Hi Aiynot

My hubby was diagnosed with SCC tonsils with lymph node involvement in Dec 2015. He had 5 cycles of Cistplatin and 30 fractions of VMAT radiotherapy over 6 weeks ( every week day with weekends off for good behaviour! ) He also had a neck dissection after his 12 week scan as his lymph nodes werent cleared. Hes been in remission and cancer free for 2 1/2 years.

He had a RIG prior to starting treatment and to be honest it was a life saver as by the end he couldnt nanage to swallow anything so I put all of his meds and nutrition down it. The proceedure was done whilst he was awake and he says wasnt too bad but the ‘wind’ pain afterwards was a bit problematic and painful but this dissipated after a couple of days. What I would say is get used to using it at the beginning- just put bits of water in it so you know what it feels like. Dont be afraid to use it as its there to help you get through. 

The Chemo process was fairly smooth but they do give you large doses of steroids which in my hubbys case made him feel ok but when you stop them three days later you tend to get a big crash in energy levels and he would sleep alot. Nausea was also troublesome and it was trial and error to find an anti sickness medication that worked . 

Hazels blog is great and definitely gives an accurate picture of the day to day problems of this arduous treatment but even though its difficult its worth it.

wishing you all the best and ask away any questions or querys you might have.

Emma 

xxx

Thanks Emma,

Glad your hubby is well.

I'm nervous about it all, and really appreciate everyone's good wishes and advice. 

I'll update following my RIG procedure. 

thanks again. 

Hi Aiynot

My husband is a couple of weeks behind you, same venue!  I've sent a 'friend request' 

Hope all going ok for you