Gina, sorry to hear you need more treatment! But its better to get it taken care of now to get rid of the cancer. Hope this will be the only time you have to go thru this!

Many many things to prepare for! Have a full blood work done including thyroid count. Go see the dentist and get any questionable teeth pulled, have flouride trays made. Have a hearing test. Cisplatin (if you are having that chemo) can cause some permanent hearing loss. A weekly smaller dose is easier to tolerate than the large 3 bag method. Eat everything you can! I know you may have some difficulties right now but work hard on getting in all your favorite foods. Dont worry about gaining a couple pounds. Your sense of taste and swallowing capabilities will change usually for only a temporary period of time, so eat now.

Some sail right thru, others struggle thats how it goes with rads. We will be here to guide you every step. if you are the type of person who worries and frets alot you may want to see your family doc about anxiety meds. Just something temporary. Many members (my guess is anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3rds of patient members) have taken these to get thru treatments. You dont need to be on edge and consumed by fear and worry about this. Just knowing it wont be easy or pleasant but you will do it should help you feel a tiny bit calmer about your situation. Its just something necessary to do right now so you can move on to enjoy a long, happy, healthy life. I sure downplay things, dont I? Anyway, think of anxiety meds as another tool for this temporary time frame. Stay busy so you dont worry so much, it really wont change a thing or help.

Anyone who offers to help write down their name and number and tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help. Even if its making dinner for your family, doing a couple loads of laundry, taking the pets to the vet or having a weekly Saturday play date for the kids, it all helps. Try to line up several drivers to transport you back and forth from rads. Taking strong pain meds makes it where you shouldnt drive, its not safe. Call the American Cancer Society and ask for help. They can give you up to $300 towards prescription co-pays or transportation costs, plus give you a volunteer driver sometimes. I am one of those drivers, I help take cancer patients to their treatments when I have time.


Stick with us and we will help you!