Finished RT :)

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So I finished RT for 6 weeks with 2 chemos. How did it go? A bumpy ride, first cisplatin made me in an inpatient for 3 days due to the salt imbalance it caused me. RT side effects came at 3 weeks and then more at 5 weeks. Lost all taste but can somehow still get flavour. Currently able to eat soft blended food and drink forticips. Pain managed with paracetamol so far, been told it will get worse over the next 2 weeks. Skin under chin and upper neck peeling. Fatigued.

What helped me cope? Making notes of how I felt and sharing with CNS each week. Eating little and more frequently. Chilled mouth wash with Salt water and Turmeric post meals. Luke warm water and baking soda mouth rinses 2 times a day and propolis mouth wash 2 times a day. Home made smoothies, aspirin mouthwash prior as it stinged.

Some ideas for smoothie/shakes: Beetroot +blueberry+carrot + strawberry juice, Spinach+ Brocolli+Kiwi + apple, Banana+ avocado +forticip + cereal soaked in milk blended together, cold coffee with double cream and icecream. Rice+Lentils blended together with lots of herbs liek parsley, thyme to make it smell nice. Oh and turmeric milk tea.

Head down, rest and recovery over the next few weeks.

Beesuit over 4 years ago

Hi Heinze.
Thanks for the update. You’ve done really well and sound upbeat. As you say, it’s tough and a bumpy ride but it’s not forever.
Well done and now it’s head down and get on with recovery.

Dani

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

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

Sporty Nicky over 4 years ago

Hi Heinze

Well done on completion of your treatment, I hope the next two weeks do not get too uncomfortable for you. You have done really well and it is good you shared your personal experience how you coped and what got you through.

I wish you all the very best in your recovery.

Nicky

RadioactiveRaz over 4 years ago

Well done. Hunker down for next few weeks. Thanks for update.
Hazel x

Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 35 radiotherapy and 2 chemo 3 rd cancelled. HPV tonsil cancer 7 lymph nodes. 8 years post treatment living a great life.
No questions too daft to ask.

I’m also an ambassador for https://oraclehnc.org.uk/

A leading head and neck cancer charity.

This is a link to a webinar i did with Oracle explaining the process of diagnosis.

https://oraclehnc.org.uk/oracle-launches-new-webinar-series-to-support-head-neck-cancer-patients

Alfienangel over 4 years ago

Can you explain whatvthesezmouthwashes consist of???

Heinze over 4 years ago in reply to Alfienangel

Hiya, I did 3 kinds of mouthwashes. 1. A litre of water boiled and cooled down, added one tbsp of salt and a pinch of turmeric. I refrigerated it and did mouthwash 2-3 times a day, 30 mins post meals. Anything chilled soothed my burning mouth. Its also antibacterial and antiseptic. 2. I developed some oral thrush, so used like warm water and baking soda mouth wash. Half a cup of luke warm water with a pinch of baking soda. 3. I also used propolis mouthwash. Half a cup of luke warm water with 4 drops of propolis. 2 times a day morning and evening. This does sound like a lot, but really helped me cope with the side effects.

JohnK55 over 4 years ago

Congratulations on completing your treatment and all the best for your recovery. I did find the weeks post RT very difficult as you have been advised however found this article useful and reassuring.

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

stick with it and enjoy your very creative smoothies

- John

Marta over 4 years ago

Ho Heinze,

great news!!! Congratulations good luck afterwards…

i was worst 3 weeks after RT couldn’t eat at all, but after had piece of pizza for my bday, and now 5 weeks after eating everything.

i wishing you fast recovery

Marta x

Heinze over 3 years ago in reply to Marta

Good to hear from you and great you are eating everything. How is your taste? sounds like heaven right now :)

Marta over 3 years ago in reply to Heinze

Taste is good, it was nothing alike specially after the treatment and chemo. But, i could always taste chocolate flavours, but eating and trying every day something new is brilliant.
my surgeon suggested just enjoy and find out what you can eat and give your taste buds a party

I tried fresh tomato and it was ok as was bit hot on the tongue

so, good luck

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Finished RT :)