Neicy, you probably will need some sort of assistance. Many here were unable to drive or 100% care for themselves during rads and recovery. Anyone who offers their assistance tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do. For now take down their contact info. Dont be too proud to take help, we all need a hand from time to time.

Cancer has a strange way of changing who we are closest with. Some close friends and relatives will run for the hills not being able to handle facing your illness. Others who you barely know will step up to the plate and be there for you. Maybe its the fear of facing their own mortality that spooks some? I dont know???

Call the American Cancer Society immediately. They have volunteer drivers who might be able to help you get back and forth to your treatments. Ive gotten this type of help before and I also drive patients to their appointments. This is a great service, I hope you can use it. I suggest you attempt to line up helpers. If you are able to line up 5 people they could each take a day of the week and be your chauffeur to get you back and forth to treatment, maybe occasionally substituting someone from the ACS. Then line up 2 others who will check on you over the weekends. Going thru OC treatments is something that taught me (I was always overly independent) its ok to lean on others sometimes and people really do want to help but arent sure what they can do. The ACS also can help you pay for your transportation to treatments or a voucher at the pharmacy to help cover your prescription co-pays.

Intake is the number 1 priority! This is something I cant stress enough. Starting right now, you need to hit the minimum numbers of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water daily. No skimping as it quickly turns into a habit and skimping is NOT ok. If you can take more in (like 3000 or 3500 calories daily) that will only help you get thru this easier. I have a habit of nagging members about their intake. Ive been hospitalized several times for malnutrition and dehydration so PLEASE pay close attention to what Im telling you. I know what Im talking about! As far as fluids go, ask your doc for an open prescription to get extra hydration from the facilities chemo lab. This will instantly help you to feel better when the going gets tough and you struggle with your intake.

A feeding tube is not automatic. I would ask your physician if you require one. I had one and couldnt have gotten thru it without it. Others have done it without and and managed just fine. One big difference in how easily you get thru this is if chemo is given. Those who didnt have chemo usually have a slightly easier time of it. Also speaking of chemo... Ask your doc if you can have the smaller weekly doses as those are usually easier to tolerate than the 3 big doses.

As far as juicing goes, you will probably want to save that for well into your recovery. Most fruits are acidic and will burn your sensitive mouth and throat. Dairy usually has a calming effect on delicate mouth tissue. Smoothies and milkshakes that arent too thick will probably work best for the next few months. When I did rads, I rediscovered the oddest drink that really felt soothing to my sore throat, ice cold Yoohoo. I hadnt drank it since I was a kid but loved it during rads and recovery. Your sense of taste and swallowing will change during rads so be prepared to not always like everything you currently do. Eat as much as you can now so you dont go into this having cravings.

Another common denominator Ive noticed in those patients who had an easier time is they would continue to do light exercise during their treatments. Even a short daily walk was a help to keep them active and feeling better. Always protect your skin from the sun, especially during rads. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Never use lotion or sunscreen before you go to rads as it could interfere with your treatments.

READ, READ, READ and educate yourself. An informed patient is their best advocate. You will learn everything Ive written and tons more by reading the forum posts, its all there to be absorbed. Keep in mind everyone is different and will have a slightly different experience. Im hoping if you can push yourself with your intake that this will be not too difficult for you. We are always here to help. You can lean on us, we will get you thru this and back on the road to good health again.

Good luck!!!!