Last day of radiation

While he will more than likely be much better than he is now, he's going to be far for recovered in three months.

Where he is right now, is more than likely where he is going to be for a few weeks, as even though he is finished... The rads will still be hitting him for a few weeks even after they are done.

I would first address the MD with his weight loss, and not swallowing anything. He either has to take in hydration and calories by mouth and using meds if needed to numb up..., or might need to ask about the PEG (feeding tube). Yes he is finished, but with a few more weeks of getting hammered, and already losing 7# in a few days.. He's going to get into trouble quickly... Address it now upfront, before later when he's even further in trouble.

Anyways, to me..those are a few immediate concerns I would ask about...

Thoughts and Prayers

John

cureitall66 said:

Swallowing....

He has to swallow...that is so important. I know it's hard. But, if he doesn't use it, he could lose it. He needs to get his nutrition and keep hyrdrated. Does he have a PEG tube? Be sure he drinks things like Boost or Ensure to get his calories. But, he must, must stay hydrated. If you don't already have a script for Magic Mouthwash, I would recommend you get a script from the Dr. This will help him to have some temporary relief/numbness while he grabs some liquid nutrition and water. he could also do regular rinses of baking soda/salt/warm water. Tell him this is temporary....it's a small price to pay to get rid of the beast.

The mucus can get difficult to deal with from time to time. Mucinex is what some used. We got a suction machine that helped greatly to get this stuff out. The machine is available at a medical supply and is covered under most insurances for rental.

This is the toughest time....at the end and for the next few weeks. It will seem like the worst, but it will come to an end. In the meantime, make him comfortable and encourage the drinking!!!

~C

One has to experience it to know what he is going through- have plenty of ensure on hand and make sure somehow he gets it down every day- that's his job at least 1500 calories a day - also protein is crucial for recovery- at the end of treatment I was drinking chicken broth with an egg in it- sometimes with pastina- everything is hard going down at this point so have patience with him and encourage him to drink- even water was difficult at the end of my treatment- make sure to keep the nutritionist involved- good luck

I know, easier said than done but it's crucial. Watch the magic mouthwash because it will numb the entire mouth! At least it did for me. It felt like i had a shots of novacaine all through my mouth for about an hour or two. You can easily bite your tongue/cheek and not know it.

So, liquid drink is essential since solids are out. At the least, try water with protein drink mix. It comes in different flavor packs. I tried lemon and it worked. 20 grams of protein in one packet is better than nothing. Then there's the ensure, boost, muscle milk and so forth. If he can, try egg drop soup. Easy to make at home and leave out the corn starch so it's nice and thin to get down.

All the best, prayers to you!

Alan