Mica,

I think the official term for the gunk is brown goo (my term, that is) eek .

Be careful being in any sun without sunscreen, especially so soon after treatment. Even radiant UV rays on radiated areas could be a bad deal. When in doubt, use the sunscreen.

I get something like a prickly heat rash on my chest and right shoulder only. It doesn't turn red but just bugs me. It started around March and I can keep it somewhat controlled but not eliminated.

I don't know what to think about the groin pain. You should get in the habit of checking your fever at least daily for a while as your body is somewhat beat down from the radiation and chemo and infection could pop up anywhere right now. If you run even a constant low grade fever, you should get it checked out.

20 days out from treatment I could not drink water because it was too thin. I could drink Boost and milk and lived on both with Ragu spaghetti. It was the only thing I could eat easily so I just went with it.

Try sipping something thicker and see if it is any easier. I still struggle at times with choking on water but I try to drink 100 oz or more a day.

I know how hard it is to keep the morale up, for sure! I describe it as a roller coaster ride that is wild at first but after a bit you know where the curves and drops are so they become somewhat expected and not as shocking to the sensations.

I am glad you are past treatment and I hope and pray for contiued healing and faster recovery for you. Keep up the hydration and nutrition and you are well on your way!

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023