What to expect now

I thought I would not lose much weight.  I was wrong about that.  I am normally a vegetarian.  I did eat meat before I started radiation and glad I did.  I think it was mostly phycological, but whatever works.  My doc said the week after the last week of radiation would be the worst, made no sense to me, but he was right.  Yep there were some hard times, but all worth it for sure.  Hanging around others who made it though was a big help.  I had a friend who breezed right though no problems and another who had a hard time, both were a big help to me.  The advice to keep eating and drinking no matter what is good advice.  You will get though this and your outcome sounds very very promising.

Dave705 said:

Thanks so much for your info.

Thanks so much for your info. Will keep my spirits up that it may not be as worse as tonsil remoVal.

Hi Dave705, did you get a diagnosis?  Over 90% of members here had SCC.  I had MEC instead.  Not as bad as SCC but as painful as yours because they removed a large tumor from the base of my tongue.  The pain was the worst ever.  Pain meds did nothing and I even doubled up.  It took a few months until the pain was low enough to swallow w/o slapping my leg repeatedly.  Doc said it was the same for those who get their tonsils removed like you did.

My neck dissection was a piece of cake compared to my tongue.  Only have a numb neck but no pain.  Rads haven't done too much damage yet either so maybe you'll be spared too.

Heal well.

Dave705 said:

Thanks

Thanks for the info. My diagnosis was tonsil cancer. Since they removed the tumor from my tight tonsil, this will be a cleanup as I had clear margins. Only radiation on right side, but still probably won't be a picnic. Thanks for the kind words. May 4 is when I start.

It almost sounds like you and I had the same thing.  No chemo for me, just rads.  It was also my right side.  The rads aren't too bad with the exception of the gunk in the throat and sunburnt neck.  Still, not too nasty.  You'll come through with flying colors.

Dave705 said:

How is he doing?

Was wondering how your husband is doing. Has he started his treatments yet? My first is May 4th. Hope he his doing well

My husband had his first radiation, and first Cisplatin this past Wednesday. As far as the radiation, he did great! No claustrophobia, but the chemo has been more challenging than I think we were prepared for. He hasn’t gotten sick, but just feels like he was run over by a Mack truck. He has slept so much! I’ve really had to stay on top of waking him up to eat and drink enough. This afternoon has been a bit better, so I’m thankful for that. If I remember correctly, you are receiving radiation, no chemo? I’m happy for you, at least, for that victory! The waiting to get started is difficult, isn’t it? My husband just wanted to get going, to be done! Stay in touch, and let us know how you’re doing! Will be thinking of you....

Dave705 said:

Thanks

Thank you so much for the wishes. My radiation doctor has told me of long term side effects, mostly dry mouth. looking forward to June, as that is when my treatments will be over.

We also are looking forward to June!!! Good luck! It will go fast, hopefully. 

When I was going though it I looked at each day as more cancer gone and that was true.  Keep going it is well worth it and there is the other side.

Dave- only 2 spots is a very good thing. They might zap from different angles, but still just 2 spots would seem to be minimal Rads. I was unknown Primary so they zapped me in 20 places/session, but I think more typical is around 10 when the Primary site(s) is known. I would not worry about the Rads you're getting, Dave= good news.