Finished treatment Friday 13th.Struggling with side effects

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Hi,

I finished my chemo/radiotherapy last Friday.Spent las 12 days in hospital kidneys took abit of a hit with the last chemo.To be honest I didn't really expect the side effects I have now to be as bad as they are although I am sure they are "normal". Using a box of hankies everyday with the never ending phlegm,unable to speak,can't swallow anything at all not even water,Can anybody reassure me this will eventually get better ?

Feel I' m struggling ,

Turi

  • Hi Turi well done on finishing your treatment, unfortunately the RT will stay in your system, for a couple of weeks. Any side affects you get let your team know, they will give you something for them. Without a doubt things will get better, it takes time, let your body heal itself, there will be times when it seems one step forward and two back, but you will get there in the end. Any worries or questions, just ask, someone will always answer if they can.

    Ray  

  • Well done getting through. I know how much you were struggling in your head before you even started. Once you understand that the radiotherapy has a residual effect for three weeks or so it’s easier to ride the symptoms. I was on morphine till 12 weeks and got through quite a few  kitchen rolls spitting out the thick phlegm. Staying well hydrated and using steam can help the phlegm. I used to steam my head over hot water. Others found a nebuliser was better. 
    I couldn’t swallow much for five weeks or so 

    You’re on track. It’s a marathon if good and bad days, of steps forward and back but you’ll get there. 
    Fir now you need to be kind to yourself and rest. The next couple of weeks are the worst before you very slowly start to improve. Hugs 

    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 

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

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  • Thanks Ray.Hopefully will see a bit of a pick up in a couple of weeks.Miss not getting out but there's nowhere i could go with this streaming gunk !!

    Turi

  • Thanks  Dani.My skin on my neck looks like it has melted.Using polymem dressings.How did others find this dressing?

    Turi

  • Ah. Hazel had that. It worked pretty quickly. Neck wounds heal super fast after RT finishes. 

    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 

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

    Community Champion badge
  • Hi Turi I had polymem bandage if you look at my blog week 7 you’ll see how badly burnt I was. It worked a treat the hardest thing us keaving it on until the green finger comes through the outside but believe me it works. After around 3 weeks mine had hesied and 8 weeks later I was in spain  with a scarf round my neck. Stick with it you’ll get there 

    Hugs Hazel xx

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

  • Others have  said  stick eith if it does get worse before you turn a corner honestly 

    hugs Hazel xx

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

  • Hi Hazel,

    Did you change the dressing everyday ?I was trying to remember what you tried eating first afterabout three weeks was it creme caramel ?i've got a bit to go till then.

    Turi

  • HinTuri. I changed it every few days when the green gunk came through. Eg when I could see it. I took it off when I had a shallow bath then put it back in I slept in it as well  food wise anything soft  pre done tubs of custard rice pudding , trifles yes crème caramel just remember 30 mins afterwards rinse your mouth out with salt water rinse then mouthwash. Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day. A little bit of home made soup I tried without any seasoning poached eggs then eventually poached egg on toast remember it’s a marathon nit a sprint. I was getting 75% of my calories via ensure drinks l Atari week 3 my ng tube was due for changing so I took decision to eat orally you’ve  got a peg in so do what’s best for you. Don’t rush ti have it taken out the dieticians want to make sure you can  orally sustain yourself. 
    keep doing what you are doing 

    Hazel x

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

  • Anything g soft will do. Chocolate mousse, trifle, any of the deserts you can buy in the supermarkets that don’t have bits in, custard, ice cream, proper Greek yoghurt( not the Greek style) tinned peaches,  poached eggs( don’t need to chew any of these) experiment. 

    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 

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

    Community Champion badge