IrishGypsie-Report in, thats an Order : )

MarineE5

Irishgypsie,

Just checking up on you to see how you are doing, we could use an up date on your situation. Report in as soon as you see this. That's an Order Airman : )

My Best to You and Everyone Here

Irishgypsie

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Skiffin16

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Congrats Charles
Hang in there bud, you are almost to the finish line....

Nice neck photo BTW, reminds me of me a year ago...it'll heal up quick once you get finished being zapped. As they say, "it's just a flesh wound"....

You can handle it, in a few weeks, you can say, "Been there, Done that"....

Best,
John

Fire34

Skiffin16 said:

Congrats Charles
Hang in there bud, you are almost to the finish line....

Nice neck photo BTW, reminds me of me a year ago...it'll heal up quick once you get finished being zapped. As they say, "it's just a flesh wound"....

You can handle it, in a few weeks, you can say, "Been there, Done that"....

Best,
John

Neck Burns
Charles
My wife used Aquaphor and some neosporyn mixed to help with the burning. She then wrapped my neck with saran wrap,believe it or not, to help keep that mixture on my neck. It helped a lot. Ask the hospital mine had a cooling type bandage that they kept in the freezer and boy did that feel good. just has John said looks familiar. Best Wishes & Prayers
Dave

Lena Rose

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Hang in there Charles!
You're almost there! Sending lots of prayers and hugs.

Lena Rose

staceya

Lena Rose said:

Hang in there Charles!
You're almost there! Sending lots of prayers and hugs.

Lena Rose

That looks like MY neck!
You are almost done! 4 more days? Three this week and 1 next week?
Counting down with you. If your neck opens up (mine did) check in with your wound care team where you work asap. I am also an RN, which did come in handy a bit for things like home debridement, etc..

Wishing you as well as you can be for now.
Stacey

MarineE5

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Thanks for Reporting In
Charles,

Thanks for reporting in. Yes, your days as a neck model are on hold for a spell. You may be joining some of us that belong to the Turkey Neck Club. Gives a new meaning when you hear the words, Ring around the Collar.

You are nearing the finish line and even though we are not standing next to you, we are thinking of you and your journey. So, hang in there, I'm sure you have traveled some rough roads in the past, you can complete this. If this a recent picture, you look pretty darn good for everything you have been through.

You can use this old Marine's montra- Mirror, Mirror on the shelf, who's more handsomer then myself : )

My Best to You Sir, and Everyone Here

debbiejeanne

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Charles, I'm sorry you are
Charles, I'm sorry you are having such a rough time but like you said, you only have a few left!! congrats on that. You will make it. I will be praying for you. Hang in there.
God Bless,
debbie

Hal61

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Back rubs
Hi Charles, you're very close to the treatment finish line now and your neck and throat will begin to feel better soon. I know what you mean about the back rubs. I had/have a lot of nervous energy in spite of the fact that I'm often exhausted. I have a path worn in the carpet in my small apartment from pacing back and forth. You're in my thoughts.
Hal

Kimba1505

Hal61 said:

Back rubs
Hi Charles, you're very close to the treatment finish line now and your neck and throat will begin to feel better soon. I know what you mean about the back rubs. I had/have a lot of nervous energy in spite of the fact that I'm often exhausted. I have a path worn in the carpet in my small apartment from pacing back and forth. You're in my thoughts.
Hal

It all depends on what you are modeling...
Charles,
You have a tremendous amount of support here and I can even hear the cheering as you are rounding the bend and the finish line is in sight. Let those who have finished the race before you carry you through; and know that you are an inspiration to those that are still a couple laps behind. You show us there is an end. And you are honest that it sucks. We need the hope and we need the reality. I guess nobody is pretty at the end...but that too will pass.
Using the running analogy: When I ran college track, I had a coach who told me when you are running and you feel like you cannot go any futher...that is the time to push. It was great coaching advice; but even better life advice. Push Charles.
Kim

Pumakitty

Irishgypsie said:

So much for my gig as neck model!!!! Ouch!
As you can see from the pic my neck is pretty raw. I was getting 56 gry to oral cavity, 67 to right side, 55 gry to left side. Mucositis is pretty bad, Lost my voice over the weekend form hacking and throwing up r/t trying to clear mucus from my throat; boy did it burn like help. I try using a expectorant like guafinassen but it burns and hurst to swallow. mainly everything is via peg tube. Taking Ativan bid to help relax; that's twice a day for u non-medicals. Only sleep about 1-1.5 at at a time clear throat and go back to sleep. Thank God for air conditioning. Use phenergan to help with the dry heaves and gagging. it also combines well with Ativan. but be careful. So I have 4 doses of radiation left wed, thur, Fri, and Monday. last dose of chemo next week; so far had two doses. Not sure about tinnitis or neuropathy;I'm a little paranoid since I'm a nurse but feel like I have the begginings of both. Some diminshed hearing in Right ear and sometimes feel numbess in my toes; not sure!! I don't want this last dose of chemo; but I'm gonna do it. I've made it this far. I just feel like each time I sit down I'm playing russian roulette with that stuff. I really wish I has a gal to give me some back rubs evrynight

Have to just put it in God's hands now!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!

LCDR Charles P. McGee USPHS, RN

Charles
I think you could still model! Hang in there you are really close. My dad just finished his last treatment today. The last couple seems to go by fast. I wish you all the best. Let us know how things go.

Katt

Kent Cass

Pumakitty said:

Charles
I think you could still model! Hang in there you are really close. My dad just finished his last treatment today. The last couple seems to go by fast. I wish you all the best. Let us know how things go.

Katt

charles
Good to see and hear you're fighting the good fight. Almost home, Charles- to the land beyond the tunnel of treatment. You got a lot to look forward to- just a little something known as a 2nd Chance. You're making it happen, and paying your dues in the process, as we all have. Keep the focus on the Positive fact of survival, Charles. I was amazed at how well the body does recover, though it do take a short while.

Believe

kcass

Greg53

Kent Cass said:

charles
Good to see and hear you're fighting the good fight. Almost home, Charles- to the land beyond the tunnel of treatment. You got a lot to look forward to- just a little something known as a 2nd Chance. You're making it happen, and paying your dues in the process, as we all have. Keep the focus on the Positive fact of survival, Charles. I was amazed at how well the body does recover, though it do take a short while.

Believe

kcass

Irish
Charles,
Hang tough Dude, you're almost there! At least from my experience you're in the roughest patch. Good thing about it is you should only improve from here on out. It's a mean couple weeks, but you can do it! Positive thoughts coming your way.
Greg

Greg53

Kent Cass said:

charles
Good to see and hear you're fighting the good fight. Almost home, Charles- to the land beyond the tunnel of treatment. You got a lot to look forward to- just a little something known as a 2nd Chance. You're making it happen, and paying your dues in the process, as we all have. Keep the focus on the Positive fact of survival, Charles. I was amazed at how well the body does recover, though it do take a short while.

Believe

kcass

Irish
Dbl-post

Irishgypsie

Greg53 said:

Irish
Dbl-post

Though there are many!!!!
Though there are many concerns that I have post treatment; the one that seems to be waying on me the most lately; is that people expect things to be one and done. What i mean is I can already tell that some of my so-called friends are getting tired and just want the treatments to be done so they can move on with there summer. Also, my boss called last week and he was like so when can you come back to work the treatments are about to end right. I think people don't take into consideration the physical and mental beating your body takes. Don't get me wrong I want to heal and move on with my life just as much as the next guy. But there are still a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sorting out. I think this has a high potential of causing some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need some counseling when treatments are done as far as moving on with my life. Like a said I have compared this as being a POW in a cancer camp and getting unbelievable torcher!! I just hope my true friends understand this!!!

Charles

rozaroo

Irishgypsie said:

Though there are many!!!!
Though there are many concerns that I have post treatment; the one that seems to be waying on me the most lately; is that people expect things to be one and done. What i mean is I can already tell that some of my so-called friends are getting tired and just want the treatments to be done so they can move on with there summer. Also, my boss called last week and he was like so when can you come back to work the treatments are about to end right. I think people don't take into consideration the physical and mental beating your body takes. Don't get me wrong I want to heal and move on with my life just as much as the next guy. But there are still a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sorting out. I think this has a high potential of causing some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need some counseling when treatments are done as far as moving on with my life. Like a said I have compared this as being a POW in a cancer camp and getting unbelievable torcher!! I just hope my true friends understand this!!!

Charles

Irish
I totally understand what you are saying! Unfortunatly your friends etc are not walking in your shoes at the moment & simply don't get it! I believe all of us here have gone through the same thing. Trying to keep our strenght up everyday to fight this battle is a major feat initself. I know I look as though I am back to normal & that is what everyone believes. However, I still struggle with trying to keep my strength up via food & counting calories at eah meal is a job in itself. I now just go along & do what I have to do to keep myself going. Basically everyone has their own life to live & that is how I look at it. You will get through this terrible ordeal & come out even stronger for it. Just hang in there as you are almost at the finish line. We are all here pulling for you & we have all been through this battle one way or another. Remember you are not alone Irish! We are all here for you!

D Lewis

Irishgypsie said:

Though there are many!!!!
Though there are many concerns that I have post treatment; the one that seems to be waying on me the most lately; is that people expect things to be one and done. What i mean is I can already tell that some of my so-called friends are getting tired and just want the treatments to be done so they can move on with there summer. Also, my boss called last week and he was like so when can you come back to work the treatments are about to end right. I think people don't take into consideration the physical and mental beating your body takes. Don't get me wrong I want to heal and move on with my life just as much as the next guy. But there are still a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sorting out. I think this has a high potential of causing some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need some counseling when treatments are done as far as moving on with my life. Like a said I have compared this as being a POW in a cancer camp and getting unbelievable torcher!! I just hope my true friends understand this!!!

Charles

Physical Therapy
Charles,

Ask your oncologist to prescribe Physical Therapy, for the lost of motion and muscle tone in your neck and shoulders. I found that I really needed it. Also, it allows you to tell your boss that you will be free to return to work when you have completed the prescribed course of PT. :-)

Deb

debbiejeanne

Irishgypsie said:

Though there are many!!!!
Though there are many concerns that I have post treatment; the one that seems to be waying on me the most lately; is that people expect things to be one and done. What i mean is I can already tell that some of my so-called friends are getting tired and just want the treatments to be done so they can move on with there summer. Also, my boss called last week and he was like so when can you come back to work the treatments are about to end right. I think people don't take into consideration the physical and mental beating your body takes. Don't get me wrong I want to heal and move on with my life just as much as the next guy. But there are still a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sorting out. I think this has a high potential of causing some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need some counseling when treatments are done as far as moving on with my life. Like a said I have compared this as being a POW in a cancer camp and getting unbelievable torcher!! I just hope my true friends understand this!!!

Charles

Charles, you are so right
Charles, you are so right about what people think and expect from us. I personally feel that recovery is the hardest stage. My family felt as you described, the trmnts are done so I should be back to normal. Well, it has now been 9 months since my last treatment and I'm still not back to normal. I am still have a few problems. I can deal with the problems, I just wish our friends and family understood that we're not back to normal and probably never will be back to the norm they knew. I wish they could also understand that we are just starting a new phase in our battle, that this one may be even harder to deal with b/c we don't really have any answers. How long before I can taste, how long before my mouth has moister, how long before I can swallow food, how long before new side effects show up, etc. I'm sorry you are going thru this and that only people who have walked our same path can truly understand what your body is going thru, not to mention the emotional problems. Come here when you need understanding as we KNOW what you are going thru. Hang tough, you're almost done with the treatments and on your way to recovery. Yes, it will be hard but after what you've been thru, you CAN it. We will all be hear cheering for you and encouraging you to stay strong. Take care, Charles, you will be in my prayers.
God Bless you,
debbie

staceya

debbiejeanne said:

Charles, you are so right
Charles, you are so right about what people think and expect from us. I personally feel that recovery is the hardest stage. My family felt as you described, the trmnts are done so I should be back to normal. Well, it has now been 9 months since my last treatment and I'm still not back to normal. I am still have a few problems. I can deal with the problems, I just wish our friends and family understood that we're not back to normal and probably never will be back to the norm they knew. I wish they could also understand that we are just starting a new phase in our battle, that this one may be even harder to deal with b/c we don't really have any answers. How long before I can taste, how long before my mouth has moister, how long before I can swallow food, how long before new side effects show up, etc. I'm sorry you are going thru this and that only people who have walked our same path can truly understand what your body is going thru, not to mention the emotional problems. Come here when you need understanding as we KNOW what you are going thru. Hang tough, you're almost done with the treatments and on your way to recovery. Yes, it will be hard but after what you've been thru, you CAN it. We will all be hear cheering for you and encouraging you to stay strong. Take care, Charles, you will be in my prayers.
God Bless you,
debbie

Charles.....We have been extruded......
I think we all feel similar and you can't really get it unless you've been through it.

I liken the feeling to the play dough fun factory
(see my profile px)

We probably all (well at least my age folks..) played with one..

You take the playdough, put it in the machine, choose your shape and presto..you come out the other side, quite a bit different than the way you came in..
Plus I felt pretty green and squishy as well..

Please take no offense, it is the only comparison that came to mind as of late..

I am hoping eventually (I finished March 9 and am feeling about 75% like me) I will be all back to my new normal.

Good Luck
Stacey

Skiffin16

staceya said:

Charles.....We have been extruded......
I think we all feel similar and you can't really get it unless you've been through it.

I liken the feeling to the play dough fun factory
(see my profile px)

We probably all (well at least my age folks..) played with one..

You take the playdough, put it in the machine, choose your shape and presto..you come out the other side, quite a bit different than the way you came in..
Plus I felt pretty green and squishy as well..

Please take no offense, it is the only comparison that came to mind as of late..

I am hoping eventually (I finished March 9 and am feeling about 75% like me) I will be all back to my new normal.

Good Luck
Stacey

You Will
It just takes time, and it's a long slow process, but a learnig one.

Glenna M

Irishgypsie said:

Though there are many!!!!
Though there are many concerns that I have post treatment; the one that seems to be waying on me the most lately; is that people expect things to be one and done. What i mean is I can already tell that some of my so-called friends are getting tired and just want the treatments to be done so they can move on with there summer. Also, my boss called last week and he was like so when can you come back to work the treatments are about to end right. I think people don't take into consideration the physical and mental beating your body takes. Don't get me wrong I want to heal and move on with my life just as much as the next guy. But there are still a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sorting out. I think this has a high potential of causing some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need some counseling when treatments are done as far as moving on with my life. Like a said I have compared this as being a POW in a cancer camp and getting unbelievable torcher!! I just hope my true friends understand this!!!

Charles

I understand...
I completely understand when you say that your friends feel that when treatment is done we are automatically back to our own selves again. Yes, we don't go for chemo or rads anymore but we are far from being ourselves again. I have a friend who was previously my boss and he is the only one who completely understands what I have gone through (and am still going through) because he has gone through everything I have experienced when he underwent cancer treatments 2 years ago. We both agree that only cancer survivors understand and there is no way we can explain it to others, they will never get it unless they experience it themselves.

Hang in there, I am 8 months post treatment for lung cancer and 9 months post treatment for laryngeal cancer, and I still have "issues". I'm doing great and am in remission (for both cancers) but I still am not myself physically, mentally or emotionally. I may never be but I am not going to complain about the "new me" as I am still alive and very thankful.

You will get through this, we all have, it will just take time.

Stay strong,
Glenna