One down and 34 to go (IMRT) and 2 to go (Cisplatin).

No issues or complaints; just wanted to lodge a post here and refer back to it as the weeks count down. And of course if any issues that I want opinions on arise.

I really feel like between all of you here already and the doctors and nurses telling me what to expect and giving it to me straight that I'm as ready as I can possibly be. It is a great gift that you here have given me. Courage.

Let's do this!

Paul

Good luck Paul. Hoping you have an easy time of it.
Keep swallowing. Maintain the calories and if you need pain relief ask for it and take it.
We will all be here to help if you need.
Tammy

Your positive attitude is your best support through the trip. Don't be shy when you get some side effect and want some tips from the trenches. Good luck

At least you have started and now you are walking towards that finish line and we will be with you the entire time.

Paul, you're part of our family and we're all here for you. There will be challenges ahead, but I know you'll meet them with guts and an upbeat attitude. Whatever you face along the way you can be sure one of us has been through something just like it. So don't be afraid to ask any questions here, no matter how trivial they may seem to you.

Hang in there, buddy.

Please dont hesitate to post often and ask questions as you go thru the next few weeks. We will help you as much as possible.

Keep your focus on your intake. That will help you get thru it easier. Every single day hit the minimums of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you can do more, thats even better and will only help. Dont worry about gaining weight, most of us lose weight even when taking in 2500+ calories daily. Swallow every single day even if it hurts.

Hang in there, we are in your corner all the way.

Thanks everyone!

So I'm starting Day 4 now. On Day 2 I awoke with pretty strong nausea but took the Compazine and lay back down and felt better. Later in the day I got the wildest bout of hiccups 3 different times. They haven't come back and I also got a prescription for Prilosec because I was complaining of a little heartburn.

On Days 2 and 3 I was noticeably tired. I took time out to grab a nap when I could and went to bed early. Hard to gauge how Day 4 will go but I don't think I'm quite as tired out of the gate.

Appetite is good, I'm eating well. No ill effects I think from radiation treatments yet (there have only been 3 of them; fourth this afternoon).

The hiccups can be from the decadron (corticosteroids), infusions given with chemo. There are meds for that, if it becomes a problem.

Keep up the good work!

Kris had wicked, relentless hiccups after each chemo.
They went on day and night for 2 weeks. No meds stopped them. Not pleasant.
Hope day 4 went well.
Tammy

Had been a little worried about how listless I was becoming already but on Saturday I kind of rebounded and I had a very long and fulfilling day on Sunday. Got a good night sleep and feel pretty normal this morning on Monday. Going to be able to get some work in. So I'm hopeful of another couple of good weeks without being/feeling so tired and listless before I start chemo again. Feels like I may have turned a small corner.

Taste is becoming noticeable but not really a problem. Just food and drink beginning to feel more 'meh'. But I'm not having any troubles swallowing and taking in nourishment and calories. I go back for a check-up with the chemo doc this afternoon before rads and I'm sure we'll have things to talk about.

Just want to acknowledge the great and unfailing support of you folks here. My friends and family (through a caring bridge site mostly) are very complimentary about my spirits and my knowledge in the face of my situation. I know that I owe a huge part of that to the folks here now and before me.

Paul