Hello Judy46,

Welcome to our forum! I hope coming here and talking to others who have been through radiotherapy for mouth cancer will help you feel a little better. We have some information on mouth cancer here  and you can also read more about radiotherapy for mouth cancer here .

If you live in the UK, don't hesitate also to ring our nuses on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and feel free to ask them any question you may have on your treatment for example. 

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling very low at the moment. I hope this forum will help you feel a bit better. Sometimes it can help to talk to others who have had a similar diagnosis. I thought I would point you in the direction of this thread by Lillybag who was diagnosed with floor of the mouth cancer in June 2014 and has had the all clear since. I am not sure if it is exactly the same type of mouth cancer as you but feel free to respond and share your story with her if you wish.

I hope others will be along soon to share their experience of going through mouth cancer treatment with you.

Wishing you the best of luck with radiotherapy,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Judy

first and foremost welcome to the forum ... You are in the right place to talk .... 

I myself am still recovering from throat cancer, but went through 30 sessions of radio therapy and 6 full days of chemo ...... It's not easy but you just get on with it

im now nearly two years post treatment and not going to complain

outwardly I look as fit as a fiddle and those who know I had cancer say I'm looking really well

behind the scenes there is a lot of work that goes on to look that good

ok my taste is not what it was ... I don't get the enjoyment from a cheese and picked onion sandwhich I used to and can't eat chocolate ( which I suppose is not too bad), my voice pitches up and down like a 13 year old going through puberty ... And I get tired easily

but it's ok really 

so, come on you turn chat and ask away....

vatch

There's a mantra among warriors and survivors and it's "Everyone is different". Your main focus now is the battle ahead and frankly, it's going to be a brutal one. Three things to keep in mind... Nutrition, hydration and pain management! Doing those three things will help make the journey easier. 

I've been there. Stage IV SCC head and neck, surgeries (tonsilectomies, neck dissection), biopsies and 6 weeks chemo/rads. It knocked the poo out of me BUT... I made it. Now, three years out? I'm back. Not 100%, but close enough for government work and living life in the "new normal". 

One day at a time ya hear? Don't place expectations on yourself. "Everone is different" and recovers in their own time. Just focus on the present and getting through each skirmish. The body is an amazing thing and you will heal. Learn to measure progress in weeks months and years. 

And lastly, a positive attitude is more than half the battle! ;)

Positive thoughts

HI Judy         i had chemo and radiotherapy and it was nothing to be afraid of, the only problem i had was the fact i am very claustrophobic so didnt lke the mask you must wear, however the radiotherapists were significant for me as they would do the first bit which takes no more than a minute then come in and take off the mask while the reset the machine the quickly did the second bit again for no more than a minute, there is no pain at all and if unlike me you are not claustrophobic it is so easy you wonder what all the fuss was about. The treatments i found to be very much not what you think they are going to be, i lost my hair and did feel a little unwell but when you consider what is being done it is bearable and i was alone except for one daughter but she had to work full time so i was mostly on my own and i got through it. Please take it for what it is as it is saving your life and the team of which were many are your best allies in this situation and will do everything they can to help you through this journey. take care and be strong and you will get to the end. x Cathrine.