Hello all, thanks again for being our saviours, your stories are inspiring and I’ve even now got Mark to read Ian and Hazel’s blogs now his head is emerging from the sand!

Sorry, another question. What and when did you start applying to your necks through radiotherapy? Is it worth applying anything before the burns take hold? I think even a Yorkshire man may be able to be persuaded to moistures if it’s going to help in the long run! 

Xx

Hi Bertha

Hazel is more of an expert with neck burns and mine wasnt so bad.
I had for about a week and apllied aqua cream and kept it in the fridge so applied ncie and cold.
Would just watch and not put any old moisteriser on as I was advised it all had to be alcohol free and hence why I was prescribed water based. 
On the timing, my neck was fine all through treatment and only started playing up a bit after treatement stopped and as say only for about a week so I feel I got off quite lightly.
I also did start applying some of the cream nearer the end of my treatment although there was no signs of anything untoward
Hazel will pop in and advise more if neck burns are a little worse than normal.

hope helps meantime and glad you found our blogs helpful.

Onwards & Upwards

ian

Hi where in Yorkshire I am nr Pontefract ? Please please don’t put anything on neck unless radiotherapy team give it to you then only when you’ve had that days treatment not before or marks neck will fry. I had 3 rd degree burns in my neck but all healed 3 weeks after treatment finished my oncologist always knew that was going to happen coz lymph node was v close to surface but he spared me the anguish of telling me at beginning which I was greatful for. Baths no bubble stuff near neck only Luke warm water  try to avoid shower gel  no aftershave either 

from from Yorkshire lass to a Yorkshire lad well done on reading blogs  

we are proof there light at the end of tunnell

send me a friend request if u want to chat 

h x

Hi Emma- Thank you. Can I ask you something you mentioned-you said I am near to the 'toughest part'... I know you said your hubby was admitted into hospital-with what? I can't imagine things getting any tougher!  My hubby was very nearly admitted with dehydration but we just managed to swerve that, that was a low point, but I find each day, even each hour he is very different. I just enjoy the times he's feeling ok. xx

Hi there Other Half - of course you can ask what ever you like and if I can help then will.The Oncologist may have mentioned to you that the radiotherapy continues to work for about 2 weeks post treatment with it building to a crescendo at about 10 dats when the side effects are at there worst. Paul had severe vomiting and nausea plus copious secretions that I just couldn't manage at home despite his RIG. He couldnt tolerate any fluids and was so dehydrated that he needed to be admitted for a syringe driver and IV fluids. Everyone is different but I think that they all experience this ramping up of side effects and not having the daily visit to the hospital fir support can make it a really anxious time.

Wishing you luck for the last few days and please feel free to ask any questions you have Im here to offer support.

best wishes

Emma xx

Thanks Emma-that's useful to know as no one has mentioned about the 10 days post treatment, I will be on guard that day!! I think my hubby-Joe may get a bit frustrated as I think mentally when the treatments finished you want to return to normal & it sounds like that just isn't the case. But we will get there in the end! 

We've had the analgesia bumped up a bit today so that should give him a bit more ammunition to fight this battle of swallowing! 

Thanks again- it's really helpful & appreciated Joy xx

Hi Hazel

Mark is originally Bradford, now living in sunny Devon. He’s tough but not as tough as us local lasses but I have enough fight for both of us. 

Thanks for all the advice and tips, I have a napkin of scribbles as my bible so far!

Treatment starts on 27th, half term week for us which is a *** but no way we were delaying. 

We would normally be spending the summer backpacking around south east asia, this year we are looking forward to a cheeeky week all inclusive in Menorca. It had kids pools and all that hell but they will love it and seeing as we are going to rip their bubble apart I think they deserve the fun and us all the alcohol and sun we can consume before that hell turns into radiotherapy hell!

Just starting to tell people close to us and I’m. It sure it feels real, I find myself consoling them and then having to listen to tales of left up toilet seats etc, how cancer focus’ the mind!

Jo. X

Hi jo it’s quite common even me the patient had to console othervfsmily members. !!! Refer them to my blog then they will see the hell thst csn be radyit will shut them up and save u the hassle. 

Yep us lasses are tougher than men me bring female 3 % are femsje that get  it are female the men couldn’t understand how I was coping positive mental attitude got me there. Tell your little ones maybe don’t mention the c word we didn’t with our 8 years old grandson just said nana going to have a very sore throat and may not be able to swallow so might need a feeding tube for a while. We let him taste the food supplements hevdoon dtoppedvasking after that justvssid nana they are vile poor u. Kids. 

When is Menorca then ? 

H d

Hi Jo 

No problem any time. Im surprised they haven’t mentioned that the side effects ramp up just when you think youre over the worst. I always say just batten down the hatches - you know its coming so you are forewarned and can be prepared. Pauls neck also broke down during tbus time and needed specialist dressings to manage the pain and exudate. Although youre no longer sering the medical staff everday don’t forget uou can still phone them and get him reviewed if you’re concerned that he isnt coping or is more unwell than you expected.

Keep on with the pain relief- you get no medals for suffering and tell Joe that this is perfectly normal as he comes to the end of the treatment stage. 

Stay strong and we’re here to support you both.

best wishes - and as Hazel says onwards and upwards 

Emma xxx