Hi I tended to use cotton or silk. I have several walking buffs as well which are unisex. To be honest when I went to Spain this trip I used factor 50 sun cream on my neck mixed with a little false tan to bend in and factor 30 everywhere else and after 8 weeks if walking biking n reading I have a healthy glow so are continuing at home with the 50 n bit of false tan . I always had a scarf with me fir those just in case it was too hot and always wore a wide brimmed hat unless in bike. 

Re travel insurance I gave friends who did treatment with me who gave justvreturnef from canary island s and they both used boots but not online ring them up and forcsc2 week holiday they got csncer cover for £58   In my case I used b u o a as away 8 weeks twiceca year so my yearly joint policy is £250 but cancer excluded  seeing as I don’t intend getting it again I settled for that  you can try your existing see if they will cover first.

keep in touch 

hazel x

Hi Big Bertha 

my husband has decided on crevats too! He is 28 radiotherapy session done out of 33 his neck is red raw and cracking now , doctor told him today he can’t have anything on his neck right now just cream , cream & more cream and keep it uncovered . He has progressed from the emollient now and for the last week or so has been on the gel it’s so much better & tomorrow he is going to be given another one. I know you haven’t started this part of the journey yet but I wish you well it’s hard on us caring for them too, I have found feeding tricky but we have managed and no weight loss yet but I know this will change in the coming weeks . Be positive . Hugs Ginny x 

Hi BB

Just to add on the subject of neck protection..

Following early advice I initially used copious amounts of E45 cream on my neck to help avoid skin issues. Good stuff!
Then after the first week or so started using Cicaplast 'soothing repairing balm'. My wife also gave me some La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water spray  and which was wonderfully cooling. I used that immediately after each radiotherapy session and before lathering my neck with the Cicaplast. 
I was prescribed Flamazine when my neck started to react badly in the last week of radiotherapy. Although my skin got really red and a bit sore it did not break down. I avoided wearing anything on my neck during treatment although, and for the first two weeks, was fine cycling in to the hospital with a wooly scarf..      Being December/ January sun was not a problem. 

 I have a few merino neck buffs which I have used for trekking in the past and am wearing those most of the time.  I like them anyway.  :)
I still have a slight darkening of skin on my neck and ear from the treatment. It is a good reminder to take care.
 So far tho everything is fine and have not bothered with sunscreen but may consider for times when the sun is very strong.

Paul x.

Hi Ginpo,

I am a month clear of finishing treatment and am suffering badly with mucus and secretions and am not able to take anything other than water and everything is salty.

How did your husband cope? Do you have any suggestions?

Steve

Hi Steve.

You not have a PEG or naso gastric tube?

I appreciate they aren't nice at all. However they do get the protein and fluids in when things are rough.  I know I was really dependant on mine for a while and the few weeks after radiotherapy are hard.

Speak to your dietition? 

Paul.

 

Hi Plum B,

I have already tried that route but after 4 attempts, I don't want to go back down that route as it was excruciating and painful and barely have to cough for it to come back out. S o now I am home to try and sort myself out as medically the hospital have done all they can.

Steve

Sorry to hear that Steve.
The bloomin' PEG was no picnic. Horrible. :(
Hang on in there. Most importantly get the fluids in whatever it takes.

I was warned that the two weeks following radiotherapy was the worst.. the nights were terrible.  But, and maybe some commiseration it seeems like it all improves quickly once the corner is finally turned.
I was taking Huel as a complete nutrition food. As a powder added to milk it did the job when nothing else did.

Wishing you better.

Paul 

H Steve

this is Hazel I am 10 month post radiotherapy for how 16+ tonsil cancer. I didn’t have a peg but has the nasal feedingbtube ,which I struggled to get more than 300:calories in at a time. But I used to dilute the Ensure drinks with Luke warm water to thin them down I found them too,gloopyand wouldn't go down but diluting them did make it easier to slide  down worth a try. The fortisips were too acidic for me but found the ensure worked .i did  loose 2 stone in weight from week 5 up to week 6 after treatment finished.

revwater I too couldn’t drink plain  tap water witherbxold or warm but had a eureka moment and  used bottled water in a seperate kettle  so not contaminated by anybtap water and found a Luke warm temperature that I could swallow without the nasty taste.

food wise have you tried soft poached egg ? At this stage I will find something is ok one day then the next you can’t bear it I accused my hubby of deliberately putting salt in my things. Oops. Hydration is vital try lukewarm peppermint tea also. 

Scrambked egg, complan mixed with milk 

the firstvfew weeks like Paul said is hard but there is lightbthe end if the tunnel but please try something of suggestions 

hazel

Hi John 

I got some as you at 49..After taking a biological drug for my crohns I ended getting this cancer... It was one of the side effects 1 in 10,000. Had a large lump for in my throat long story short after biopsy and laser treatment was told because was so deep etc had 30 radio therapy sessions every day for 6wks (except wk ends) oh started on 3rd Feb 2018. Two round of chemo. Two lymph nodes looked bit iffy so they blasted those too. Had feeding peg fitted just b4 on January. Was quite ill from the chemo ended needing blood transfusion they did not really want to give me second chemo but I told them to do it anyway. As wanted to make sure they got it all. Been a struggle but now you'd never believe I lost all my neck skin. Could not speak, or swallow for months or eat but because I'm half Italian and love food was not long b4 I was back to eating again still struggle with dry mouth. Taste and texture of certains thing get very bad congestion and jaw aches terrible still and still feel. Like got lock jaw. I chew alot of gum as my dry mouth still quite back. Oncology pleased with me. I'm still seeing them every 2 months at mo. How are you getting on now?? Take care.