my husband graham has just finished 2nd cycle of chemo just about to start radiotherapy. We have heard bad things about the radiotherapy and are just a bit scared. Eating has been difficult enough with the really horrid mouth ulcers (I am ex dental nurse and have never seen anything like them!!) Also he is a diabetic so his blood sugars are all over the place, not able to go onto insulin as being an HGV driver will mean no job at the end. Is there anything positive for us to grab on to as we are both down in the dumps big time!

Hello and welcome to the site. I'm afraid I can't give you any help about the radiotherapy as I did not have it myself, but there are lots of people here who can give you advice and tell you about their own experiences. I am glad you found this site because you both seem to be going through a really bad time and there will be plenty of support for you here.

Just to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping that things will start to get better soon.

Love

Gwyn xx

Hi musefan, I can only talk for myself as RT treatments vary so much in where they are aimed at and strength etc and I never had chemo first but I put on weight consistently through the 6 weeks of my RT and after a couple weeks my dietician said I didn't need to see her if I didn't want to. I managed about 4000 cals a day.
I rode my motorcycle to each RT session aswell and only had the car on the last session to get my mask home in one piece. I'm not saying it will be as easy for Graham, some people on this site really suffered with the RT, but never give up hope and try to hit it full in the face with a positive attitude. Easier said than done sometimes I know. Good luck and all the best. Hagg.

Hello Muse

Unfortunately, chemotherapy does cause mouth ulcers (mucositis). You will these links to past posts helpful:

• Medicines (Mucositis)
• 'Mucositis' search

Many patients have found Gelclair helpful. More information also on the USA Gelclair site. You can get your doctor or oncologist to prescribe it for him.

The MASCC's Mucositis Study Group's report recommended patient-controlled analgesia with morphine as the treatment of choice for oral mucositis. It is often prescribed as a mouthrinse that is swallowed.

Hope that helps.

Don't start worrying about the radiotherapy now. Take each day at a time. You will both get through this and we will be here to help.



Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks so much for replies,it really is a big help to not feel so alone. I know the medical staff have been fantastic but they don't live it like we are at the moment. Hagg must say your message was a real life line to Graham as a fellow biker. He was really hoping to continue riding through radiotherapy. It's a two hour journey to hospital by car or train! I have worked in oral surgery as a dental nurse and can look after most mouth conditions and I have been advising him to salt rinse but had never heard of bicarb so that is definiately worth a try. Once again thanks a lot. xx

The bicarb solution really helped me. I had been using salt wash before coming here, but the bicarb solution helped more.

I hope things go well for Graham. I finished my treatment just over a week ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever done - But what choice do you have.

Love Chloex

Hi Muse,

That makes us three bike freaks. Though I do ride once in a while I miss those day when I used to really let my bike tear down some great highways. The bike has now been taken over by my eldest son and the younger one who has just qualified for his bike is also going in for a super bike. My wife is really petrified as we have a hospital very close to home which built a new wing and almost named it after me as I had been through so many broken legs and arms - they did fill their coffers in a major way. I was one of the few for who they would send a personal car to pick me up from an accident site!!! However, I ensure both are well equipped to ride safely and not take too many risks.

Hagg, is one hellva guy to go biking for radiation but the Hagg is Hagg and one who is not just a great friend to have but also one who gives really good advise to all those who require the same.

There is always something new that comes up which others have experienced and if it helps in making life better, why not take the advise and try it out (the bicarb for example). You will recieve a lot of tips on getting Graham back on track - which I am sure he is with a wonderful nurse by his side.

Take care and lol (not as in laughing out loved - but as in lots of love!),
Ananth