Countdown

Shell,

H&N 101, be prepared!

Usually the first 3 weeks are easier that the last 4 weeks.  First off take anti-nausea meds for chemo  before you feel sick and start drinking water and swallowing often.

Not everyone gets neck burn (I did).  There are things to do if it happens.  It usually happens around week 6 or 7.

Matt

Shell_7801 said:

Recliner: check

Music: check

I'm glad to hear the worst may not occur until a few weeks in.  That new grandbaby is coming any day so I have things to do!!

 

Thanks Matt

I used the cream they gave me at the hospital (Medline) every day after radiation without fail, and I had minimal burning despite having super fair skin. You can also use pure aloe gel (just make sure it doesn't have alcohol). 

I had trouble sleeping during the time I was being treated. I think it was mostly from anxiety, I suspect. I found earplugs help and I also found relaxation tapes a big help (although not at the same time, obviously). The Andrew Johnson ones were especially great. They taught me to relax at will, which helped during radiation and also when trying to sleep. 

Hope it helps!

phrannie51 said:

Sounds to me like you're

pretty darn prepared.....just remember that you don't start treatment one day, and have all the side effects the next.  It's very gradual, especially the first 2 1/2 to 3 weeks....so you only deal with something a little new every couple of days.  I remember the day my taste buds kicked out....water tasted fine when I got up....by 11:00 am, things were tasting salty.  Within two days I was used to it...weird how fast we can adjust. 

Showering felt good to my neck.....showering felt good period .  My neck didn't get crusty till about the 5th week, and the rad machine broke down....I ended up with 5 days off of radiation, and my neck healed up enough to keep on going.  My skin didn't get all that bad really, at all.  Used no wraps, and tho I bought 2 huge things of Aquafor, I ended up using Calendula cream (per Rad doc), and Aloe 99 together after radiation everyday.  I did spend some nights in my recliner, but that was after rads were over, and I was getting adjuvant chemo.....I could lean on my fist to keep my mouth closed when I breathed. 

Ice may help your veins after you've been poked....but the days you have chemo, get warm and stay warm....warm veins stand up better (I watched the Oncology nurses use hot packs on people to get those veins up where they could see them).  Those nurses in Oncology are champions at finding veins and doing little damage.  This is a place where practice obviously led to perfect! LOL. 

Eat, eat, eat!!!  Especially now while food still tastes good.....drink drink drink....and triple that on chemo days to flush it out of your system. 

We're always here....

p 

Shell, reading/music/videos etc. Transport.Be careful using own meds and how they match with those you are given.Good Luck mate.

As most have mentioned it usually takes time before the skin gets to bad .. Tony used Aveeno was and moistuizer as reccomended by doc. when skin did get a little nasty they prescribed flamazine .. he only need to use that for a week or so they also reccomended salt water wraps ( these did not work for him dried out more)... He is a redhead and skin is quite sensitive but by being dliigent with the Aveeno  i think it helped immensly now 7 weeks after treatment and his skin is normal As for anti nausia meds the drs prescribed all of those.

reccomendation on the ensure make sure its ice cold  ( my hubby didnt like it at all ) i had to create his own high protein High fat shakes....

Ask questions ... try keeping a diary if you have someone who is going to be going through this with you you might ask them to keep a diary of questions to ask and thoughts.. I did this and it helped tons:)

Chemo was the tough one for my hubby he had 3 cysplaitons stayed over night for those I stayed with him.. the first one the dosage was obviously too high he had a rough time for 7-8 days after.. they adjusted the 2nd and 3rd ... .. everyone is different though...

He also had vein issues they put warm towels around his arm for half hour before giving him IV

hydrate... hydrate hydrate !!!!!! as much as possible carry a water bottle with you everywhere!! i couldnt get him to do this and it caused issues..he hydrates now though!!

stay strong ! Keep smiling.. you got those grandbabies to keep you going I know ours was a blessing when we were able to see her:)

one day at a time..xo

donfoo said:

A for effort

Micelle,

As most commented side effects during rads show up after a couple weeks and accumulate onward; the first two weeks is generally a free pass. Then hit "the wall" when side effects show up. Remember, we are all on a unique journey with unique experiences and side effects. Some are common but vary in effect, some we never get, some get different combinations, and so on. You are well informed and prepared, have CSN as a great resource and companion, and are aware of what to expect. 

The weekly chemo is much more tolerable and in my case there was zero side effects I could identify. The rad treatment is very quick, much less time than getting the mask made. 

You're ready to go so relax as much as you can and not overthink and plan for things you can not know.

Good luck

Start fizz (pt in American English?) on that shoulder NOW!

Good luck Shell don't

Good luck Shell don't forget to lsn to some music during the session, it helps a lot.

can feel the positive attitude stay like this.

hugs,

Goyca

Get plastic forks and spoons.  You'll want to avoid using metal utensils. 

Don't eat food out of a can.  I had my husband search for "canned" fruit in a jar - it was harder to find 7 years ago - but now I see it everywhere.

I ate lots of peaches - they just kind of slide down.

For meat, I went to the butcher shop, and asked them about what I could eat when my throat hurts.  He sliced rib-eye steak paper thin. I sauteed it in butter, and it was easy to eat.

Soup is good - but usually from a can - start making and freezing some now if you are up to it.  People from my church made soup and brought it over.  That was so helpful.

Best of luck!

Lorna 2007 & 2014

Get some old tee shirts and cut them around the neck so they won't rub the burns.