Haven't posted in a while. Now completed 23/35 radiation and 4/5 cisplatin. Have an NG tube in for a couple of weeks which was relief, but am now scheduled for G tube on Monday which has other problems but I think I'll feel better about being in public without the "nose hose." Constipation still a problem for me but I'm not as upset about it at the moment. I have the glycerine suppositories and plan to use another today after 4 days w/o poop. My daughter is with me giving my husband, who has been a saint thru this, a respite back in our home town. We have rented an Airbnb for the whole of my treatment since treatment for this isn't offered in my city. The Airbnb is OK but not home of course. Having my daughter here ( she lives a 7 hour drive away) is a comfort for me. I have another friend arriving when my daughter leaves again to either help out with my demandingness (!) or as respite for my husband. This friend is flying in from Florida so will stay, in a separate Bnb from us, for a couple of weeks until daughter can return.
My energy really flags after the first day of chemo. I guess the steroids help energy wise but I don't get to keep taking them. So far no bad side effects from chemo. My face and neck look like I've been strongly slapped or burned, following where I'm getting the radiation. I've been using the usual OTC cream recommended here called Glaxal. But today will pick up prescription for Flamazine to use when it starts to blister or peel.
Re pain meds, at first I was being miserly with myself but eventually caught on to what everyone else says: take your meds! So when I give myself permission to do this, life is easier for a bit.
Nutrition wise, I rely on a product called Ensure which is apparently nutritious but has no actual food in it. However we have started using the blender to incorporate some more normal things eg soups into my diet which is a welcome relief.
I did take some time off from this forum mostly because I usually have the energy of a sloth and not bc of anything anyone on this supportive forum have said or done. So thanks for being there and providing excellent advice and support.
Kathy
Well done Kathy. Keep plugging on
Re pain meds, at first I was being miserly with myself but eventually caught on to what everyone else says: take your meds! So when I give myself permission to do this, life is easier for a bit.
Sensible ...it's what we tell everybody. There is nothing to prove. You are not fighting the cancer. that's the job of your medical team. You are fighting side effects and trying to keep your sanity. So take the pills 
For constipation we get Macrogol. It comes in a sachet and I took one twice daily mixed in a little water. It kept me regular through treatment
Best of luck. It will be over soon
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
I'm also unsure if it was you or someone else who posted that using a cool mist vaporizer is helpful.
It’s something that’s mentioned a lot on the forum. Just don’t put anything smelly in it. Glad it works for you
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
