QueenKong, as the radiation treatments progress, you may find that yourself feeling really fatigued, especially if you have chemo going at the same time. It may be a good idea to line up someone who can pick up and drop off your child at school. You may not want to be driving at that point.

Chemo and rads is not easy - it's harder when you have a child. You should have some kind of help, though in some way taking care of your child as exhausting as it is, will be good mentally as it equals normalcy. With regards to counseling the hardest part about this diagnosis is fear and uncertainty. I didn't speak to a counselor, but I also decided early on that as much as the dx was part of my life - I refused to make it become my life. I did my due diligence and pushed through it, but I also came to realize that life is fleeting, a cancer DX does not necessarily = death - and while it's a battle, at least you know what you are fighting. your neighbor or some guy down the street may not have cancer but that doesn't mean he has a full lease on life, because it's random, anyone could die tomorrow. Fight it and do what you have to, but also read books, watch TV, sit with your child, and be with those around you. Don't let it steal your joy - if you do it has won half the battle already.

mental state has a LOT to do with healing.

hugs.

I am so sick and it's only the first week. I've been running a low grade fever on & off, coughing, congested sinus plus feeling like I've been run over. I thought I was going to take the train the first few weeks but I can barely get out of bed.

Awww, you poor thing! Make sure you tell your doc every little symptom you have going on. Be especially aware of your hearing and report any changes. Hopefully whatever bug you have will be gone soon and next week will be easier.

Thanks, Christine, the hearing seems okay so far. I have been telling them what is going on and they put me on IV fluids yesterday. I hope this gets better. Last time I had something like this, I ended up with double lung pneumonia and in the hospital for a long time. I need to not have that happen again.

SO should be at work and not driving me for treatments. He's having trouble managing things and I've lost my voice so I am having to text. Keeps asking me Questions..."What? What? I can't hear you.?"

IF there is trouble with transportation and missing work ask the hospital about volunteer drivers. The cancer society often has drivers available to help drop off and pick up. This may relieve some of the stress. Also maybe a close friend of sibling is willing to help. I was blessed as I was able to drive myself throughout treatment not everyone is that lucky so if you have offers of help take people up on it...
hugs and best of luck.

Wow. I am so full of admiration for the people who keep up a normal life through this sort of treatment. For myself, I was weak as a kitten and there was absolutely no way I could drive or work. Or think, or anything. But in the French health care system that is all covered for life-threatening illnesses, so it was not an issue - plus I have a very supportive partner.

But really, do all you can to make your life easier, get all the help you can - you need to be nice to yourself, that is an important part of getting better. Also, remember, the treatment is temporary and you do get better afterwards. It does not stay that bad, honest.

I am having a hard time. I was having problems breathing last week and they thought it was the virus I was fighting. Luckily, my oncologist was wise enough to send me for a CT scan and the found a pulmonary embolism so they put me on a blood thinner.

My throat is hurting quite a lot with many sores, day 13 of radiation. There is blood when I gargle and a thick bloody clot. Is this normal?

Im so sorry to read about what you have been going thru. OC treatments are brutal!

Make sure you discuss everything you are experiencing with both your doctors and nurses. Many times nurses see these things frequently and may have some ideas to help. Bleeding is not unheard of but it is something to pay attention to.

At least 5 times per day rinse your mouth with a mixture of 16oz warm water, 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt. It might burn so its ok to cut back on the salt but try to handle having as much of the 1 tsp in there as you can. Keep swishing this around in your mouth gently for about 30 seconds and then spit. This will help with mouth sores. Many here have also used Manuka honey. Try doing a search for in in the upper right corner. You will find out info about what strength works best.

If you are in pain ask the doc for prescription pain meds. The fentayl patch works wonders. Just make certain to follow all instructions exactly. It takes about 24 hours for the first patch to start working but after that it gives a steady dose of meds for 72 hours. I would always put on a new patch after about 68-70 hours so it didnt wear off completely. No patient should be in pain, it only puts more stress on them.

Hang in there!!!

Oh dear. It's bad enough having a sore mouth and throat without the lung problems too. My thoughts are with you from all the way down here in New Zealand.