Hi
Had my front tooth out and wasn't so bad got a nice shiny false one! I
Having 6 weeks rt with 4 days cisplatin in the first week and 4 days in the 4th week. Not looking forward to the nausea and the doc said I will feel wretched with the rt! Oh joy! I'm ready! Bring it on!

You can do it... The 4 and 4 of cisplatin is one I haven't heard - that's different. Maybe hospital protocol? Good luck - I just finished!

That's brilliant! You sound so strong and positive ! Hopefully I will get through it feeling the same
I worry about feeling or bring sick while having the rt and being bolted down in the mask!
Stay well
Jayne

The bolting is not too bad - I have to say I was surprised and grateful I'm not claustrophobic. E would lock me down, crank the music, and I would close my eyes! And be done with it. Yesterday was very emotional for me - I wanted to cry! Just so glad its over. It wasn't easy. But it's done.

When my son was getting zapped with the Rad Tx, he did pretty well with getting bolted down. He even had one of the nurses take his picture! I think he also meditated during the treatments. Patients were allowed to bring their own CD's. That way they could tell how close time-wise they were to finishing that particular Tx. If you are really anxious, tell the doctor - they may have other suggestions or meds to alleviate the anxiety.

Well I had my scan and mask made yesterday. It was really not too bad! Just uncomfortable with the Tongue depresser thing in and keeping still. I'm feeling better about having to wear it and now just want to get on with the treatment. Been told I don't need a peg as my throat won't be affected being radiated from upper mouth to nose area. But I'm sure the chemo causes a few mouth problems? Anyway feeling happier today and am going to stay this way for as long as possible.
Keep well

Your experience sounds really positive, Jayne -- that's terrific! Getting used to the mask can be hard, but it sounds like it's not too bad for you. Great. I, too, only had mouth and nose radiated, so no PEG. We're lucky there.

Sores may result from the radiation as well as the chemo -- you'll just have to see how you respond (it's different for everyone). I ended up drinking smoothies daily during and after those weeks of radiation -- eating became hard when the sores got bad. But pain meds helped a lot, as did topical gel.

Good luck with all of it! Keep up the positivity!

Hi chris

Yes I'm expecting the worst then when it's not as bad it will be a bonus! Hopefully:(
Did you have a very sore nose with the rt I was told to expect really burnt skin and nose bleeds, and that I should be not so bad with the sore mouth because of the Tongue guard and obturator? But I'm hearing other things from different people. But as you said it affects people in different ways, so I shall just have to see how I get on.
Thanks again
Jayne

Hi, Jayne-

Yes, I had a sore nose, but I think yours might get sorer since they are probably targeting your nasal area more than they were mine. I had mouth sores pretty badly, though...again, yours may be different as they are targeting a different area for you. I relied on my pain meds and my topical gel (I forget the name) to help me through! I did find that using a warm vaporizer in my bedroom helped a lot with breathing (which became difficult through the nose). I also ended up drinking a lot of dietary supplements (I don't know what you have in the UK -- we have Boost and Ensure and Carnation instant Breakfast High-Calorie) instead of trying to eat food that needed chewing. I wish you the best with your treatment -- write anytime with more questions!

Jayne, I know the mask can be hard for some people so I'm very glad to hear you've gotten acquainted with it and are doing just fine. It sounds like you are a very positive person and that will be a wonderful asset to have. Don't be afraid to ask for meds for the anxiety if they become too overwhelming. You need to take advantage of everything available to you to get through this hard journey with the most ease and comfort possible. Please know that I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Take care and keep that strong attitude going!!! You've got lots of backup here.