Well, thats it (for now)

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SuzJ
SuzJ Member Posts: 427 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Finished Radiation Thursday 4 th, May, saw ENT on Friday 5th.

I was told I'll keep cooking  for another 2 to 3 weeks, and I'll be in PAIN. than, I'll start to feel better, day at a time.

I'll see ENT every month, at 3 months, I'll get a repeat PET scan, thenif there is anything left, it'll be sliced and diced.

 

(if my grammar or spelling was confusing, I aplologize, I'm a but doppy from the meds)

 

Oh one question - rad burns, best way to traet them and how long?)

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
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    burn

    SuzJ,

    Task complete, congratulations.

    If the burns are bad you may find good relief from Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.  It is messy and great stuff and works for many H&N members (but it is not for everyone).

    Rad burns was the worst pain I had from treatments (hands down).  There are less powerful creams and ointments if you need them. Aquaphor is a good one.

    Matt

  • AnotherSurvivor
    AnotherSurvivor Member Posts: 383 Member
    #3
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    Good.  Your silence of the

    Good.  Your silence of the last few days was noticed, I was just about to inquire. 

    I used aquaphor and a waterbased pad called radiadres.

    http://www.medline.com/product/RadiaDres-Clear-Hydrogel-Sheets/Z05-PF00186

    It is way expensive, but my rad oncol PA distributed pads for free (but you had to know and ask).

    So, are you still concerned about gaining weight?  Probably lost a full two sizes, or more.  I wouldn't worry about gaining it back for a while.  I'm frozen at 180, extra calories do not move the needle.

  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 427 Member
    #4
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    out of all

    on the radiation side, I'd have to say the radiation burns are the worst, thanks for the info! I had used the cream many years ago, and loved it, so its off to the store for more romorrow.

    My swallowing  ability has got worse (if thats possible) so anything thats not liquid) get squashed beyond recognigtion

     

    I think my lack of spelling has to do with a combination of falling asleep on the keyboard, and taking pain meds a lot stronger than Im used too!

    As for food - like I said, has to be liquid to go down, so not much I can do do

     

    I still have hydration 3 times a week so they'll watch me again..

  • AnotherSurvivor
    AnotherSurvivor Member Posts: 383 Member
    #5
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    The food thing gets better

    The food thing gets better pretty quickly.  You've retained swallow, which is the biggy.  Hopefully they've referred you to a speech and swallow PT, as you'll need to do some stretching exercises or you'll get stiff and painful as the tissue heals.  Hydrations good, I kept at them for another 6 weeks.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
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    AnotherSurvivor said:

    Good.  Your silence of the

    Good.  Your silence of the last few days was noticed, I was just about to inquire. 

    I used aquaphor and a waterbased pad called radiadres.

    http://www.medline.com/product/RadiaDres-Clear-Hydrogel-Sheets/Z05-PF00186

    It is way expensive, but my rad oncol PA distributed pads for free (but you had to know and ask).

    So, are you still concerned about gaining weight?  Probably lost a full two sizes, or more.  I wouldn't worry about gaining it back for a while.  I'm frozen at 180, extra calories do not move the needle.

    The rad docs ALL

    have the pads....ASK for them!!!  They are amazing!!

    p

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #7
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    SuzJ said:

    out of all

    on the radiation side, I'd have to say the radiation burns are the worst, thanks for the info! I had used the cream many years ago, and loved it, so its off to the store for more romorrow.

    My swallowing  ability has got worse (if thats possible) so anything thats not liquid) get squashed beyond recognigtion

     

    I think my lack of spelling has to do with a combination of falling asleep on the keyboard, and taking pain meds a lot stronger than Im used too!

    As for food - like I said, has to be liquid to go down, so not much I can do do

     

    I still have hydration 3 times a week so they'll watch me again..

    is liquid, and blends so nicely.  You don't want hot soup, anyway....a nice in betweener meal to Boost.  Taste or no taste, soup is what our mama's would have given us.

    p

  • MMDowns
    MMDowns Member Posts: 318
    #8
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    Yay!

    now comes the healing. It'll be possibly tough but you can do this! You did the treatments!! Congrats, friend! I was going to send you a message to see how you were doing. Now I know! Hugs to you. I'm still here for you!

  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 427 Member
    edited May 2017 #9
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    MMDowns said:

    Yay!

    now comes the healing. It'll be possibly tough but you can do this! You did the treatments!! Congrats, friend! I was going to send you a message to see how you were doing. Now I know! Hugs to you. I'm still here for you!

    MMDowns

    How is everything going?I'm wearing the equivilant of an elizabethian ruff with my neck heals up

    But how is your husband?  How are you?

  • MMDowns
    MMDowns Member Posts: 318
    #10
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    OK, that Elizabethian comment

    OK, that Elizabethian comment made me laugh!  I am so glad you have a sense of humor. something to help ypu get through this.  I am hoping and praying for a quick healing for your neck.  Hubby is doing pretty good.  He went back to work full time on Monday (eeek) but has been OK.  He still has bizarre side effects but they are less and less.  He tried an iced tea on Sunday and he said he could taste the tea flavor.  It's the small things.  I am doing OK.  Birthday was yesterday and so was my stepson's.  We share a birthday and I love that! I We are hanging in there! Ready for the summer and vacation.  

     

       Have  a good day and keep me updated!  Hugs!

  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 427 Member
    edited May 2017 #11
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    Happy Belated Birthday!

    If you could see me - and see my son applying all this stuff, you'd laugh harder, I swear! He is terrified he's going to hurt me so I have to be really careful not so say a word, a gramace, nothing.

     

    They are just a bit concerned because I am dizzy so much of the time...But, It'll sort itself out in the end!

    On the positive side, one work down,,, one ish to go, then icky mouth time.

  • MMDowns
    MMDowns Member Posts: 318
    #12
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    SuzJ said:

    Happy Belated Birthday!

    If you could see me - and see my son applying all this stuff, you'd laugh harder, I swear! He is terrified he's going to hurt me so I have to be really careful not so say a word, a gramace, nothing.

     

    They are just a bit concerned because I am dizzy so much of the time...But, It'll sort itself out in the end!

    On the positive side, one work down,,, one ish to go, then icky mouth time.

    OH lord! Yes, I would be

    OH lord! Yes, I would be giggling because I have been in that boat.  My poor husband couldn't take a breath without me flying into a panic. Now, it's just the norm.  But, it can be comedic gold :)   Be careful with the dizzy spells. I  am sure it will work itself out but that's also why we have dr's and nurses.  You're still doing it!! Keep it up and keep laughing (unless it hurts or scares your son!)  :)  He sounds really sweet and loves you! 

    Thank you for the birthday wish!  Lots of gentle hugs!

  • Tallkidsmom
    Tallkidsmom Member Posts: 9
    #13
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    You've Got This!

    Suz, another Sue here. I'm 2 months ahead of you, and have been enjoying your posts immensely! We seem to be leading parallel lives, but my main 'kid' has been 600 miles away at her first year of college until just now. It's great when the young folks we've been raising turn into (semi)competent young adults.

     

    Hang in there; before you know it you'll be feeling like your old self again. Or, if you had issues with 'Her', this is  your first opportunity since University to re-invent yourself. Or at the very least, go shopping for new clothes because everything else is falling off!

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