Hi everybody,

I have finally been told that my treatment starts next week with 5 days of chemo as an inpatient followed by 16 days rest and another 5 days after that.
The radio theraphy (30 sessions) will start mid January with a couple of chemo on either side 1! I have asked to be included on a clinical trial (Image Guided IMRT) Has anybody heard of or experienced this treatment? I am just hoping that it increases the chance of having some saliva left!!!
How am I likely to feel after the 1st 5 days of chemo? Shall I cancel Christmas & New year's celebrations !!!!

We have finally took courage and told our 7 year old princess about dad's exciting news and as some of you told me she took it all in her stride. She is bringing me 'get well cards' every day and my floodgates open! Nothing to do with global warming.

I look forward to receiving few replies and have a nice weekend to all

Loni

Hi Loni, I didn't have chemo, only RT and surgery but I would say dont cancel Christmas, take it as it comes and see what happens. I've met people who strided through their chemo and didn't suffer too badly. Obviously there are people who find it harder but you dont know until you get there. Hang in there. Hagg.

Hi Loni

I had neither RT nor chemo, just surgery, so I'm not able to respond to any of your treatment questions. You know your body best, though, and you'll know your limitations.

I agree with Hagg--don't cancel your plans for Christmas and New Year's. Take it one day at a time (I know it's a cliche--sorry) and don't push yourself too hard. It is a frantic time of year (shopping, cooking, decorating) but your friends and family will understand if you're not up to your usual level of activity. If they offer to help, accept the offers; if you need help, ask for it.

Best wishes to you and your daughter.

Julia

Hi Loni,

I had 35 sessions of R/T last year for throat cancer. I did not have the choice of IMRT and wished I did - but I am glad to be alive today.

I am no expert but I remember, recently talking to a fellow patient who had IMRT and I could not help but notice that they had plenty of saliva in their mouth when talking.

All the best

Ken

Loni,

i am nearing completing two-thirds of my chemo treatments. to me chemo is a picnic compared to radiation.

chemo can sap the strength right out of you. nausea is a big problem but thanks to the right medications and dosages i have sailed right through...

after a chemo treatment the next day i start with dexamenthasone and take one 4mg pill each day for 3 days. at the same time i am taking ondansetron HCL 8MG tablet every 6 - 8 hours as needed. i usually take this tablet for about 5 or 6 days after chemo. by day 4 i take it morning and bedtime at night for 2 or 3 days.

i have never had a problem with nausea except when i thought i didn't need it (ondansetron) anymore on day 3.

chemo nurse i had the last time told me he has had patients who start vomiting before they even get the chemo drug. just the thought of it makes them sick.

so the bottom line is talk to your doc to make sure you are prescribed some anti-nausea pills....

good luck..... & don't bother to try and hang on to your hair.... when mine started coming out in bunches i bit the bullet and had my head shaved.

IMRT: past discussions

My lack of saliva really dictates my eating habits. I have a half hour lunch break at work and find it difficult to finish my food in the alloted time ( even tho' I ensure that it has plenty of gravy and i drink 2 large coffees with it.)


tony k