My father just started radiation this week and only had three treatments. He is not getting any chemo and already we are very discouraged by how he is feeling. He threw up twice on Friday and once on Saturday. We switched the tube feedings to a milder one and are giving him gatorade through his tube. His throat is so horribly sore already he can barely speak. The doctors say he cannot be reacting this quickly to the radiation, but we see it happening. Has anyone else had such a bad reaction to radiation so early on? Also, are there any pain meds that do not effect the stomach? He has been given magic mouthwash and nystatin (he also has a fungal infection in his throat). He already wants to quit because he said he can't go through six weeks like this.
Rett (I don't know how to create the signature, so I'll add some stats for my dad)._
Dad: 80y old, SCC on BOT. Laser surgery to remove tumor. Margins clear. Neck dissection on right side. Tongue reconsturction. Peg tube. Just started swallowing ice chips this week. Began XT on 10-8-08.