Starting week 4 of 7 chemo and radiation treatments update

Sounds like things are going as great as you can hope, as you go through this brutal treatment. My husband finished in June, and sounds like your path is pretty similar to what he experienced. I will say the last couple weeks were obviously the worst, but he does say he felt like around week 4 he hit a plateau as far as how he felt, and just coasted there.....he kept thinking he was going to continue to decline and he didn’t. The biggest challenge to him was chemo....more so than the radiation. ( Although I’m sure it was a cumulative effect of both, but the three or four days after his chemo dose was the worst) . He received IV Hydration twice per week, sometimes three, and I really feel this was huge for him to be able to function. Along with lots and lots of Protein. Awesome about the acupuncture....I have read really good studies as to it’s helpfulnes. It was definitely the “strangeness “ and lack of taste that set in around week three or four that was the challenge for him to maintain calorie intake. That, and nausea for about two days post chemo. 

I also believe in prayer, and know that is where my husband’s strength came from, and know that God will carry you through as well. I will be praying for you for strength. Before you know it, this will be the road BEHIND you! 

Many blessings to you!

Elizabeth

RodgerM said:

That light dose chemo is

That light dose chemo is tolerated better, my first week was okay too got nausea a couple of days and only had to take the xtra med for that once.  I don't  know your dose but I did inquire about my "low dose". They told me I am getting full dose but split up in 7 treatments so to say.  So instead of getting 100% one day and returning in 2-3 weeks I get the low dose version , which doctors are confident about it working as well and better tolerated . yes I get tons of stuff before the chemo bag about 4 -5 hour event.  Chemo just sucks it's depressing at times sitting there getting that posion called medicine . But the doctors  say your on your way to be cured, and that's what's important.  You will get thru this everyone does and time does start to move , were so busy getting treatments. Radation was the scary part with that mask , but I got use to it tho I do still get a little Anxious.
be very proactive use your radiation cream and talk to the doctor about getting some hydration iv's they are very helpful and it makes me think I am flushing out that chemo, and it help you feel better especially over the weekends , I make sure to get one every Friday.   Tho you have a tube do what you can to keep using your swallowing muscles and ask for a Speach therapest now instead of them  ordering it after your done.    Your on your way to a cure and free of cancer stay Strong and it all worth the fight.   Praying for you?. 

Rodger ... great info on the chemo stuff.  Hopefully I am in the same boat as you there.  I'll keep an eye on my hydration as I go, but docs said they are going to as well...and like you, I can get more fluids whenever I need.  I am hoping to get them through my tube, though, as I really do not care for IV insertion ..took them FOUR tries last time and now I am skittish ..never had that before.  On the upside...I have already seen a speech therapist twice and have 2 more scheduled and also a dentist and meeting with a nutritionist as I start Week 3 of rads.  Because of the fine folks on this page and all their info, I was well aware of things to schedule in advance..and thankfully so! You mentioend the cream..I have 2 jars of aquafor coming in this week.  Do you apply your before or after tx, and for how long do you leave it applied before removing?

I am fortunate, so far, with the chemo, as I have plenty to occupy my time since I run a business and am writing a book on retail management .. and am very busy on several social media platforms...so my last visit that took 6 hours felt like 3.  I am fortunate to have these outlets.  And our chairs here in Northwest Arkansas are very comfy and even have a USB charging port!!!  Now if they can jsut get that darned IV in right the first time!  LOL
Thank you and I look forward to staying on top of your progress and side effects since I am about 3 weeks behind you.  At theis point, the rad side effects concern me more than anything else..just having had TORS and a modified radical neck dissection that was TERRIFICALLY painful and am just now really swallowing again, I fret over the esophagus and throat sweling.  Thank you for the info and updates.
Don (Beagledad)

You're going through some of the toughest part of this, and it sounds like you're keeping your spirits up - which is of absolute importance!

The chemo hit me harder than the radiation. Your skin will "sunburn" - but when it's all done, I was amazed at how fast it healed up!

As I mention to everyone, the "taste" challenges are very difficult, for a while. You'll have to keep searching for foods that are ok for you. In the short term, you may need to drink smoothies (my girlfriend's smoothies carried me through)...

All I can tell you, is that in a couple months, you'll be back on your way to normal. It seems like forever, while you're going through it - but at some point, it will all just be memories...

Hang in there, buddy!

mg

RodgerM said:

Thank you Elisabeth,

Thank you Elisabeth,

it does sound very similar, yes I feel chemo is the worse part and I can coast from here then AMEN!  Yes taste is weird more salty then metallic.  I have found cold foods feel good on my throat and focusing on that increase of protein .  Dehydration is a on going battle but those s IV really make a huge difference.  Maybe getting one more would help.  i wish I didn't have to get up so many times in the nite to use the bathroom, I go back to sleep but it's quite a lot of distribance to my sleep , did your husband experience that?

How is your husband doing now post treatments? and you as well? Thank you for your prayers ????  and most of all your feedback , gives me some hope that i could coast from her would be a miracle in itself.  I praying for you and your husband too. 
rodger 

I don’t remember him getting up very much at night. I think his body just used that fluid up, so to speak. He did not have a G Tube, so his body probably needed every drop of extra Hydration. 

My husband is doing so wonderful!! Other than some minor mouth dryness that’s more annoying than anything, and having to keep up with daily stretching exercises ( because his wife will nag him if he doesn’t!!! ), he is pretty well “ back to normal “. Enjoying all foods as before!! I say that, never to boast how lucky we are, but rather to encourage you, and anyone else who is new to this fight, to just hang in there, and have hope that this is doable, and you can and will get through it and enjoy life again !! It seems endless when you’re going through the treatment, but before you know it....it’s behind you!! 

My husband and I were just talking two nights ago, and he made a good observation. He said he thought the time was harder on him, obviously, physically....but emotionally, harder on me. He said he just knew what he had to do to get through it, but I had to watch. I tend to be a worrier ( understatement! Lol), so I still worry about every scan, etc. So far, every scan he has had has been NED!! ( two since end of treatment in June)

Keep up the great work! Thinking of you! 

Another week down. It sounds like you are doing well and eating well yet even though your taste is starting to be affected. It is good to take the pain meds as needed it will help you get through. Don't wait till you are in serious pain though stay ahead of it. It sounds like you are prepared for some tough symptoms of this treatment if they happen. Mental preparation and stay strong attitude will get you through each hour each day each week and you will be done with cancer eradicated and recovery right around the corner. We are here cheering you on and praying for you and even though we can't do it for you we can pray and encourage you and help with any advice we may have. Wishing you the best with prayers-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

RodgerM said:

 Made it thru week 4 and in

 Made it thru week 4 and in the back end now, yeah taste is so strange and I can see why people have a problem wanting to eat.  Seems like fatty foods and carbs are my go to. Love me some toast with American cheese on it.  So I am trying more fatty foods.  Yea the hardest part is upon me , I am hanging on, tho I did start taking some pain killers. No all day, but at nite, helps with sleep and it helped with the Mucus .  It's all very Fluid the symptoms right now so good times and the. Not so much . Evenings and early mornings are the most difficult.

I just happy that I am on the other side, and just going to try to get thru this week. 

Thsnks again for your continued incouramen.

rodger 

Good to hear re:  week 4.  I am starting week 2 Monday.  I se what is coming down my road.  What rad dosage are you getting?  I believe I am getting 65/54gs.

Don (Beagledad)

I'm sending positive thoughts for both of you. It's a rough time, going through treatment.

But - before you know if, you'll be "ringing the bell" (assuming that's how you announce the end of treatment in your facility.

A couple weeks after you finish - you're back on your way back to normal. It seems like it takes forever .... but you WILL look back on it, before you know it.

You both seem like very hardy guys, with positive attitudes - and that will carry you both through!

mg