Almost done with Radiation

Sheilarhc
Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Back in January I did a posting asking for advice because I was "Scared of Radiation".
I had a rare tumor removed from my left cheek and needed 33 sessions of radiation to the left side of my face. So many of you responded and I have a few people that have really helped me get through this. First, I want to say thank you. It was comforting to know that I wasn't alone in my struggle. Now that I am in my last leg of treatment....one week to go. I am anxious to feel better. My biggest problem with rads is that I seem to struggle with THRUSH. I am battling my second round and the doctors are confused as to why it's back. I have been on antibiotics since the first outbreak. Thrush is bad....it's really making things harder on me. I have lost 20 pounds since starting rads and never needed a feeding tube. They threatened me with it all the time but never had to have it. Just lots of IV fluids. My hair is really falling out (oh well)but I really miss my taste buds. I keep hoping they will come back the day after I stop treatments. Lots of soars in my nose. I guess the normal stuff. Soon I will be able to put this behind me and move on. Thank you and I will keep everyone in my prayers. This web site and the people on it have helped me more than I can ever express....

Comments

  • vinny59
    vinny59 Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #2
    Hi, I had 33 sessions of radiation and chemo,I finished about four weeks ago, what really helped me with THRUSH was gargling with a warm solution of salt and baking soda every hour ( one teaspoon of each). It was a pain to due but the THRUSH never had a chance to get out of control. Also are you taking Miles Solution its also called miracle mouth wash?
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #3
    vinny59 said:

    Hi, I had 33 sessions of radiation and chemo,I finished about four weeks ago, what really helped me with THRUSH was gargling with a warm solution of salt and baking soda every hour ( one teaspoon of each). It was a pain to due but the THRUSH never had a chance to get out of control. Also are you taking Miles Solution its also called miracle mouth wash?

    Vinny, I will try the salt and baking soda. I have never heard of Miles Solution or miracle mouth wash. Where do I get it?
    Now that you're 4 weeks out, how do you feel?
    I'm dying to know when I will feel better.
    Did you get your taste buds back yet? Thank you for the advice. Take Care....
  • vinny59
    vinny59 Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #4
    Sheilarhc said:

    Vinny, I will try the salt and baking soda. I have never heard of Miles Solution or miracle mouth wash. Where do I get it?
    Now that you're 4 weeks out, how do you feel?
    I'm dying to know when I will feel better.
    Did you get your taste buds back yet? Thank you for the advice. Take Care....

    Hi, Miles Solution is by prescription.This actually nums the throat, although its only last a few hours it does give some relief.I feel much better then I did a week ago. The chemo, more then the radiation kept me down. I still get light headed because of my low blood counts. You sound just like I do, about when we will feel better. From what I heard everyone is different. I finally loss the horrible metallic taste when I ate food, but my taste buds are still not there. On the bright side, certain foods such as fish ( shrimp, tuna, crab)taste better then other foods. Its frustrating I know but its going to take time. Keep the positive attitude!! Talk to you soon..... Vinny
  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    #5
    Hey Sheilar,
    I'm so glad to hear you are almost at the end of your treatment! Once it is finished, little by little everything is going to be better. I'm sorry about the thrush; I didn't have it so I cannot help you with that. I lost weight too but it wasn't so bad for me because I had gained a lot before radiation, I was on steroids. I lost hair but it came back and yours will come back too. Taste buds will come back after treatment but not the day after, it will happen little by little. The best things is that after you heal, you'll be able to put it behind you and hopefully will never have to go through it again. I am also very happy to hear that you are ready to move on.
    You are still in my prayers and I hope you'll have a fast and complete recovery.
    All the best,
    TereB
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #6
    vinny59 said:

    Hi, Miles Solution is by prescription.This actually nums the throat, although its only last a few hours it does give some relief.I feel much better then I did a week ago. The chemo, more then the radiation kept me down. I still get light headed because of my low blood counts. You sound just like I do, about when we will feel better. From what I heard everyone is different. I finally loss the horrible metallic taste when I ate food, but my taste buds are still not there. On the bright side, certain foods such as fish ( shrimp, tuna, crab)taste better then other foods. Its frustrating I know but its going to take time. Keep the positive attitude!! Talk to you soon..... Vinny

    Vinny, I am going to ask my doctor for the script. Either way I figure the thrush will go away as soon as I stop treatments. Thanks again for the advice. Stay strong and I am happy that you are on the road to recovery....good for you!
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #7
    TereB said:

    Hey Sheilar,
    I'm so glad to hear you are almost at the end of your treatment! Once it is finished, little by little everything is going to be better. I'm sorry about the thrush; I didn't have it so I cannot help you with that. I lost weight too but it wasn't so bad for me because I had gained a lot before radiation, I was on steroids. I lost hair but it came back and yours will come back too. Taste buds will come back after treatment but not the day after, it will happen little by little. The best things is that after you heal, you'll be able to put it behind you and hopefully will never have to go through it again. I am also very happy to hear that you are ready to move on.
    You are still in my prayers and I hope you'll have a fast and complete recovery.
    All the best,
    TereB

    TereB,
    My friend, you helped me so much before I started treatments. I was so scared and alittle lost and you helped calm me and guide me. I thank you so much for that. At my lowest moments I went back and read what you wrote me.....it helped. Although I know it will take time to heal I am happy that the hill I'm about to climb is the one to recovery. I was so afraid to take this journey and I have to say it was much harder than I imagened. I have shed a lot of tears and a had a few moments of regret but now I regret nothing. I am stronger than I thought and just completing this empowers me. I do attend to take back my life and live better. I want to be there for people, I want to enjoy every moment, and I want to appriciate what I have. If you remember I was afraid this whole experience would change me, but I'm still the smae person I just see more. My eyes are open wide and I am grateful to be alive. No one should suffer alone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've done more for me that you'll ever know.
    God Bless You
    Sheila
  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    #8
    Sheilarhc said:

    TereB,
    My friend, you helped me so much before I started treatments. I was so scared and alittle lost and you helped calm me and guide me. I thank you so much for that. At my lowest moments I went back and read what you wrote me.....it helped. Although I know it will take time to heal I am happy that the hill I'm about to climb is the one to recovery. I was so afraid to take this journey and I have to say it was much harder than I imagened. I have shed a lot of tears and a had a few moments of regret but now I regret nothing. I am stronger than I thought and just completing this empowers me. I do attend to take back my life and live better. I want to be there for people, I want to enjoy every moment, and I want to appriciate what I have. If you remember I was afraid this whole experience would change me, but I'm still the smae person I just see more. My eyes are open wide and I am grateful to be alive. No one should suffer alone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've done more for me that you'll ever know.
    God Bless You
    Sheila

    Hey SHeila,

    Thank you for your beautiful message, it made my day and I feel great knowing I was able to help you.

    Most of all, I am very, very happy to hear not just that you are already climbing the hill to recovery but that you found that you really are strong and that you are ready to take back your life and enjoy every moment!!

    All the best to you,
    God Bless
    and a big (((hug)))
    TereB
  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    #9
    TereB said:

    Hey SHeila,

    Thank you for your beautiful message, it made my day and I feel great knowing I was able to help you.

    Most of all, I am very, very happy to hear not just that you are already climbing the hill to recovery but that you found that you really are strong and that you are ready to take back your life and enjoy every moment!!

    All the best to you,
    God Bless
    and a big (((hug)))
    TereB

    Hey Sheila,
    Are you familiar with The Cancer Crusade? Check out their website www.thecancercrusade.com They send weekly affirmations that are great. This was made by Roger and Cathy, cancer survivors. You can also see there the Survivor's Movie.
    TereB
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #10
    TereB said:

    Hey Sheila,
    Are you familiar with The Cancer Crusade? Check out their website www.thecancercrusade.com They send weekly affirmations that are great. This was made by Roger and Cathy, cancer survivors. You can also see there the Survivor's Movie.
    TereB

    Tere,
    No, I'm not familiar with them but I will check out the web site.

    Thanks
    Sheila
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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