So I am starting radiation and chemo this week and I am so scared. I HATE that mask. I freak out when they strap me in it. I am super scared of what is to come. I am meeting with a doctor tomorrow to talk about a feeding tube. I have no idea what to think or how to prepare for this. I cry all the time. I just want this to work so my kids don't have to be scared anymore
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The unknown is always so scary. You can do this, we will help you. No, its not going to be easy. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Good luck!!!
Theresa - yes, it's scary. But also yes, you can get through it. Ask your doctor about a prescription for one of the benzodiazapines - Ativan, Xanax, etc. If you need it you should have it to help you through rads, at least initially.
You can also bring music or an audio book into the room with you. I did it with my iPod and small speakers and it was the thing that got me through it.
The PEG tube is something I didn't have, but grew to wish I did. Get as much counseling from your docs and nurses on whether they think you need it. I found that the radiation produced so many sores in my mouth that swallowing even water was extremely painful. But as with anything, we're all different and your experience could be much better.
Mainly, I know you can get through this. We're here to help in any way we can, you're a member of our family. Ask all the questions you want and PM anyone, we'll be there for you.
Courage!
Theresa,
This response is in reference to ongoing (live) RT experience ONLY. No CT.
First of all, nothing to worry. Not giving you sugar coated pills, but the reality is one has to go through prescribed treatment options.
Making your stress less,
we have a friend here "fish", He completed almost 20/30 treatments and is doing extremely well. He experienced mouth sores for a week but he is fully functional, his energy levels are great, working 8 hours from office and eating everything despite loss of taste. Driving to and from (work and Rad Center) by himself. I spoke to him three times in three weeks over video chat. Yesterday was an hour chat. No one can tell he is in the middle of rads. You can read fish's experience here.
Like ChristineB has said thousand times, maintain calories with protein, enough hydration and pain management to get though this.
NOW,
Making your stress lesser,
I am the one lined up for rads starting 3/10. I'll open up new thread for readers once rads starts net week. Nothing happens for the first two weeks. Even Fish had nothing for first two weeks. FYI, fish is 43 and I am 37. You are the youngest, so I assume You and I will have almost same experience what fish has experienced. Common thing is, none has PEG tube. Just stay positive, eat, drink, watch netflix and do little exercise. BOOM>>>> You are all set.
Good Luck....