Finished treatment Friday 13th.Struggling with side effects

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 

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. 

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

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

hugs Hazel xx

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

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.