NickT747 - Week 4 Update

Hi All,

Just an update from my initial post two weeks ago (Now mid-week 4 of daily Radio and Weekly Chemo for Throat Cancer - now over halfway)

I had an episode at the beginning of week 3 and got severely dehydrated after 4 days of constipation (post Chemo) then 3 days of Diarrhea. Ended up in A&E for 7 hours (2 hours in the ambulance outside A&E). 2 litres of Saline later, discharged and down to Radio for the daily session. 

Missed my Chemo session the following day as I was still too weak, back on it this week with different anti-sickness medicine.

The RIG has proved a bit of a handful (I now use it for all fluid & fuel) as it has developed a pressure sore and an infection (now on Penicillin; Medicine no 17).

Fueling is now 5 times a day instead of 3 double doses as my digestive system just could not cope with it. My digestive tract insisted on an impersonation of a washing machine.

My daily log of procedures/medicines/feeds is now a full page of A4, but it helps me and my team keep a track of what I am doing.

Had to stop work last week as the regime of daily tasks is now near continuous. I am lucky I have a very supportive employer.

Mouth a lot better now after taking Difflucan for diagnosed Mucosal Thrush. Tongue back down to something near normal size and sores gradually disappearing.

Sleep is still limited to about 3-4 hours at a time due to constant need to empty bladder and take pain meds.

Currently on about 4no 2.5ml Morphine solution and 4no 20ml Paracetamol daily for the pain relief.

Again massive thanks to my Clinical team who have jumped on all the problems experienced with care and concern, and are doing everything to ensure I am at the very least comfortable.

Special mention to two Phlebotomy (Blood Test) nurses who took time out to re-assure me and offer kind words when I got a bit low in a session.

Thanks to all the community for their kind words of support.