Radiotherapy for Throat Cancer

Hello all,

I have posted my little story on introduce yourself and basically I have been diagnosed with Stage 1 Throat cancer.

The prognosis is hopeful and I remain cheerful and positive. Its taken a while for the actual treatment to start so glad to get on with it at last.

I started my first day of radiotherpy today and have 29 more treatments to go over 6 week period.
I have made a little computer programme that logs my side effects and summarises episodes of each heading and I plan on keeping a daily log of how things went/ how I feel ( good and bad ) and map out my journey. I find it therapuetic.

I will share periodically in the hope that even if it helps one person as well as myself  it will be worthwhile.

So day 1 was fine and I dont really feel any difference or notice anything.
One small point is that the mask made was slightly harder than when it was first made as it has set little harder over the weeks and was a little more moveable on the day made.
Took about 10 mins for actual radiotherpay treatment itself.
Drove home fine.

Meet with advanced practioner nurse every Thurs to discuss progress.
Aware might be a little different along the way but all good after day 1.

 

kind regards

Ian

 

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  • hi Ian 

    my hubby finished his treatment Nov the only thing that helped him through 6 wks was being on steroids as it helped keep inflammation down n carry on eating he went for ct scan today mri next thurs an we see doc on 13 fingers crossed treatment has worked good luck on your journey x

    mandy 

  • Hi mandy

    thank you for your message and like yourself hope you get good news when you see doc and will cross some extra fingures for you.

    and im sure i will get past this fatigue and lack appetite soon

    regards

    ian

  • So end of week 12 post treatment.

    No real change and think have hit a plateu - still fatigue and sleeping a lot and still not any great appetite. Think taste buds still little shot as I have in my mind what I would like but cant eat them.
    My gums left side mouth are swollen and mouth little drier than normal so wondering if contributing.
    Will mention to doc next time or wait till after results before I do anything.

    Got my PET/CT scan next Wednesday morning so am obviously hoping for good news. No idea when I will be told as although I know results available following Monday latest they all have to go through the treatment team and consultant to have them decide what the scan results are showing.
    My specialist nurse is going to try and tweak my next consultant appoitment as its not scheduled until the 19th March and I would prefer not to wait that long.

    The only other joy this week was a visit to NHS24 out of hours Tuesday night 10.30pm as for my sins I am now fortunate to now have cellulitis on my right elbow which flared up really quickly.I have horse size tablets and strong dose (Flucloxacillin) to take for a week four times a day. Oh the joys!
    I must have been a really bad boy in previous life.

    So now i'm hoping for some luck to kick in and give me some more energy next week.

    Nontheless still staying positive and cheerful and onwards and upwards for next week.

    regards
    Ian

  • Crikey Ian its taking its time to heal for you but shows that we are all different and react differently to the treatmant I hope you turn the corner soon.

  • Im post week 5 today, energy levels really good no fatigue at all, mouth just about healed apart from one very small patch, Im eating well and putting weight on, another couple of pounds this week.

    The only thing that Im having trouble with is my dry mouth, the saliva glands still havent kicked in,  I have to eat dry things with a drink and Im using the gel to get me through the night but overall Im feeling great all things considerered.

    I see the doc next thursday on the 21st for my first check up and i`ll report back on what he says. 

     

    Dave

  • thats great Dave and inspiring for others who might think that my recovery time may be the norm.

    I'm sure a lot of its down to appetite and why no energy but hoping this will change soon. I went into the treatment not fit and after just been in hospital whereas I'm sure your fitness before has contributed to your speedy recovery,

    I think you should buy a t shirt and get a big S on it.

    Superdave with Superpowers! - can you hold your breath underwater for 10 minutes?

    Seriously great you are doing so well

    ian

Reply
  • thats great Dave and inspiring for others who might think that my recovery time may be the norm.

    I'm sure a lot of its down to appetite and why no energy but hoping this will change soon. I went into the treatment not fit and after just been in hospital whereas I'm sure your fitness before has contributed to your speedy recovery,

    I think you should buy a t shirt and get a big S on it.

    Superdave with Superpowers! - can you hold your breath underwater for 10 minutes?

    Seriously great you are doing so well

    ian

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