#44705 03-28-2005 03:15 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | I have to post this quickly as I need to run back to the dentist today to get my trays made and see if the tooth-pulling/root drilling from last week has healed well enough for rad. next week but here are some of the many things coming up which I'm a little fearful of I thought people here might be able to tell me a little about. 1. what's the deal with the mask in radiation therapy? what kind of a mask? Is it uncomfortable? Can you breathe ok? Does it hurt if your skin gets sore? For some reason the idea scares me though I certainly understand why you have to stay perectly still. 2. I'm getting a PEG tube put in Friday--it's a bigger deal than I was hoping it would be--it sounds like one of those yucky surgeries where you hope you are sedated as much as they think you are (I wasn't when I had a colonoscopy 4 years ago and that experience was baaad). And there's an overnight in the hospital after I guess ebcause they want to make sure it's in OK and you have to be fed by IV for a while right after the insertion(?). They said it could be pretty painful for a few days after. How painful? That weekend is the last before rad. and I was hoping to visit with some friends and not be in pain all weekend--as I was this weekend from the dental work 3. Your teeth/gums after radiation. I know it's bad news if you have so much decay or damage that you'd need to have one pulled but what about fillings for small cavities? Do they require hyperbaric oxygen too? What about getting crowns/bridges? I hope I can get that done after for the two spots where I'm missing teeth now but are there risks with that as well?? OK, no more time to type the other questions but these are the three things on the top of my worry list this morning and I know I always deal better with things when I have some idea what to expect.... Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44706 03-28-2005 04:58 AM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | Nelie Can only answer one, the PEG the site will only be sore, and maybe a bit tender, no more than that. You'll be fine on this issue Sunshine...love and hugs Helen
SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
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#44707 03-28-2005 05:14 AM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | Nelie,
I can't help much with your first two questions -- I think masks weren't generally in use when I had radiation, and I never had a PEG tube.
On your third point, your teeth and gums will definitely need extra attention for the rest of your life following radiation. I have routine cleanings every 2-3 months, and I see an oral surgeon or a periodontist (both of whom are very aware of my cancer history) for anything that might require more specialized work and additional caution. That said, I haven't had to have HBO for anything yet, and I've had a number of fillings, crowns, gum grafts, etc. in the past 15 years -- all with no complications.
Cathy
Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
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#44708 03-28-2005 05:56 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Thanks for the answer about the PEG Helen. That was helpful.
My dentist said he thinks I need two more weeks for the gums and bone to heal before radiation starts, not one. Actually, I think the rad. oncologist was thinking rad woud start the end of next week--so that's one and 1/2 weeks, making it two only adds half a week, gives me more time to get some things organized before then, and means the rbeast incision will almost definitely be healed enough to start with chemo on day 1 of radaition.
But I'm worried about delay because the whole thing with getting an initial opinion that I didn't need rad. and then also having the lumpectomy/ surgery to get clean margins in there added some time anyway. I seem to recall reading here somewhere about research on how much time is OK between surgery and beginning of rad. treatment--anyone know about it?
Still, I guess there's nothing I can do anyway at this point. Radiation before the gums and bone have healed from the dental surgery sounds like it would be bad news too.
Oh, and I rememebred my other big question. I'm going to be having Amifostine injections and I know I remember somewhere here postings about how Amifostine was hard to take. Why is that? Nausea? My medical oncologist mentioned some people have an allergic reaction to it--what sort of allergic reaction?
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44709 03-28-2005 05:56 AM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Nellie, I will try to answer your questions in order: 1. The mask heeps your head and neck in precise alignment so that the radiation stays on target. With IMRT they want to be accurate to a millimeter. It is usually made of a thermoformed plastic mesh, molded to your face. It usually fits a little tight in the beginning but as you lose weight, becomes more comfortable. Also, since you will lose weight, there will be minimal pressure on the skin of the radiated area so you shouldn't suffer any pain. The mask is really not a big deal and you will get used to it quickly. It might help you to ask for some anti-anxiety meds, like Zanax as well, if you are really freaked out about this. I slept through many of my treatments. 2. I can't answer about the PEG I did it without one. 3. I kept all of my teeth. I wouldn't let them extract them. I would strongly recommend getting a second opinion about having any teeth pulled, especially since you are getting IMRT. If you keep your teeth first off they have to be in good shape going into this, secondly have repairs made now and dental trays made now. You will have to go the distance to maintain them under dry mouth conditions. Frequent flouride treatments, flossing, a Water Pik is helpful, get an extra soft babys tootbrush, Biotene tooth paste, mouth rinse an OraGel, etc. Check here for more info http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/dental-complications.htm
Gary Allsebrook *********************************** Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2 Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy) ________________________________________________________ "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#44710 03-28-2005 06:01 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | oops, when I wrote that last post I hadn't read yours, Cathy. I was interrupted by a call from the human resources office at work about all these forms I have to get all my doctors to fill out about how long I was out and why and how long I will be out and why. Since there hasn't been just one doc in charge of my case that's going to be complicated and I know there will be a week here and there where technically I could have worked but my chair and I both agreed that I shouldn't come in for one week here adn one week there and confuse all the students with a different teacher and expose myself to the flu. I hope they don't decide I don't get paid for those weeks now! Another thing to deal with.
Anyway, thanks, Cathy, for the answer about the teeth. My dentist who I saw this morning also said that fillings and bridges should be no problem, just major oral surgery would be.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44711 03-28-2005 08:38 AM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | Hi Nelie, I had a horrible time with the mask when they made it and fit it. No one had explained the process to me and it was terrifying. I didn't like being restrained that way. So, realize that you will be very restrained and the first fitting takes alot longer then a regular treatment. After the first week of so of treatment I adjusted and found ways to deal with my anxiety and by the end of treatment I was like Gary, I could have fallen asleep! Get a PEG if possible. I had hyperbaric when I needed a tooth extracted and I had no issues at all. Hope this helps, Minnie
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#44712 03-28-2005 11:04 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Yup, I'm getting a PEG Friday and, after meeting with the oncology nurse who will oversee the chemo part, I'm also getting a port put in during the same period of sedation/anesthesia on Friday. I have horribly inaccessible veins and I'm going to be getting an Amifostine injection every day of the radiation so a port will really help with that.
Between the PEG and the Port I'll be ready for whatever they want to put into me :rolleyes:
Just so long as they don't start putting in things to get it out of me--hopefully that I can handle on my own!
I think I'll be OK being restrained. I had a stereotactic biopsy for my breast and you have to stay very very still during that and I was fine. As long as they tell me what's going to happen before they do it, I can usually handle it.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44713 03-28-2005 02:34 PM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 482 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 482 | Nelie, I had a peg for 6 months and never had any noticeable pain. The insertion was pretty easy, just a little uncomfortable when they had me swallow the camera to allow them to see as they inserted the tube through the stomach wall. I stayed in the hospital, but that was because I had the peg inserted the morning of my second chemo treatment which was done with an overnight stay, so I was in the hospital anyway. That's one on the reasons I had it done along with the chemo.
The mask wasn't a big deal. You just have to ignore the use of it. I listened to music and prayed a lot at the time to divert my attention and to get caught up. I found I had a lot to pray about during this time.
I had two teeth extracted before rad and I have some additional dental things I need to take care of. So far, no big issues have developed except for a tooth on the other side which has crumpled a little around a filling. That will be part of a bridge I will need soon, though, so I'm not to concerned with it at the moment. Just makes eating a little more interesting. Hope all goes well for you.
Regards, Kirk Georgia Stage IV, T1N2aM0, right tonsil primary, Tonsilectomy 11/03, 35 rad/3cisplatin chemo, right neck dissection 1/04 - 5/04.
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#44714 03-28-2005 10:10 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 541 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 541 | Nelie, see how lucky you are getting questions answered by those experienced people. When my treatment plan was fixed, I was all alone not knowing what was going to happen on me. Doctors sometimes are too busy to answer patients' questions and moreover, they have not been in the battle themselves. Just to share my own experience here. I can't answer the question about PEG because I never had one and in Hong Kong, only very few patients need one before treatment. As for radiation mask, you need not worry about it. Just lie on the bed comfortably. I was very fortunate that medical professionals in my hospital were very caring and tender. They apologized if I felt uncomfortable. So you may give them signals if you don't like the way they handle you. I needed to have another mask made in the middle of treatment as my neck tumor had become smaller and my face became thinner. I didn't know that and felt scared when I had to get a new mask. I thought there was something wrong until the nurse told me that it was a good sign that my tumors were responding well. As for the teeth, I also kept all my teeth. If someone suggests pulling any of your teeth, get a second opinion. Before treatment, have a thorough clean by a good dentist and if there is a decayed tooth, get it filled instead of getting it pulled. Teeth are more vulnerable after treatment, for sure. So oral hygiene is very important.Don't panic and relax.Get as much nutrition as you can before the battle. Good luck,
Karen.
Karen stage 4B (T3N3M0)tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/2001.Concurrent chemo-radiation treatment ( XRT x 48 /Cisplatin x 4) ended in 12/01. Have been in remission ever since.
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#44715 03-29-2005 12:24 AM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 146 Gold Member (100+ posts) | Gold Member (100+ posts) Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 146 | Hi Nelie,
I had the injection of amifostine before each rad treatment (37 in all) and I had no reaction to it whatsoever. I know others had problems and had to stop so I guess I was one of the "lucky" ones. The only thing I didn't like about them was the actual injection which really wasn't that big a deal but at the time I guess I was just being a baby! They said they would normally make the injection in the stomach fat but since I had almost no fat they ended up injecting it in my upper hip/butt area. The area of injection would be a little sore but alternating between left and right side seemed to help a little.
Anyway, sorry to be long winded on such a simple question. I hope you'll experience no side effects from your injections.
Hugs, Nancy
Stage IV oral cancer (tongue), T3N2, total glossectomy with right and left modified neck dissection 7/03, rad /chemo ended 11/03
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#44716 03-29-2005 02:18 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Nancy, I really appreciate your answer about the amifostine injection. Now I'm wondering about the port they are putting in--if they'd normally inject it into stomach fat, maybe injecting it into a port is not such a good idea.
One more question to ask someone.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44717 03-29-2005 11:55 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | I just got back from the CT scanning session where they also make the mask. It was a little uncomfortable---less so once I asked if they could put a pillow under my knees so it wouldn't be so hard on my lower back. It did feel a little scary with the pressure of the mask on top and also the plastic head/neck support thing they use was digging into the back of my head on one side--I felt like I was getting a headache by the end of it all.
Anyway, I made it through OK and I'm sure I will get more used to it as time goes on. I appreciate everyone telling me what to expect here--that made it much more bearable.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44718 03-29-2005 04:05 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | You had to ASK for the pillow!?!? I must of had great techs - they always had a pillow, actually a triangular wedge for under the knees. They also gave me a pillow for my butt when I lost all of the weight and had no fat left (along with a couple of heated blankets - first class operation). My mask was so tight in the beginning it left a scale like impression so I took a digital photo and colorized it green - I looked just like the Creature from the blue lagoon. It'll loosen up.
Gary Allsebrook *********************************** Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2 Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy) ________________________________________________________ "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#44719 03-29-2005 06:06 PM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | I had the scales on my face too! I was wondering why people were looking at me funny until I got home (but I think they were wearing off by then).
I am surprised they didn't have a knee pillow ready. They did when I went for the CT scan when I was being staged. But that was at an outpatient branch of the hospital that has a CT imaging center on the other end of town--they apparently aren't set up so kindly at radiation medicine in the hospital. At first when I asked for a pillow they said they didn't even have one but then someone went and found one. I could have used a warm blanket too--it was cold in there especially when the CT scanner was going (it must have a powerful fan).
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44720 03-29-2005 06:19 PM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | You should let the manager of your radiation facility know how the first day went. I'm with Gary, I can't imagine having to ask for a pillow. Their lack of attention to comfort and detail simply isn't professional and it would make me question their attention to detail with your treatment. Speak up about these things, it might matter. This treatment is meant to save your life and it is going to be harder on you if you go every day to a group of people that lack compassion. Give me their phone number, I'll give them a call!! Hang in there, Minnie
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#44721 03-30-2005 01:12 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | I was thinking they might not have wanted to do a warm blanket because of that contrast stuff they shoot into your veins before the CT scan that makes you feel all hot for a moment or two. But when that was over I felt even colder!
You're right, though, Minnie, I will let someone know. Actually one of the oncology nurses there is one I have come to know because on the weekends I have been going to the hospital to have the dressing in the breast icision changed and the incision cleaned (during the week my surgeon's nurse does it daily) and she has been the oncology nurse there at the hospital on the weekend. I think as a nurse she'd be more likely to see those things as important and make sure they are changed in the future.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44722 03-30-2005 02:22 PM | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 217 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | Platinum Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 217 | Whoa, Nelie! You are one busy young thing! I can address a few items: The PEG seemed to be no big deal for my husband, and they did not have him stay in hospital but for a few hours to rest after insertion. Besides it being a 'pain in the neck' to keep clean, and the fact that it is in the way, he's not complained about it. It was put in prior to radiation treatments (AUG 2004) and he is still relying on the nutrition it allows him to take. The teeth issue: he had none pulled - everything was in great shape. He is, however, required to use flouride trays nightly - for the rest of his life. It is a 15-minute bedtime ritual, and he only misses on night like last night, when his congested head just wouldn't allow him to keep his mouth closed that long. Good luck, kiddo! You are certainly approaching this with a great attitude! Keep it up - - you make me smile Nicki
Nicki, wife of Thomas dx July 2004, SCC, Stage 4 Tonsil. Tx begun 8/4/04. Cisplatin/Xeloda x 4; IMRT 7 wks, 8/7 - 10/25/04 Modified Radical Dissection (right), Selective Dissection (Left) 12/10/04.
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#44723 04-02-2005 01:35 PM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Well, I only hope I have a good attitude once the chemo/rad starts. I'm not sure considering what a whiner I was last night and this morning at the hospital after having the PEG and the port put in.
They told me they were using "conscious anesthesia" when they inserted the PEG. First of all, as a student of the psychology of consciousness, I have never liked the term "conscious anesthesia" being used to mean "you'll be conscious at the time and it might hurt but you won't rememeber". Second, this is the second time (a colonoscopy 4 years ago was the first) where i had a "conscious anesthesia" procedure, it was VERY painful/uncomfortable, and I DO remember it.
I remember gagging on the tube with the camera that they put down your throat (but thinking that since I was so dopey it really wasn't so bad) but then I also remember writhing in pain when they inserted the tube. The gastroenterologist, who is a nice guy and got me in at the last minute for this, later told me that he thinks it's actually easier and not such a big deal when people have already wasted away a little bit, are malnourished, and haven't been using their stomach or stomach muscles much lately. With someone relatively healthy gets it done head of time for radaition he said he has noticed it seems to be more painful (during and after the surgery). Anyway, I don't know if that's why, but today (over 24 hours later) I feel like a large horse gave me a good kick in the stomach (I did have had that happen once too, years ago) and last night just the use of stomach muscle it took to stand up straight was almost too much for me!
That's whine number one, whine number two is that I seem to be running a low fever, maybe just a reaction ot all the surgery, but after that last post-surgery infection, I'm worried about that. We also had to wait around the hospital all day today just for both surgeons to come around and approve my release which was a drag.
I'm still planning on seeing some friends tommorrow, though, before radiation starts. They are coming here, though, and I told them I wouldn't have much energy for going out anywhere.
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44724 04-03-2005 02:39 AM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 482 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 482 | Nelie, I found that the first few weeks of rad wasn't that difficult. It started to get a little draining in week 4/5 or so and by week 7 it was pretty difficult. So you may be able to socialize a bit in the first few weeks without any issues. We all react differently, but you may have some time on the front end of your rad treatment.
Regards, Kirk Georgia Stage IV, T1N2aM0, right tonsil primary, Tonsilectomy 11/03, 35 rad/3cisplatin chemo, right neck dissection 1/04 - 5/04.
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#44725 04-03-2005 03:54 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Yeah, I'm hoping that's the case, Kirk. The rad. oncologist from Roswell Park that is here now until they hire someone else said the first two weeks are usually not bad but I don't think he was thinking about doing rad with chemo, which I udnerstand can make the symptoms worsen quickly.
He said in his experience people usually have the hardest time in the 4th and 5th weeks because that's when the bad symptoms happen but before they've adjusted/ gotten into a routine about how to manage them. He said that's when I'd be wondering why the heck I was doing this.....
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44726 04-03-2005 06:43 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | well I had two friends that were gong to visit today. I don't know if the second one will because there is flash flooding between where I live and where she lives but the first was here this morning and my stomach hurt from the PEG insertion every time I laughed. She had me laughing a lot. Sometimes pain is worth it
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#44727 04-03-2005 10:38 AM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | Nelie So sorry that the peg site was so sore, BUT glad you can still laugh, she must be a very good friend to have around... Sunshine...love and hugs Helen
SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
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