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
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
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
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