Hi Vicky

You may well be experiencing side effects already, I know I did soon into my treatment. By the end of the second week I was really beginning to feel quite sore inside my mouth and bottom lip (I was being treated for tongue cancer).

My advice to you is to try and get as much nutrition as possible now whilst you still feel like eating and don't worry about the calories. I have to say that although the treatment wasn't nice by any means, I didn't find it quite as bad as I was expecting it to be. I hope you don't have too bad a ride through it either.

Don't forget to plaster your skin with the cream they give you (but only after you've received the treatment each day) - I also found the radiance gel that you can order from the Bristol Cancer Centre really did help my skin.

Good luck for your treatment and a happy new year to you too.

Wendy

I am so sorry you are having pain already. I know it affects everyone differently. My father had a love hate relationship with his mask. He hated it!! It was so tight!! But it loved it since it has saved his life. He bought the fake spit spray and brought it with him and would spray his mouth right before and that really helped. And then after he would slather on the eurcerin cream and just let it soak in. Get some old tshirts and cut out the collars and put some sheets on the couch you you can just relax and let the cream soak in after your treatments. I also agree on the nutrition - eat what you want when you want - keep hydrated!!

i just sent you a pm - i hope it helps!

Yeeha! 3 weeks down, 3 more weeks to go!
Its not been without it's ups and downs. The swelling of the first week remains a mystery, but it went and hasn't returned. 2nd week was great. Last week I battled with pain management, as mouth is now ulcerated and large 'wound' on inside of cheek apparently due to me biting my cheek. (can be caused by stress.... you don't say???). Also mucositis (?) beginning. I have found a really good over the counter product called Gengigel - works for me better than stuff I've been prescribed, although hideously expensive @ £10 per bottle. It is on 3 for 2 in Boots if anyone wants to give it a try. I've taken Oramorph for the last two nights, works well, but last night I had horrible night sweats, proper, wash you out of the bed sort of sweats. I've never experienced anything like that before, has anyone else? Also I'm itching. Been like it all week. I wondered if it could be the codeine (am taking paracetamol and codeine) or maybe it's the Fortisip, that's full of all sorts of dubious ingredients? Any ideas? The itching is a nuiscence but I can live with it. My eldest son came up for a few days this week, it was lovely to have some company although speaking has been painful for me and eating has been out of the question. I'm hoping that next week will be better for pain relief. I have read on this site that oromorph causes constipation. Well, I haven't 'been' for a week now, but don't feel constipated, I haven't eaten very much. However, do you think I should take a laxative before it gets too bad? Any advice on this would be great.
Have a lovely weekend.
Vicky x