Welcome to OCF. You are in the best place for info and support. We will be here to help you get thru the next rough months.

The most important thing you can do is start pushing yourself with your daily intake. During rads and for at least the first year you need at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. No skimping as that quickly turns into a cycle of playing catch up which never happens. End result of the catch up game is hospitalization for malnutrition and/or dehydration. Bottom line, your intake is what will make the whole thing easier, if you can take more in thats even better and can only help. If you need extra fluids, your doc can write a prescription for extra hydration in the chemo lab.

Line up a bunch of helpers. You might not be driving and need help to get to your rads. You might need help with many small tasks that other would be happy to pitch in and give you a hand if you ask. The American Cancer Society can help with volunteer drivers and/or a pharmacy voucher to help cover up to $300 of prescriptions or your co-pays.

Hang in there!!!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile