Rads are NOT easy for anyone! Even those lucky few who sail right thru rads with barely any noticeable side effects have their own struggles. Unfortunately, rads is progressive. The further you go, the harder it gets. I too suffered thru rads thinking I could avoid doing some of the treatments.... NOPE!!! Towards the end, I was in such bad shape I lost my voice, could barely walk or even stand up without help. My doc took one look at me, never even looked in my mouth or checked my chart... sitting in a wheelchair barely able to lift my head or follow a conversation, I was admitted for malnutrition and dehydration. Guess what? Even being hospitalized didnt stop those rads from continuing... the techs came to get me anyway. I also thought I would just quit then but that wasnt allowed either. My nurse and son ganged up on me and said it wasnt happening that they wouldnt let me quit as they would not sit back and watch me die because I was having a hard time with rads. Somehow I finished all of my scheduled treatments, but only 2 of the chemo doses from being so badly affected by it. Ive been where your mom is and understand it all too well. I wouldnt wish OC or the horrendous barbaric treatments on my worst enemy. But!!! Even though it was some of the hardest days Ive ever been thru, I am alive today and living a different but very good life thanks to so many people helping to keep me on the right track.

As your moms caregiver, watching her going thru this and in pain must be so disheartening and upsetting to you. The following will help to turn this around and make her more comfortable... Bottom line on how to get her thru rads in the easiest way possible... focus on what is controllable! The better she does with her intake, the easier everything will be for her. Every single day she needs to take in at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water... every day!!!! With mouth sores and struggling to swallow this is NOT easy to do. The magic mouthwash will help her alot!!! It will numb her mouth so the sores arent bothering her as much enabling her to eat. Her pain must get managed as quickly as possible to help her feel slightly better. I would definitely advise getting the prescription to get extra hydration too, then get her in there asap. Not taking in at least 48 oz daily will quickly sneak up on her. Dehydration makes patients feel absolutely horrible!!! The extra hydration will instantly boost her up after taking in a couple bags, she will walk out of there feeling so much better than when she first walked in.

Try to give her something to look forward to. Even minor things can mean alot to a patient who is struggling. In all of this dont forget to take good care of yourself as well. Being a caregiver is NOT easy!!! Try taking some time away just for you so you can catch your breath. Do something you enjoy like getting a manicure, going out to lunch with friends or something that will give you some much needed time to relax and unwind. If you have people who have offered their assistance maybe get someone to take your mom for treatments for a couple days a week. Im sure she would enjoy seeing a friend or other relative who she likes spending time with.

Hang in there!!! We're here to help you both.