Jayne-

All those above give great advice -- I agree with them that you need not be the least bit hesitant about asking for meds for anxiety, if that is plaguing you! I depended on Xanax to get through my rads, and even was relaxed enough afterwards to take a little nap. There are many options for dealing with mouth sores (which you can expect) - rinses, gels, and regular pain meds can help. You can do this -- you sound like a strong person!

Do you have a mask for radiation? Have they prepared you for how it's going to go (have you toured the room, etc.)? Any such preparation beforehand will help to alleviate your anxiety, too.

We'll all be thinking of you as you go through your treatments. Hang in there. Keep writing.


Chrissy

Stage 2 SCC upper right palate
Hemi-palatectomy and maxillectomy 5/28/09
Six teeth gone
IMRT x30 starts July 13. Completed 8/26/09
Carboplatin and Taxol x6 starting 7/14/09. Completed 8/25/09.