Tuesday is my husband's 6 week post-radiation check-up, and I'm so worried I can't even stand it. He has improved, but his throat is still very sore and he's still not eating enough, which makes me question how well he's really doing. I was worried during treatment of course, but at least we were doing something to address the problem. Now it's just waiting to see if it worked! I know he's worried too: the more worried he is, the more nocturnal he becomes -- he is almost a bat now. I would truly appreciate any advice on how to cope and help my husband to cope with the anxiety over the next few days. Thanks!!
Its always a bit scary around check up time. But as time goes on and your husband gets further out from treatment, it will get a little easier.
Nutrition is key to recovery just like it was in getting thru treatments. He will need a minimum of 2500 calories (some need 3500) and 48 oz (some need more like 80 oz) of water every day for at least the next year. Adding high protein whey powder to beverages will also help to speed healing. Check it with the doc to make sure its ok for him. After everything your husband has gone thru his body is worn out and beat down, he needs the extra calories and protein to rebuild his body. Try focusing on things you have control over which is intake and that will help to keep your mind from worrying so much.
Best wishes with the check up
Good luck with the doctor visit. The amount of weight lost is a gauge if he is not eating enough. Anything over 5% in a month of unintentional weight loss is considered cachexia, which can be self induced by anorexia, malnutrition, and other reasons, sometimes which there is no control of even with adequate nutrition. If the doctors think he is underweight, is not earring enough, there can be ways to increase the appetite, and gain weight, as Christine mentioned, and prescription medication, supplementation.
Good news! Visit with the ENT oncologist went great! With the scope, he could not see any evidence of the tonsil tumor anymore, just an area of "radiation change" that is still healing. He assured us that still needing a pain med every day is not unusual 6 weeks out, and that my husband is doing "phenomenally well!" After feeling his lymph nodes and his whole mouth thoroughly, the doctor said that he didn't find anything that made him feel like a scan was needed right away (especially considering that we don't have insurance) Back in 6 weeks to re-examine him and discuss a scan then. Christine and Paul, I want to say thanks for your encouragement!
Your very welcome!
Congrats on the wonderful check up! Im sure you both are so relieved.
The recovery road is a long one full of ups and downs. The worst is finally behind you.
Best wishes for the next appointment to go as great as this one did.