I have my fourth of seven chemos and 14th of 35 rads tomorrow (Monday 8/9).
So far, I've had a little indigestion after the first chemo, which was handled with antacid. Then I had hiccups pretty bad the day after chemo last week, which subsided after a day.
A lot that I read suggests the bad side effects really start this week. Is that folks' experience?
Here's where I am:
I believe I will have gained a pound or two when I'm weighed tomorrow.
I am starting to wear down. I had a low-grade headache Friday and Saturday. I am losing my sense of taste. I'm still eating regular meals; I have some pain at the back of my throat, which is red and has white scar tissue in a couple spots. I have taken two half Vicodins; otherwise no pain meds yet.
I have trouble sleeping for very long, and yet I don't feel that tired most of the time. I have dry mouth, but I can't say it's been bad. The worst sensation is my tongue.
Have had some issues with constipation because of my reduced exercise and the anti-nausea meds.
My treatment team says to stay active. I ran a total of 15 miles last week, including 5 on Saturday, and did a 17-mile bike ride today. The best I felt both days was while I was exercising. I ran a marathon May 30, four days after my diagnosis, so I consider this exercise moderate, though I think the running will become walking pretty soon.
Oddly, the most normal I feel is on the bike. I chew gum and my saliva production seems just about normal while I'm riding.

You have had a quick reaction it seems to me. Nothing bothered me the 1st 3 weeks and then things slowly progressewd to the pain, dry mouth, loss of taste, which I still don't have and a few other things. Maybe you will go unbothered and maybe not. I hope you are one of the luc=ky ones that will not be bothered but it seems you already are. Good luck my friend and I wish you nothing but the best.

how are you doing now? Week 4 through now week 7 seem to be the worst for my spouse. Seems he isn't alone in this battle. but the good news is his tonsillar tumor is no longer visible. So hope it all worked. Good luck to you too.

I am just starting week 4/have no taste/some soreness in mouth but no major pain. To tell you the truth, I'm fearful about how bad it will get. I know I will get through this. Thanks for asking. I'll stay in touch.

Susan

I'm in my sixth week now, nine radiation treatments and one chemo left. I have lost about 2 pounds through the whole thing so far. I hate eating with no flavor and the various bad tastes in my mouth, but I manage. I've continued to exercise, running about 15 miles a week and going for a weekly bike ride. I chew gum while I exercise and carry water, and my mouth feels mostly normal at those times. It has helped to stay active, I think.
My neck is burning today and I'm starting to get the thick mucous. Still taking very little pain medication, about two hydrocodone/acetaminophan capsules a day.
It all just lasts a long time. Days and days of concentrating on mouth rinses, medicine, neck care, forcing myself to eat, feeling crappy and weariness. Mentally wearing.
It's worth it if it works, and it should. Work.

Randy,

You really piss me off!!! Just kidding....that's a great response to Tx and let's hope you continue to have that good fortune. Did you get chemo'ed?

David, I've had six of my seven chemo treatments. I'm losing some hair in back � it's like I have a reverse mullet. Other than a day of seismic hiccups after chemo No. 2, my antacid and antinausea drugs have kept my stomach fairly calm. Knock on wood with one to go. The thicker stuff in my mouth seems to churn my stomach a little.

Way to go Randy! Hope you continue to do so well! Try to remember the bad side effects will improve over time.

Good way to think Randy. You have the right attitude to win and look back at this one day as another of lifes setbacks you had to conquer.

Seventh chemo was uneventful. No effects today on the day after. Five rads left to go. My neck is oozing and bleeding a bit; I have to pick up a Silvadine prescription this afternoon. Neck and throat pain increasing.
My message about this treatment is that it can be manageable. I've been lucky, no doubt. I was very fit going in � I ran a marathon four days after my diagnosis, and most people won't get that fit in time for treatment.
But I did every single thing recommended. Mouth rinses, jaw exercises, staying on top of stomach upsets and fighting constipation. I've stayed active, which has helped me avoid depression. I've forced myself to eat even though I can't taste things and sometimes my mouth feels so dirty that it's almost sickening to swallow. I've taken each bump in the road as a challenge but haven't looked at them as final turning points. I've tried to bounce back every time. While I've tried to minimize pain meds, I've used them when I need them.
I've let people help and I've consciously looked at and talked to other cancer patients so I don't start to feel like I'm getting a particularly raw deal. I'm not. The twenty-something parents of little kids who are getting chemo and radiation and those little kids are getting a raw deal. I've already had 52 years of a life that's as good as I can make it. I've got a beautiful, healthy 22-year-old son. (And we're going to have many good years more.)
Illness happens. Till now, it hasn't happened to me, but that's just been luck. It sucks, but it can make us better people with greater empathy and a deeper understanding of the good in others.