Michelle,

Are you getting chemo and radiation or just chemo? Everyone is different, but for most people the first couple of weeks are not so bad. For my husband, the hardest part in the beginning was getting used to the mask. Some people take anti anxiety meds for that.

A peg is a really great idea. You never know how much the RT will impact you. My husband did not have one and it was hard to keep him hydrated towards the end of treatment. It was also very hard for him to take his medications.

When does your radiation start? Have you been advised to "bulk" up before you start?

My husband did have that thick mucous. I vaguely remembering the medical explanation. That came towards the end of treatment as well and lasted a few weeks post treatment.

A humidifier in the bedroom helped w/ dry mouth and a portable suction machine was helpful with the thick mucous.


Margaret
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C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx)
Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3)
Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.