I am set to begin Radiation & Chemotherapy on 10-8 My questions are what will happen (I know I'll not be good.) The Chemo drug i will get is called "cisplatin" I will get this 3 times, delivered on the 8th and then 2 times more. My Radiation starts 10-13,will be daily M-F for 6-8 wks. Please tell me what I can expect during this time. How will I react, will I be able to walk, I'm scared and need some input on this...Thx....

Hi Gary

I didn't have radiation or chemo (but hemiglossectomy was not my idea of a good time, either), so I'm not sure what kinds of effects you might have.

Do you have someone to stay with you while you go through this? Regardless of treatment regimen, a carer is the must-have accessory.

I hope all goes well for you.

Julia

Hi Gary, I didn't have chemo so cant help you with that one but I had RT for 6 weeks. Personally I didn't find the RT too bad at all. I put weight on right through the 6 weeks and rode my bike every day but as I said, everyone is different so you never know.
See how you go but dont give up and stay positive if you can, it really helps get through it all. Hagg.

Hi Gary, I am assuming that the machines oover the pond will be similar to ours here wrt Radio. Sure the chemicals (cyto-toxins) will be the same. Like you I experienced two week course of cisplatin and 5FU. In tandem was a 7 week course of radiation (35 sessions). Up until 3 weeks in, I was pretty active, and infact was quite proud of myself. I think then that the effect of the gradual build up of poison, with the radiation, began to get to me. I became lazy, tired, could only manage Ensures through mt PEG ETC. In fact I didnt love anything or anyone at this point. The Doctors and nurses did however know what they were up to, and regular monitoring showed no complications such as getting infections etc. It was simply part of the recovery period.

The treatments came to a conclusion 15th July. I recall just before 3rd September, and I had been going regularly to see the cancer nurse desperately seeking re-assurances of becoming well again, that life to me was infact no longer worth it. Time and time again came the story, well it usually takes a month, then 2 months, then 3 months to recover. It is approaching this, and life is nearly back to normal thank xxxx, as much as can be expected. I mean I miss some lubrication and my fitness is appauling but this is trivial, as before 3rd Sept I was not myself and this was most distressing to all.

ALL I wanna say then chief is what you may experience is tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Time is such an amazing factor. Keep us posted.

Im off to call the nurse again, see if I can get an appointment to get my PEG removed. Then for a swim.