Headed into Week 6

Kari2007
Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I'm headed into week 6 of treatments today and things have definitely taken a turn for the more difficult. The skin on my neck looks awful - dark brownish red in spots and starting to peel. Very sensitive to the touch. I had a lot of throat pain with swallowing yesterday, but managed to get some relief with extra strength Tylenol. Yesterday morning I was feeling pretty discouraged, but after a good cry and a pep talk from my husband, I managed to have a decent day visiting with friends and even doing some light gardening. 

I keep repeating to myself "this is only temporary," but sometimes it just feels so overwhelming. I had a horrible dream last night about being trapped and it makes sense in the light of day as that's how I feel sometimes. Still, I try to remain positive, if only for the sake of my sweet daughter. It will get better, but man, this treatment really sucks. 

Kari

Comments

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    #2
    Yes, it's rough. I just

    Yes, it's rough. I just completed 30 days post treatment and starting to turn the corner. Be prepared. The first 3 weeks after treatment are the toughest. It does get better and the time went quick for me. Good luck.

  • Kari2007
    Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
    #3
    stevenpepe said:

    Yes, it's rough. I just

    Yes, it's rough. I just completed 30 days post treatment and starting to turn the corner. Be prepared. The first 3 weeks after treatment are the toughest. It does get better and the time went quick for me. Good luck.

    Good to hear from you!

    I've been wondering how you're doing and it's good to hear that it's getting better. What was rough about those first few weeks? Fatigue? Pain? 

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    edited August 2016 #4
    Kari2007 said:

    Good to hear from you!

    I've been wondering how you're doing and it's good to hear that it's getting better. What was rough about those first few weeks? Fatigue? Pain? 

    I will post a new topic today

    I will post a new topic today.

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #5
    Kari

    Silvadene cream was great for the raw, weepy burns that my husband had. It is a prescription.

    Also, don't be afraid to ask for pain medication.  Everyone is different, so we all have different tolerances to paiin and reactions to the treatment. But when you are in severe pain it actually inhibits your treatment and recovery.

    Hang in there and take it step by step. It does get better!

    Barbara

  • Bart T
    Bart T Member Posts: 62 Member
    edited August 2016 #6
    Amen to “this treatment really sucks”.

    Amen to “this treatment really sucks”. Sounds like you’ve got a good handle on things. So many people on this board talk about how rough it is and how it will get better, and for good reason – it’s true. Hang tough and you will soon have this in your rear view mirror and go back to a reasonably normal self.

     As to the neck - after being red and irritated for about two weeks, at about week five or six, the skin on my neck blistered over and peeled open and was oozing, just as if it were burnt with flames. Use whatever works for burns. For me it was a combination of Aquaphor and a prescription version of A&D ointment. And believe it or not, my neck did eventually heal to the point that you would really have to look close to see signs of scars from either the radiation or the incision for the lymph node removal. Good luck. Our thoughts are with you. 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #7
    week 6

    Kari,

    Week 6 is no match for you.

    Neck burn was my most painful side effect.  The silver sulfadiazine cream was my cherished friend.  It is not for everyone, but it took away all my pain and made me a convert.

    I had one weird experience during rads.  Normally, I listened to rock-n-roll oldies, but somehow I got plugged into some “new age” music.  I don’t know if you have ever seen the movie Soylent Green, but it felt like I was in the death scene of that movie, but back to you. 

    Yes, stay positive and tell your husband to keep up those pep talks.

    Matt

  • Kari2007
    Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
    #8
    CivilMatt said:

    week 6

    Kari,

    Week 6 is no match for you.

    Neck burn was my most painful side effect.  The silver sulfadiazine cream was my cherished friend.  It is not for everyone, but it took away all my pain and made me a convert.

    I had one weird experience during rads.  Normally, I listened to rock-n-roll oldies, but somehow I got plugged into some “new age” music.  I don’t know if you have ever seen the movie Soylent Green, but it felt like I was in the death scene of that movie, but back to you. 

    Yes, stay positive and tell your husband to keep up those pep talks.

    Matt

    You crack me up

    Matt, your posts always put a smile on my face! I've been listening to these Tibetan Singing Bowls music on my meditation app. It's actually a really great app, if you're into meditation. It's called Insight Timer and has all sorts of different meditations or even just plain "new age" like music. I find it very calming. 

    Kari

  • Gypsy28
    Gypsy28 Member Posts: 69
    #9
    Hi Kari

    You are right behind me in treatment. Your effects are almost exact to mine. I just finished today and Im amazed that I didn't quit. If I can do it you can too. I'm rooting for you.  Hang in there.

  • Kari2007
    Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2016 #10
    Gypsy28 said:

    Hi Kari

    You are right behind me in treatment. Your effects are almost exact to mine. I just finished today and Im amazed that I didn't quit. If I can do it you can too. I'm rooting for you.  Hang in there.

    Thanks

    Im hanging on by my fingernails it seems at times. I look to the strength you and so many others have that pushed you through to the end.

    Kari

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #11
    Thumbs Up

    Hi Kari,  your doing great.....keep it up. You have strength. You CAN do this!  Finish line.....straight ahead.

    Hugs, Lisa

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