Iv been diagnosed with stage 2 NPC (tumours at the back of the nose and glands. I will be undergoing radiotherapy 1st December. Can anyone share about coping with the treatment and the resulting side effects? Any tips will be most welcomed.
I have made some enquiries and the first thing to say is that Radiation treatment for some people can be horrible but for most, it's not too bad. The major effects can be:
Sore skin
Dry mouth
Sore throat
In the case of sore skin, doctors prefer you not to use creams but if they are necessary then they will prescribe but only after the sorness has been diagnosed. Creams must not contain Zinc Oxide or any other metal based lotion and theefore talcolm powder is not allowed either. Creams must not be perfumed either. The preferred approach is washing gently with water and a very mild soap and dabbed gently to dry.
Radiation treatment can effect the salivary glands and to deal with a dry mouth means lenty of water but lemon can help or an artificial saliva spray.
A sore throat can make it difficult to eat but it is important to eat and the message is to eat what you like, what you can and as often as you can with the emphasis on nutirtional food. It is important to start doing that now.
Well welcome to the club ... im sure its not one you wanted to be a member of though
I have just finished 6 weeks of radio & chemo therapy for throat cancer with a secondary site in right neck node
There a few things to watch out for
- your taste will go quickly
- sore throat
- excessive mucus
- lack of appetite and being unable to eat
and a few more
however everyone goes throughs this differently and to different degrees
There are several things you can do to help, but in the main these may only take the top off things .... it's primarily a rough ride but we get through it
I have written a blog detailing my progress through my treatment on gammaraygary.wordpress.com/about/
Please feel free to have a look and come back and ask anything ... there is a lot of good advice on here too
