Monday is the first day

mbh97766 said:

Progress Report
I am almost 2 weeks into this. As I said, initially I felt nothing but mild fatigue. Then I was plagued with mouth sores. Since I last posted they got pretty bad, but the Miracle Mouthwash helped. They seem to be dissapating a little, just a few canker-like sores on my tongue but I can finally swallow my own saliva, a first in three days. I have been able to get food down, but during the worst it was only cold and soft things, jello, ice cream, applesauce. I'm lucky it only lasted a few days (notice my positive attitude that it won't be coming back)!
I also couldn't stand the dressing on my PICC line any longer. I have developed an allegic reaction to the adhesive tape and my skin had started to welt and itch. I marched up to the oncology nurses station and said, "I can't do this anymore!" They agreed and changed my dressing to a clear plastic type sheeting material. We also skipped the "skin prep". My arm is happy now and I'm no longer regretting chosing this over a port - because believe me, I was.
I suppose that this shows me that, at leaste in my case, my team is dedicated to ensuring my maximum comfort during this ordeal and I really appreciate that. I hope you have the same experience with your "team".
O.K., now the nitty-gritty. The diarrhea started on Monday. My Radiation doctor told me that he wants me to have one bowel movement, and each day, and then take the immodium. So that is what I have been doing. Unfortunately today, I haven't had one, soooo hopefully tomarrow?
Also my skin is starting to react. I feel a tightness and an itching. No burning yet, but it hurts to wipe myself. I have my squirt bottle ready and this fabulous foaming aloe vera wash that I found in the hospital pharmacy. Spray it on, gently wipe it off. And I feel clean. So thats working for me so far. Nothing about my hair yet, but that's the leaste of my worries, and I'm not as fatigued as I anticipated. So, as they say, so far, so good.

How are you? How's your anxiety. Are you able to relax, rest, be strong? Let me know.
Hang in there,
Darcee

Update
Almost one week into this and I feel strong because the side effects have not been bad yet... every once in a while a squeezy stomach and pain where the tumor is. Take tylenol and that helps. So far, can still eat most foods and am trying to be good about what I eat as long as I can do that. I am rinsing with baking soda and salt solution to hopefully avoid the mouth sores. Radiation, so far, ok. I am feeling strong and have lots of support. I really do look at this as a wake up call and am trying to really look at my life and the changes I want to make. My 2 year old also keeps me going. I will get a spraybottle. What do you use to wipe? Regular toilet paper? Also, no hair loss yet... and no vomitting or nausea.

I am grateful to hear your experiences a week out... that really helps to just know what to watch out for.

Sounds like you are doing really well. I wish you a good week ahead. Looking forward to checking in with you in a few days.