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

 

  • Thanks for getting back to me Ian.

    My only problem with the nose thing and not being able to breath is that it's been going on for 3 months (at least) and isn't the sort of thing olbas oil is going to stop. It's more like a restriction that ends up blocking my nostrils with mucus (I hope you're past breakfast time.) In the daytime when I can blow my nose it doesn't feel so bad but I do wake up in the night and can't even blow my nose because it's so blocked. I've been told to pretty much expect the tracheotomy because the vocal cords are lower in the throat than tonsils. That was a tough decision, even agreeing to that treatment. If I don't have to have one I'll be the happiest person on this forum.

    I'll wait until treatment starts and see what is going on with everyone at the hospital. At least I have my lovely shell to wear. :-)

    Take care. I'll be in touch.

    Miki

  • well i hope you are able to chat through with specialist nurse...they may recommend humidifier ( helped me with mucus) and other tips was slightly raised head when sleeping if possible other than laying head flat and even taking sips water during day and not just night as mucus can be de hydrated realated.

    take care you

    regards

    Ian

  • Hi Miki

    Everyone gets these pre treatment nerves and doubts. Ive had radiotherapy to neck throat and jaw. I also have blocked nostrils. This was of concern when wearing the close fitting face mask used to keep my head still on the radiotherapy bench. Also was concerned about throat swelling. I use snore strips to keep my nose airways open Breathrite seem to have stongest glue. My neck did swell but did not affect my airway or breathing. Call the radiotherapy team and ask for a call back to discuss your worries. Do not just take your chances with cancer, really. Or all of those above fears will become reality. Radiotherapy to the throat is not an easy treatment and you will need all of your strenth and resolve to get through it, you need to begin preparing yourself now. The reward, years of good quality life ahead. Ive had an extra 10 so far. Go for it.

    Ed

  • Thanks to both Ian and Ed.

    This is the kind of advice which will settle me down. Definite things to try and relevant to me (for which I am grateful and lucky).

    Lots of new stuff to get on with.

    Thanks everyone.

  • if you ever need to chat or have any questions that we might be able to answer please just holler..

    take care

    ian