5 more and done!

RottiesMom
RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Next Tuesday I'll be ringing that bell loud and clear after 7 weeks of rads.  I have totally lost my voice and now using liquid pain medication in addition to the magic mouthwash and gabapetin. A lot of mucus...have vomited a few times because of it.  I am still swallowing and haven't had to use my peg tube yet.  The skin around my neck isn't too bad....looks like I have tan/sunburn.  I've been using lotion on it.  I am just drinking shakes and ensure.  My 3rd and last chemo (cisplatin ) was last Tuesday and really knocked me out...nausea, fatigue was really bad.  I did go for iv infusions of liquids and anti nausea meds for 2 days following the chemo.  I'm still on both Phenergan and zofran.  But...I haven't lost my hair from the chemo!!!  I am so grateful for that!!  I had hoped to be ringing that bell with Kari, but my machine was down one day last week due to power outages and so my last day was moved back! 

Joanne 

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    edited August 2016 #2
    2 more

    Joanne,

    Don’t say a word, you are doing everything correct and will coast to the end with discomfort, pain, silence, nausea and deep neck tan, what more could a H&N solider ask for.  Your accomplishments have been swallowed a little at a time.

    All most there.

    Matt

  • Fritz
    Fritz Member Posts: 106
    #3
    Congrats!

    Joanne:

    Congrats on reaching the final leg of this miserable journey. Sounds remarkably like my own with voice and the need for hydration that last week after the last Chemo infusion. That Cisplatin is pure poison!!!  Anyway, I wish you the best during your last week of rads.  Soon, you will be healing and working towards that "new normal" like the rest of us.

    Freddie

  • Kari2007
    Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
    #4
    We're all rooting for you!

    I'm here in your corner cheering you on! I know you haven't used your tube yet, but it's a great way to get in extra fluids, if you need them. I got a lovely certificate yesterday signed by all my nurses when I finished my last round of chemo. I got a nice pile of medications by my bed and had to make a chart so I won't forget to take which pill and when. It's one crazy ride we're on! 

    Kari

    P.S. I'll give an extra loud ring for you on Monday!

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    #5
    Kari2007 said:

    We're all rooting for you!

    I'm here in your corner cheering you on! I know you haven't used your tube yet, but it's a great way to get in extra fluids, if you need them. I got a lovely certificate yesterday signed by all my nurses when I finished my last round of chemo. I got a nice pile of medications by my bed and had to make a chart so I won't forget to take which pill and when. It's one crazy ride we're on! 

    Kari

    P.S. I'll give an extra loud ring for you on Monday!

    I hear you

    I hear you about the pills!  I was on no medication (except for my estrodiol patch) before treatment.  I had to make a chart too!  How are you feeling after your last chemo?  I will be giving you a ring as well on Tuesday!

    Joanne

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    #6
    Thank you

    Thanks all for your encouragement and support.  Tonight not feeling all that great...tired, nauseous, mouth and throat burning.  I might just do that Kari and use the tube for extra fluid. Again thanks, you guys are the best!

    Joanne

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #7
    Joanne

    you're doing awesome! The finish line is in sight and we'll all be cheering when you cross it. Go on and celebrate and give yourself time to feel better. The first week or two after treatment will still be a battle. But you've got this!

    Barbara

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2016 #8
    Barbaraek said:

    Joanne

    you're doing awesome! The finish line is in sight and we'll all be cheering when you cross it. Go on and celebrate and give yourself time to feel better. The first week or two after treatment will still be a battle. But you've got this!

    Barbara

    Thank you Barbara!

    Thank you Barbara!

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    #9
    Rottiesmom, the end is in

    Rottiesmom, the end is in sight.  Sounds like a rough ride, but soon it will be over. How is your hearing?

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2016 #10
    Hearing

    So far, so good...I haven't had a hearing test after my 3rd cisplatin, but I am not having any trouble.  I see my chemo dr Aug 20.  How are you doing Lise?

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #11
    Joanne

    Youve got this and have made it through like a trooper.  Ring that Bell with Pride !    Hugs, Lisa

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    #12
    Hi Lisa!

    Now just 2 to go!  Thank you for your support through this - hugs back at ya !

    Joanne

     

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