skin discoloration

KTeacher said:

Normal

Discolored skin in the radiation field is normal.  I used Aquaphor after treatment, Phrannie used Calendula cream some use Aloe Vera.  Ask the techs.  Mine gave me some cream to use.  Keep an eye on it, you don't want it to get too red or open, then you would need a prescription for Silvadine.  Yes, hair falls out in radiation area also, it does come back.  My scalp also itched, nothing I could do for that.  Weight loss, try to get calories in.  Smoothies were what I lived on, my husband added protein powder.

RK, just had 11 of 33 so literally behind you. Only slight sore far. Hope I tough it out as well as you. What are they giving you for pain? Are you still eating? Good Luck, G

my hunny has 3 left..the dr told him to get something called alkalol ..its over the counter from the pharmacy..helped ALOT with the mucus and the mouth sores...good luck and hang in there...

RK,

You're driving right down the fairway. Everything you describe is normal. The discoloration is likely the "sunburn" and will peel so as others say use Aquaphor and Silver Silvadene if it opens up. I'm assuming you mean your neck. If the discoloration is on your face, have the rads folks take a look. Generally it shows up on the neck.

You have to drink plenty of water, at least 40 oz min. I counted coffee but I think that is cheating. Dehydration did catch me once and sent me to emergency. After that I made a weekly stop at infusion for some saline, insurance plan which worked. Plus it feels damn good. Amazing what a litre of saline does for the body.

Hang in there, you're doing great! Don

KTeacher said:

Alkalol

How are you using the Alkalol?  I add it to the saline solution for a sinus rinse.

he rinse and spits it...diluted to 5 mil of alkaol and 10 ml of water

RK, 24 of 38 - getting there and closing in on the finish line.   I know it's starting to get tougher now and will be for the next 4-5 weeks or so (a couple of weeks after you finish) but you will start to feel better slowly but surely once you finish.    It sounds like exactly what I had as far as the discoloration, and towards the end it was more of a burn - but that too will heal and now the side of my neck feels like a baby's behind all soft and smooth!   

My hair fell out where the radiation hit the back of my hairline but it grew back.   The right side of my face and neck still doen't have much hair to shave so with my electric razor I can shave in just a couple of minutes as really only one cheek to shave.   Think of all the time you will save in the mornings when you're back at full speed only having to shave one cheek:)

I know it's getting tougher but try and dig deep to find and keep that good attitude and know that this will all be over by the end of May so you're truly on the downhill slide now and getting close.   I agree with Don on the dehydration as I had to go get saline in the infusion area two times and it's amazing how quick it works and how much better you feel , but the best advice is don't get there as when you're dehydrated you feel like crap, almost like a really bad hangover.   I had a feeding tube and still lost 30 pounds but here I am 10 months post treatment and have put all the weight back on but my waist is 2 inches smaller so now I'm trying to stay in all those new pants I bought.   Eat what you can, drink protein drinks or Ensure Plus to get calories and protein and stay hydrated.  You are almost there.

I know you feel like crap, it will probably get a little worse before it gets better, but keep that smile you have in the picture and every day you go for radiation is one more down and one less to go.   Good luck these next few weeks and it sounds like you're really doing well considering what they are throwing at you every day.

Keith