Just Wondering

Fraidy Scared
Fraidy Scared Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My husband just started rads, 2 down 33 to go, and he has been hiccuping after each rad session. Also, says he is sweating alot, beads of sweat on his head and body is sort of clammy, hot and cold one minute to the next. He has BOT SCCa stage 2. It may seem silly, but I am a worrier, (trying to be a warrior) so is this in the realm of generic side effects of rads? Thanks for your comments and information, it is so helpful.


Karyn

Comments

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #2
    side effects
    wish I could help, but cannot- other than I was getting cisplatin and flouracil chemo when my first "full head and neck" rads began. and I had no such physical symptoms. I would be concerned, were I you. there may be an issue(s) unknown to cause such as this. the thyroid gland seems to be in play with body temps, and what you describe is of that. hiccups- did not experience. I have/had Nasopharyngeal, with unknown primary.
  • Fraidy Scared
    Fraidy Scared Member Posts: 3
    #3
    Kent Cass said:

    side effects
    wish I could help, but cannot- other than I was getting cisplatin and flouracil chemo when my first "full head and neck" rads began. and I had no such physical symptoms. I would be concerned, were I you. there may be an issue(s) unknown to cause such as this. the thyroid gland seems to be in play with body temps, and what you describe is of that. hiccups- did not experience. I have/had Nasopharyngeal, with unknown primary.

    I think I figured it out!
    Kent,

    Thank you for your response, I think it is a reaction to the salegen the dentist prescribed. I just backed into that info. Profuse sweating is a side effect from this drug and I think the amount prescribed was too much, too quick. Will take this up with the DDS on Monday. I think this job of caregiver should come with a full time housekeeper, cook, errand runner, taxi driver, nurse, spiritual advisor! Where the heck are they on this trek through hell??? Personally, I'm weak, and that was quite all right with me. I looked at your profile and wondered, if you don't mind telling, if you are in remission or what your status is?? All good wishes and health to you my friend.


    Karyn
  • fishingirl
    fishingirl Member Posts: 188
    #4
    Sweating
    Hi there!

    I went through that too, for a while. But it was only at night when I was sleeping. I'd wake up, and my forehead would sbe wringing wet. I'm still not sure why. I haven't had that for a while now:)

    Cindy
  • SmithMama2
    SmithMama2 Member Posts: 48
    #5
    mine too
    My husband also had very painful hiccups during the start of treatment, so much so that it caused acid reflux. His docs prescribed baclofan, and it really worked to stop the hiccups!

    He was also a sweater, and everywhere his head, neck and back rested would be covered in sweat. Yet another reason why good hydration is so very important! His docs said he needed a minimum of 3 liters of water every day.

    Good luck in your caretaking of your husband. Your roll is incredibly important as you work to help your husband recuperate through these difficult days.

    Big hugs,
    Karen
    whose husband (initially diagnosed with stage 4a squamous cell carcinoma, primary location-base of tongue) was just given the classification of remission after good PET/CT scans 8 weeks after treatment!!!
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #6
    Fraidy Scared said:

    I think I figured it out!
    Kent,

    Thank you for your response, I think it is a reaction to the salegen the dentist prescribed. I just backed into that info. Profuse sweating is a side effect from this drug and I think the amount prescribed was too much, too quick. Will take this up with the DDS on Monday. I think this job of caregiver should come with a full time housekeeper, cook, errand runner, taxi driver, nurse, spiritual advisor! Where the heck are they on this trek through hell??? Personally, I'm weak, and that was quite all right with me. I looked at your profile and wondered, if you don't mind telling, if you are in remission or what your status is?? All good wishes and health to you my friend.


    Karyn

    Karyn- my status
    Recovering well- with only one current complication- alarming loss of gum tissue in my lower mouth, and it appears to be continuing- 8 months after my last rad. Figure I'll have to go back to the Periodontist in the very near future. I have been working since early-May, gained all my weight back, and doing good. Dry mouth and saliva problems are not pleasant, but an acceptable price to have paid. So, YES, the cancer is in remission.

    As for the caregivers- one cannot get thru it all without help. Drivers were the ones most critical to my getting it done. I'd stockpiled 15 gallons of water beforehand, and for much of the treatment that was all I could ingest; and, I was even able to get the formula delivered to my house. Nobody should sell caregivers short- they are angels of mercy, who care as we experience the bad times.

    No matter how bad things get- the Drs. and nurses are there to help when you let them know you need it, and with their help anyone can get thru it- all they gotta do is truly believe they can. We've all gone thru very bad times, but we are all still here and doing all right.
    Believe, and be as strong as you have to be.

    Is your husband also gonna get chemo? If so, it's my experience the worst of times only happen when you are getting both, and that's when the rad places take the big hit when the two team-up. If he is not gonna get chemo- should not be as much of a problem.
    kcass

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