It is disconserting for the caregivers to watch us throwing up so much (and for us too). It would be upsetting to work so hard to get nourishment or just water and have it come right back up again. I threw up more during a six month period than in my entire life combined. The chemo didn't help much either.

I didn't have tongue cancer but many of us have symptoms of something choking or gagging us or irritating the gag reflex and its probably mucousitis, thick saliva, heavy mucous or blood. I got so sentitized to it that almost any liquid would make me throw up. Even brushing my teeth could cause problems at times. "Pink Magic" would cause problems.

Like Randy, I had drainage problems too and still have fluid filled mastoid air bone cell areas.

Whenever I had constipation problems, I would vomit a lot also.

It does irritate your throat, slow the healing process and take the enamel off your teeth.

Be sure to let the doctors know so the can give you any relief medically for the problem.

Antacids helped me a bit. I also used Compazine suppositories when I couldn't keep anything down.

It'll get better - I promise.


Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)