just finished

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paintmatt
paintmatt Member Posts: 17 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Done with treatment was a lot harder than i thought 

having trouble talking and not able to swallow 

throat feels like it is on fire since i can not swallow water not sure what to do 

they say give it time  neck is also on fire and peeling

wonder if any one has any advice on what to do

thank-you 

Matt

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  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    edited August 2020 #2
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    Made it to the Finish line

    Matt, 

    Congratulations on making it across the finish line of treatments. Unfortunately, you will "Cook" for a few more weeks and slowly improve. I was unable to talk above a whisper after my Radiation treatments. I did not have "Magic Mouthwash" but was told to rinse and gargle with a Baking Soda and Salt solution made up of 1 Teaspoon of each in 1 Quart of room temperature water. Rinse and Gargle as needed. It did take some of the discomfort away for a spell. I increased the amount of each to 1 Tablespoon in the Quart of water later on. 

    I was also told during treatments to use Keri non-scented lotion for my neck, it worked well as I had no blisters. 

    If you are having a lot of discomfort, I was given Neurontin ( Gabapentin ) to help with the nerve pain by my Radiation Oncologist. It helped and I weaned myself off of it after a few weeks.. Have you read the First post that is a Sticky here?      https://csn.cancer.org/node/261072       a lot of good suggestions/ tips from others that may help. 

    I hope your recovery is quick and smooth.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    edited August 2020 #3
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    All MarineE5 Told You

    Is right on. He said it so well I don't have much to add. Your throat is raw from the radiation and I was like him whereas I could hardly talk above a whisper. Glad I didn't have to phone for help. As he said you are still cooking that is the radiation has a cumulating effect it will soon top off and start diminishing. You are in the toughest period right now just keep up with meds and pain pills, rest, and eat all you are able. If you have a feeding tube eating enough is certainly easier. Hang tough and in a couple to 4 weeks you will notice feeling a little better-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • Logan51
    Logan51 Member Posts: 464 Member
    #4
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    ditto

    to what Russ and Marine said. Ice is always good for mouth and throat if you can try to swallow. Keep the Dr.s informed on your condition. Takes a month or so before you REALLY notice things are healing. And- CONGRATULATIONS. 

  • nancytc
    nancytc Member Posts: 70 Member
    #5
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    Hi Matt,

    Hi Matt,

    All good recommendations for sure. As I remember, water was impossible to swallow as I felt like I was choking on it, but thick liquids were marginally possible. Its super important to work your swallowing each day if you can so the swallowing muscles dont atrophy. I had a goal to sip 5 tiny sips of liquid a day. My adult children had a makeshift chart and would sit with me sometimes for an hour or two while I got up the nerve for those few sips. SUPER IMPORTANT. Milk worked as it was slippery and thick...and didnt feel like it was going down into my lungs. A good rule is hold it in your mouth as if you are drinking wine to give your epiglottis an extra second to move into position (the flap that keeps food/liquid out of your lungs and heading where is should go, to your stomach). I had a feeding tube for 7 months and it was a challange to get off of. But these daily exercises are important towards that end. Hopefully you are on sufficient pain meds at this juncture. I had a fentenyl patch and 750 hydrocodone every 4 hours as swallowing was nearly impossible, so all was pumped into my stomach and also through the patch. Within a month of ending treatment, I quickly improved. But honestly it took a full year to feel somewhere close to normal. Today I am 3years 4 mos out of treatment. I do not look or act like a cancer victim and have a full and complete life. YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! I will pray for you <3.  Nancy      *I also lost my voice for a month. Just take it easy and dont strain it. It will come back.

  • PipLily
    PipLily Member Posts: 127 Member
    edited August 2020 #6
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    Congratulations!

     I know you’re struggling right now, but it will get so much better! Hang in there.... I remember when you posted that you were beginning to start treatments, and now you’re across the official end of treatment line! Continue to take it day by day. It will get better. What are you currently using on the skin on your neck?

  • paintmatt
    paintmatt Member Posts: 17 Member
    edited August 2020 #7
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    PipLily said:

    Congratulations!

     I know you’re struggling right now, but it will get so much better! Hang in there.... I remember when you posted that you were beginning to start treatments, and now you’re across the official end of treatment line! Continue to take it day by day. It will get better. What are you currently using on the skin on your neck?

    My wife did a little research

    My wife did a little research and came up with Calendula Cream.  Read some posts about how well this cream on burns helped heal them.  Just tried this morning.  Hopefully, it will help.

  • nancytc
    nancytc Member Posts: 70 Member
    #8
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    Calendula Cream is amazing. I

    Calendula Cream is amazing. I used it every 4 hours during treatment and after for several weeks. And Aquaphor Ointment at night as a barrier. I healed nicely with no scarring. Nancy

     

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 478 Member
    edited August 2020 #9
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    paint,

    You're DONE and you're officially a SURVIVOR - CONGRATULATIONS!

    I remember that for a while, warm water worked better than cold water for me. It wasn't nearly as painful! Keep lotion on your skin. Radiation "burn" heals faster than sunburn, because (as my Oncologist says) it's not UV damage.

    I also certainly recall the time after finishing treatment, and wanting to get back to normal. It's a very tough time, and when you're in the middle of it - seems like it will take forever.

    But, like everyone will tell you, the pain will fade, your neck will heal, and your sense of taste will slowly come back.

    You made it through treatment, and now the good news is that it all gets easier from here!!

    Again - CONGRATULATIONS ... and hang in there!

    mg

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    #10
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    congrats!

    Crossing the finish line seems unventful, especially all the commotion is gone and it seems sometimes like something is missing. Nobody hovering over you, no long list of appointments, hopefully a pat on the back and be on your way. You'll still be feeling like the war is still on but it does get better. And looking down the road is hard to make out since everyone's specifics are different so you'll just need to keep plodding along a bit more and one day you'll arrive at your new normal. It does get better, just take one day at a time for a few more weeks.

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