4 of 30 rads completed (I started on a Tuesday.)

The radiation techs are so kind; I received candy on day 1 and small beanie baby bear on day 2. There are four of them and they have shown my partner and my best friend the full set up.

I have about an hour of swallowing, tongue, and neck exercises I do per day broken out in three sessions. Still working and eating most things though my throat has started to hurt a little. On gabapentin and have slowly worked my way up to 900mg 3x/day. Side effects are a little dizziness and a hand tremor.

Anxious about pain as we continue but pushing forward.

Keep it up Stef! I did 35 treatments and 6 chemo. 3rd week in recovery. Just keep positive! Any questions ask!

Stef - I admire all those exercises! That will surely help you weather the next weeks. And candy and bears? Boy, I never got those!

As you mention, there will surely be more pain. But it's well managed with meds so don't hesitate to ask for them. I was never offered gabapentin and will be curious to hear how it works for you. In my case it was the heavy hammers of oxycodone and, toward the end, fentanyl patches as well. But whatever does the job.

As Al said, never hesitate to ask any questions here at the forum. Likely someone will have gone through it and have some good advice for you.

I'm also pleased to read that you have a good support network. That will be vital as you get deeper into treatment. I personally found that after about 2 weeks I wasn't able to continue working - in my case sitting here in front of my computer - but I've read of folks who've stayed on the job practically until the end, or even in fact never stopped. But don't push it. Try and get as much rest as you can.

We're here for whatever you need.

Courage! (you're doing great)

I had neurontin (gabapentin). Its a nerve medicine that worked very well for my pain. Hope it helps to keep yours under control too!

Sounds like your first week went very well. Never lose the focus of what is within yoru control and one of the most important things to watch during your treatments and recovery.... your intake. This will help get you thru everything easier the better you can do with it.

Best wishes with an easy week 2!!!


PS... Candy, or any small gifts werent part of anything I went thru either. You are very lucky

In all candor this site has kept me from falling into self pity or despair. Christine - I can't thank you, Brian, and everyone who has shared their experiences enough.

David - I might be acting 8 instead of 48! Sadly I think several children are being treated on the same LINAC and I may have gotten leftover gifts. Hopefully those children are on the road to recovery!

Candy and bear?! Im feeling a little jealous. Although, I too, have a very kind and caring team, but you get goodies...I think my team needs to step up their game...lol Im rooting for you Stef! I just had my 2nd treatment today. I hope all is going well for you. So far so good for me, just tired all the time, and Im struggling to get all my calories or water in...my body just wants to sleep. Will keep you posted. Ill be checking in on you Stef. Good luck!

Thank you, Wendy. Just had my 7th radiation treatment and starting to get a little fatigue. I am rediscovering the wonder of naps. Doing okay on water as I have dry mouth and drinking helps. Hitting calories for now but it varies day by day. Trying to follow ChristineB's advice as closely as I can.

Wishing you all the best!