Jennifer,

I suggest audio books and audio plays and a CD/MP3 player with speakers for times that you may not feel up to watching TV or reading. Your library probably has a collection of audio books and they may let you have them longer or even pick up and drop off if you explain your situation. I recommend David Sedaris narrating his own books for a great laugh. Turn down the lights, rub on some Vicks, snuggle into the recliner and let uncle Dave help you feel better

You may also want to indulge in an obsessive hobby. For example, write your novel, become fluent in Romanian or start working towards your Nobel Prize. This will help you keep your mind off the discomfort and you might be able to skip the narcotics.

Before Tim�s surgery a friend gave me a credit card holder (a very nice leather one from Cole Haan, but she forgot the matching purse) for the business cards for each of his 3 ENTs, 2 oncologists, 3 dentists, GP, the insurance company, the pharmacy, the dietician and anyone else he is seeing at the time. Many are in my phone contacts, but when I�m on the phone with one and they�re asking for the number of the other it comes in very handy.

You will make it through this!
Susan

Get an electric razor too. Leave the blades alone.

Jen - Such great suggestions above! It does help to be prepared. As time goes on and your needs change, make a list of things you need or would like to have done. Then when someone says "Is there anything you need", you can show them your list and suggest they pick something convenient for them to do or bring you. My son was always hesitant to tell people what he really wanted, but when he finally did tell them he found them very pleased to be able to help him out and to know it was something he really wanted! Having a list ready for them to pick from gives them the freedom to choose something easy for them to do or get and can avoid the uncomfortable feeling of having them say "No, I can't do the kitty litter that day because I have a root canal scheduled" or "I really don't know how to do laundry". You already have wonderful suggestions above for a great list to show friends when they offer to help.

Hi Jennifer-

Make sure you have baking soda and salt on hand. My RO had me rinsing/gargling from week 1 with baking soda/water solution. Also, I know you are up north where it is cold, but avoid wearing thick shirts to your treatments. I made the mistake of wearing a turtleneck one day-- made the mask so tight I thought I was going to choke to death! Now I make sure my shirts don't come up on my neck at all! Bed Bath and Beyond sells a wedge you can use to elevate your head when sleeping-- it was $29.99 at the store here. You probably already have tylenol and ibuprofen on hand-- that is all I have had to use so far (except for last week and that pain went away once they figured out the yeast esophagitis and started treating it). I just finished #17 and am still driving and able to get out a lot without any trouble. I asked the radiation nurse yesterday when I should expect the mouth sores to hit (I thought maybe I was off the hook since that hasn't happened yet)-- she said week 5 is typically when things get pretty rough and that I would not be liking her any more! I'm just hoping week 5 doesn't hit until after XMAS!

Oh- one other thing to have on hand for when you do start the strong pain meds-- something for constipation! You might ask your RO's office what they recommend.

Do you have fluoride trays for your teeth? If not ask your dentist if you need them. My RO has me wearing them during treatments to help protect my dental work-- I have a lot of fillings/crowns and apparently the radiation is hard on them. You also need to make sure to floss daily, so add floss to the list if you don't already have that.

I have been told if you register with the Amer. CA Society you can get free skin cream from them to help deal with the radiation burns/irritation. Aquaphor is very good-- for some reason my RO likes to wait and start that once you are done with treatment. If your skin gets really itchy over the counter cortisone cream helps.

I think you can go into treatment confident that you have done all you can to be ready! You are being very proactive!

Keep us posted! You are in my prayers-- what time will your treatments be?

[quote=EzJim]Get an electric razor too. Leave the blades alone. [/quote]

Jim, dunno about you but I was down to the barest wisp of whiskers on my upper lip and chinny chin chin by the end of RT. I took a photo, and between those last vestiges and my gaunt appearance my brother told me I looked like an aging (thanks, bro) "F*** off, mate!" British rocker...

Thank you ALL for your thoughtful responses- you have been so helpful - I feel as prepared as possible!!!
LOVE David Sedaris Susan(slash), I'm putting that on my list!
Thanks Susan (fullofquestions) for the wedge tip for sleeping - that makes sense that some HOB elevation would become necessary. Also, yup, have the fluoride trays and am already using them.

Not sure why I might need an electric razor though...something I should know about atypical hair growth?
Jennifer

Wishing you good luck today.

David. I never lost much hair growth at all after being told I would lose it all. I shaved every other day and still do. I would have gladly traded my hair for a few teeth. LOL even 4 teeth would be nice. But why chew what you can't swallow. Heck, I am a happy guy anyway and will survive. Did you kick his a--? LOL. I lost so much weight I sure couldn't help ya.

RE: the electric razor...It doesn't sound like you'll be shaving your face, Jennifer! I think that suggestion was for the guys out there!

Jim, as usual your positive attitude is inspirational!
d2