hi everyone
thought it was time to say hello seen as ive been lurking around this site for a while. i hope people dont think im a bit of fraud being here!! i have twice had big surgery for parotid tumours which thankfully were benign.there is a risk tho that they could return again and i might not be so lucky next time so the docs have decided on RT. im due to start a 4 week course from next week. the ops that i had were very scarey for me as it was big surgery both times and you dont know what you are going to wake up looking like due to nerve damage etc. i have to say the thought of RT terrifies me but i really have felt supported reading amazing stories on this site and i think im prepared!! i think!!!! if anyone is interested im more than happy to keep people updated of how my treatment is going. like i say i really hope people dont think im a bit of fraud being here.

Hi Christine,

The RT is had but worth it. Good lick and keep us updated.

Love Chloex

Dear Christine,
Hi, my name is Ananth. I read your post and am glad you went through the various posts to prepare yourself for the RT session. I am more then sure you will take it without too many problems and in no time will be laughing and smiling again (not that you are not right now, I hope).
Do keep us all posted as I am sure you will recieve a tremendous amount of support from this end and as Chole said Good luck and keep us updated.
Take care,
Ananth

thank you for your replys, it means a lot to me. i will keep you updated. your right Ananth, im still smiling at the moment!! a little lop sided!!! but still smilling!!!

love christine x

p.s i hope you are all well

good luck with the rt.make sure you moisurise with e.45 or aquaes cream.no one thinks your a fraud lovie. love shirl xxx

Hi Christine, I thought in the beginning that when you went for RT you remained sat upright like going for a dentist exray. Nope, its lying down on a piece of lead, covered in your mask. First day I found really traumatic. Today, my third session, well its quite easy really. I know I will feel worse as treatment approaches 7 weeks, as everyone keeps saying, but right now no problems. So you keep your chin up, get sorted.

Look forward to your next posting.

Love Nigel

Nigel and Christine, I wasn't looking forward to my RT but it wasn't so bad in the end. I've still got my mask after all this time and I'm very attached to it. ALl the best and good luck. Hagg.

I use mine when I am off to rob the banks!!!! I am known as the "Radiation Bandit".
Actually - have put them( two of them into the attic),
lots of love to all
Ananth

Christine, Welcome to the group, and no, you're not a fraud using this site! Good luck to you on your treatments. I've just finished my 12th treatment out of 35 and I don't think I'll ever get use to them.

You need to keep your head up, keep smiling and be optimistic!

Also, this is a great support group and you'll be glad you finally decided to join and participate.

All the best, Cricket

You do get used to them Cricket - I thought I would always hate it - but I didn't for the last few weeks. I had 35!

I have my mask which is purple - you may have guessed thats my favorite clour! Not sure wether to burn the thing, stomp on it or keep it as a reminder.

It's going to be a beautiful day here in the UK.

Hppy Sunday everyone.

Love Chloex

Hey there Purplekitten!

I do think the mask is the worst part of it all, especially since I can't stand the feeling of being confined! But it is getting better, not great mind you, but better!

I'm curious though, did you paint your mask purple? Or did you have a choice of colors. Mine is just a plain old white!

Glad the weather is going to be nice there. We're experiencing a lot of tornados in the midwest lately. More than usual for this time of year.

Anyway, thanks for the encouraging words!

Love, Cricket

Thats the colour it came in! I was really please

I was like you at first especially the first few times - I cried, but the nurses were so patient. I started off being zapped 3 times, then 5 times then for the last 5 days 2 times which was a doddle. The 5 times was a struggle as I was a bit scared I would choke on my saliva which had become thick and un-swallowable by then, but I survived!

My kids came to my Aunts for the afternoon and we went out for a lovely walk in the sun. Also this morning I ate a few spoons of youghrt and had a few sips of tea!

I am on the mend!

Love Chloex

Hello everyone,
I am glad to see most of those here are well on their way on getting on track. To add my two bit - I really had no problems in getting strapped down - but it was the aftermath of the radiation that really did the damage. Through sheer error I recieved a massive overdose of radiation - almost double of what they say could kill a person!!! Anyway - am still around - but noone dare look through me via x-ray!!. The doctor could have always hidden the entire episode but the mere fact that she was so miserable and she told me the truth, I could not even think of suing the hospital or her. I did not her carrer to come to an end as she is a fantasic doctor. I am glad I let things slide as the amount of help she has given me besides becoming a good friend in the process means a lot to me.

Well - here is to the "Radiation Bandit"-.

Take care all and Christine - everything will go off well and in a while you will even have forgotten how it all occured and happened. Smile and keep smiling,

Lots of love to everyone,
Ananth

Christine, I imagine by now you are feeling the issues of radiation. Just know that though these aren't "comfortable" feelings, the sores and mucuous issues are all part of it....they pass in time.

I'm hoping you have strong support nearby for your day to day needs. Give yourself time for a nap when you want one and make no aplogies for having it...it's all part of the deal.

Best wishes,

bob

Good luck and hope things go well

Still remember mine

Use radiance skin gell and keep hydrated

Dave and Sue