of your friends & family can be. 

Help & painkillers should be taken when you need them.

Wishing you both good wishes - you have git this!! x

Hi Daffie, I'm sure I wrote the same post as you did earlier on this year, worried about my hubby and the treatment to come.

My advice is the same as the others - take one day at a time - try not to think about next week, next month etc just deal with what is ahead of you both that day.

It's tough, but, doable. There will be some days easier than others, some days with more side effects than others, but you will both do it!!! 

My friends and family were amazing!! Accept help if offered, accept that cup of coffee and slice of cake, accept that walk and chat with friends. It's important that you are looked after as well so you can look after hubby xxx

I agree that Aloe Vera gel (got ours from Holland and Barrett) was great for hubby's neck.

We are 10 weeks post treatment and my hubby is starting to get some of his sparkle back!!

Good luck and hugs to you both.

Paula x

Thank you again you have helped more than you know  many thanks