Second post so just wanted to provide an update on my treatment post surgery, which was to remove a tumour on the tongue with a free flap repair, and neck dissection to remove cancerous lymph nodes - T2N3bN0 (HPV negative).
Week 5 of treatment now and wanted to share some experiences:
Hope people have found that useful. I now move into the final week and a half of RT before recovery begins. I have read that this will be hardest 2-3 weeks after treatment ends but I see the end of this particular episode in sight.
Hi beckerman
Thanks for posting the update.
You are doing remarkably well so well done.
Youre right the first few weeks after treatment are even more of a challenge but you seem to have your head round that.
Take it easy and don’t push yourself to hard.
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
Thanks Dani - I think I have done ok so far. I'm not sure I do have my head around this completely but I half know what to expect and to be honest nothing can be worse than the post surgery hospital recovery. However I think I've made it relatively unscathed going into week 6 but I have half an eye on on it going downhill from now on so any other outcome is a positive.
Hi Beckerman. great update just watch the constipation especially of pain meds get increased. Ask for laxido to help keep you regulsr I would ask tomo snd start using thrn. . Otherwise well done and yes watch out for recovery first few weeks
Hazel
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
Hello Beckerman, it sounds like you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I had a spell of hearing loss during treatment but it came back - I hope it will be the same for you.
Best wishes with your continuing recovery
Catriona
September 2022 aged 63 diagnosed with HPV associated SCC base of tongue T4 N2 M0. Chemo & radiotherapy for 6 weeks ending Nov 2022. Dec 2023 one year all clear. See my profile for longer story
Laxido is your friend:) I used one or two a day while on opioids. (well, not the first ten days, which is why I used them after that!)
At night I still use Xylimelts. Pop one between lower teeth and gum last thing at night. Works for about 6 hours. At first I used 2/night, down to 1/night now and a sip of water if I wake up
Mike
Thanks, was on ducloease which was fine but can’t swallow them now. Moved to movicol in water but that was too effective. Chemo finished but have some morphine that I’ve not started.
i guess the xylimelts don’t sting? Nurse recommended biotene products. I’ll have a look at both.
no, xylimelts dont sting. You can't get them on the NHS but Amazon do them.
I only needed laxatives when I was taking opioids (morphine, codeine in my case). I was recommended Laxido and used that (solution of powder in water) one a day in the morning (for me they took about 6 hours to work) or two if really needed. I did need suppositories a couple of time when I didn't take Laxido....
Mike
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