Has anyone done 25 sessions at 50 gy (or close to it)? Just RT, no chemo.

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rich_m
rich_m Member Posts: 4
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Trying to mentally prepare for how this treatment will go.  Any insight is appreciated.  Thank you.

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  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    edited March 2017 #2
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    I think most of us have. I

    I think most of us have. I did a total of 68 sessions after 2 surgeries, the second round with chemo. Assuming head and neck? The first 10 or 12 you won't feel much. After that, some standard effects will take place. Burning, fatigue, which will linger with you after treatment ends, swallowing difficulties, mucositis. It all builds up. Drink plenty of fluids and keep eating. Eat as much as you can now, gain weight, and just enjoy it. If your rads are in your mouth area, food will taste unpleasant for a long while. Expect to lose weight but do your best not too. Hang in there and good luck!

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #3
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    welcome

    rich_m,

    Welcome to the H&N forum, sorry that you are here.

    Most of us have had around 35 sessions at varies dosage and in combination (sometimes) with chemo and/or surgery.

    Mentally you do the best you can. I can just about guarantee you won’t get all the side effects, but there are a few we all seem to share.  25 sessions sounds better than 35.

    Have everything they recommend at home (meds & supplies), keep your team informed on changes, drink lots of water and get plenty of nutrition.

    Just  take it one day at a time, hope for the best and prepare to have a cancer free summer.

    Matt

  • rich_m
    rich_m Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2017 #4
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    Thanks for writing!  Yes its

    Thanks for writing!  Yes its HPV+ HNSCC.  Starting Monday.  Here we go.

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    #5
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    grays

    Here's one snippet from the 2017 NCCN recommendations for HNC treatments. Full PDF here. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/head-and-neck.pdf

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