Half Way There

Good morning fellow warriors.

 I woke-up today starting the second half of my treatment plan. I am on radiation treatment 16 of 30 and Cisplatin infusion 4 of 6. Before I get into my current side-effects, allow me to give you a little back ground sense I don't post on here often.

 My name is Chris. I am a 36 y/o Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. I was initially diagnosed with SCC of the tongue. Initial CT scans showed that the cancer had traveled to least one lymph node in my neck. I underwent a partial glossectomy and radical neck dissection (both sides) 84 lymph nodes removed. My post-surgery cancer staging was upgraded to Stage 4a due to the number of nodes found to be cancer positive (3). I also learned that my cancer is HPV negative.

 So, as of today, I am beginning to experience some of the more severe side effects. My throat constantly feels dry, although I find some relief by using the salt/baking soda mouth rinse followed by a spoon full of honey. I have mild mucus build-up in the morning, but once cleared, I am good for the day. I can still swallow, but I dread even water as everything tastes horrible following the loss of taste sensation. My doctors insisted on a PEG before treatment began, which I am now grateful for. Even though I drink water through the mouth, all my meals are now being delivered through my PEG. With the help of my nutritionist, I secured medical coverage for Liquid Hope. I've been very pleased with this formula so far (it’s only been a few days). I have multiple mouth sores and my gums are very sensitive, but I find that Colgate Peroxl helps heal and sooth many of the sores. I have Magic Mouthwash and the stronger medicated mouth rinse, but have not yet started using them. My skin seems to be holding up well. I use a combination of ointments throughout the day. My lymphedema specialist recommended emu oil, which I apply at night. I use the RadiGel immediately after my radiation treatment and Aquaphor as needed. I have some redness, but my skin is still okay to touch and not dry at all. My hair has fallen out on both my neck and lower hairline in the back, but that was easily fixed with a closer fade and a shave.

 Chemo has been okay. I experience no nausea and little fatigue. My biggest gripes are the constipation and occasional tinnitus. I control the constipation somewhat with Senna and Dulcolax. The tinnitus has been a concern. It occurs in both ears randomly through-out the day. The ringing only lasts about ten seconds. My medical oncologist wants me to get my ears checked to see if there is any hearing loss, but that has yet to be scheduled. There is talks of lowering my dose of Cisplatin, but nothing confirmed yet.

 If there is anything I a failing to do, or should do, please let me know! If there is anything I am doing that you have not heard of, please ask. I'll share what information I have. Otherwise… continue to good fight. I have leaned on all of you from afar for months now. I suppose it’s my turn to step-up as a point of information for others.

We will prevail!

Chris