Near the End - What Worked For Us

6Cyn
6Cyn Member Posts: 29
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone.

This site has been great for us and we appreciate all the advice and inspiration. My husband is near the end - last chemo this week and 2 more rad treatments next week (total of 35). It really has gone by fast.

While everyone is different - here are some things that helped him through.

1. Acupuncture - hard to say what it would have been without it but insurance paid and he had very little nausea with chemo, still has some taste and in general, on the days he had acupunture he felt good - less anxiety and slept better. There is more and more research showing that is helps with saliva and ability to swallow after treatment ends. Check it out!

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/698-acupuncturechemoradiationyangming

2. Calendula Cream for radiation burns - his skin looks great!  I rubbed this on several times a day and did nightly extended massages - the chemo nurse couldn't believe how good his skin looks.

 

3. Prevention - an oncology mouth wash. Suggested to us by another chemo patient - it has become his favorite. 

 

4. Feeding Tube - like many say - is wonderful when you can't eat any more. We took cans with us on the chemo days and put food in with gravity bags so he wouldn't go too long without food.

 

He is definitley one day and sometimes one moment at a time but we see an end in sight so will all of you. I especially want to encourage all of you that are new to this site. Like so many have said - you can do it!

 

Our best to all!

 

Cynthia

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    getting close

    Cynthia,

    You sound like two scientists working the H&N problems in unique ways and with great success.  I applaud your initiative and give “way to go credit” to anything which can soften this journey.

    Sounds like you are coming in for a smooth landing, but stay buckled in till the ride has stopped.

    Good luck, good report.

    Matt

  • spector551
    spector551 Member Posts: 109
    #3
    Thanks!

    Can you please tell us which brand of Calendula Cream you used?

     

    God bless,

    Jamie

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    spector551 said:

    Thanks!

    Can you please tell us which brand of Calendula Cream you used?

     

    God bless,

    Jamie

    I don't know what brand

    Cyn used....hell, I can't remember the actual brand I used....but I remember I chose the type that is used for diaper rash in babies....I got it at the health food store, and used it as Cyn's husband did, several times a day.  Actually, I'd put on Aloe 99 first....let it dry....and then slather on Calendula cream.  I used it instead of Aquafor because I couldn't stand how greasy it was.  I faired well on the neck skin, too....

    p

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #5
    Cynthia, I'm so glad the tx's

    Cynthia, I'm so glad the tx's are almost done!!  Very happy that your hubby seems to being doing ok thru them too!  It is very encouraging for the newbies here to hear success stories.  Thank you for sharing.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • 6Cyn
    6Cyn Member Posts: 29
    #6
    spector551 said:

    Thanks!

    Can you please tell us which brand of Calendula Cream you used?

     

    God bless,

    Jamie

    Hello Jamie,
     
    It is a cream

    Hello Jamie,

     

    It is a cream that we got at the radiation place. It is for burns and first aid. IT is made by a company named Boiron.

    Here is the website: http://www.boironusa.com/products/calendula-cream/

     

    Good Luck to You!

     

    Cynthia

  • spector551
    spector551 Member Posts: 109
    #7
    6Cyn said:

    Hello Jamie,
     
    It is a cream

    Hello Jamie,

     

    It is a cream that we got at the radiation place. It is for burns and first aid. IT is made by a company named Boiron.

    Here is the website: http://www.boironusa.com/products/calendula-cream/

     

    Good Luck to You!

     

    Cynthia

    Thanks!
     
    God bless,
    Jamie

    Thanks!

     

    God bless,

    Jamie

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