Hello all

Just an update to say I start radiotherapy next Monday week (29th) - high dosage Monday to Friday for 6 weeks. After reading about the horrific side effects I am, of course, dreading it especially as I still have a lot of sensitive granulated tissue in my mouth.

My hip (bone graft site) where a hernia was recently diagnosed continues to get bigger and heavier; hoping and praying now it doesn't get any worse as an operation is out of the question at present (so my GP says). Also my neck scar tissue is still extremely tight no matter how much I massage it.

Still no news from Paul. If you're there Paul, please do tell us how you are.

Kind thoughts to you all

Steph

Steph there is no need to dread the radiotherapy, it will be a slow build up of symptoms and not everyone is affected as some.

The main thing is you are now very informed about what might happen, to expect mouth ulcers and an exceptionally sore throat and dry mouth. Being aware makes a great difference and helps with the fear factor when there are problems. Many of us have got through it and so can you - you sound as if you have a strong character and that's important.

Why not keep a scrapbook of your thoughts and discomforts during therapy and maybe write it up as a web page later.

We'll be thinking of you. I started my therapy in Sept 2002 and for 6 weeks it was very sunny. I suggest you keep a fine light silk scarf in the car to shroud you face almost Muslim style if the sun is beating down through the windows.

Kind wishes and good luck to you
Pauline

Hello Steph

A young man I saw in the clinic today for review following his course of radiotherapy for a tonsillar cancer appears to have suffered minimal side effects ! So people experience the side effects of radiotherapy differently. So, be hopeful and positive .

Some of my patients have found Gelclair helpful in dealing with the mouth ulcers and sore mouth caused by the radiotherapy.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Thanks Pauline - Your response was appreciated and very helpful. It has eased my mind to know the side effects will be gradual. I'm expecting the worst so any better is a bonus.

At the moment I'm mouth washing with salted water but the radiologist said once radiotherapy starts I should mouth wash with bicarb. of soda. I forgot to ask if that was with or without the salt. What mouth wash did you have Pauline?

Hope all's well with you.

Kindest thoughts

Steph

Thanks Vinod for taking time to tell me that encouraging story. It cheered me up
and shows how everybody/every body is different.

I am rather like Pauline, with a fair skin, so am expecting the worst of the "sunburn" effect. I'm just trying to be realistic - expect the worst and then anything better is a bonus.

Nevertheless, I hope I turn out to be like that patient of yours Vinod, with minimal side effects.

Thanks again

Steph

Vinod,

Sorry Doc - forgot to say I've made a note of Gelclair for the mouth.

Steph