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#44992 06-03-2005 08:01 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 | Now that I've felt a little cheered by my graduation from radiation treatment, I'm back to trying to find better ways to cope with all the nasty symptoms I'm still dealing with.
Number one is the thick phlegm and my method of coping is basically constant spitting and lots of mouth rinsing with homemade baking soda and saline solution. I have had some serious problems with nausea related to this when I gag on the phlegm but I think I have gotten somehwat better at spitting my way through those moments instead of letting them turn into vomiting (although sometimes they still do and it's always touch and go).
Its especially touch and go about whether I end up vomiting when I have been asleep for an hour or two and the phlegm has built up and gotten thicker in my mouth. I have to reach for water and a spit try right away and work fast at getting that stuff out of my mouth. As for sleeping longer than two hours at a time...can't remember when I last did that although I would REALLY like to.
The bottom line is I am getting more and more sleep deprived and am constantly fatigued. I fall asleep sitting up in the middle of doing other things. I lose track of when I last took painkillers (I try to keep a written record but forget to record the time) and the worst is I feel frazzled and weak and despairing of ever getting well more often just because I'm so tired.
Is there any trick any of you used for geting more sleep at a time when the phlegm was overwhelming?
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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#44993 06-04-2005 02:14 PM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 | Nelie,
Do you have access to one of those suction machines similier to what dentist's use? I had one and my insurance company paid for the use of it. I returned it when it was no longer required.
I imagine how long it lasts is different for different people.
Take the time to rest when you can. You need this rest to heal. I hate to see you suffer but as time goes by you will feel better. I remember tht first all night sleep and it was great.
Hoping things go well during this diffucult time for you.
Danny Boy
Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.
Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06
Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006
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#44994 06-04-2005 05:39 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 | Nelie, Try this link. It has a good discussion with several suggestions. You can also do a search. You may find more suggestions. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/ubb/get_topic/f/12/t/000192.html#000006 Rosie
Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.
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