Next week is our first meeting with the radiation oncologist. I know it's just a consult for the first meeting, but what sorts of things should I be asking about?

Here is a link to the main OCF pages where it goes over radiation. This will give you alot of info so you will be educated before your appointment.

OCF main pages---radiation


There are a million questions to ask, here are just a few to start with......

1. How many treatments?

2. How many GYs?

3. Can I get automatic weekly hydration?

4. What other on site services am I eligible for while going thru rads? (nutritionist, physical therapist, counseling, etc...)

5. How many patients with a similar diagnosis have you treated?

6. Can I record our appointment?

7. What would you consider acceptable weight loss while going thru radiation?

8. Will I need a port or feeding tube?

9. What vitamins or over the counter meds are safe to take while going thru rads?

10. Can I get a prescription now for magic mouthwash and cream to help with radiation burns?

11. Is it ok to use Manuka Honey to help treat mucositis?

12. What advice do you have to make this easier to get thru?

Take someone with you as an extra set of eyes and ears to any of your consult appointments. Also take a pen and paper, have your questions written down and go down the list. Ask to record the consult so you can go back and replay it as you will probably forget many of the things discussed.

Antioxidants, and vitamins what they allow and suggest, dental trays (an appointment with a dental oncologist - is very neccessary), blood work including TSH levels, a prescription for magic mouthwash, possible prescription for Ativan (the mask can be claustrophobic, and they attach it and you to the table). Appointment with a dietician, and if he wants your hubby to have a peg.

also he should have had a scan in between his surgery and treatment, so they should be able to tell you the results, and where they are going to focus the rads.

Hugs!

Also Heather, if your husband is anything like me the rads are going to knock him for a loop. By about week 3 I had zero energy to do anything but drive myself to The Ride and limp home and back to bed. Everyone's different of course, but this is something to think about.

Ativan is a great idea if he feels he needs it. I used my ipod and small speakers and listened to an audio book to keep my mind occupied. Deep, slow counting of breaths is also another tactic if he's of a meditative mind.

Glad he's got you to help him through this. We're all pulling for both of you and are here every step of the way to answer questions.

Oh and rinsing with baking soda and water a few times a day will really help. There are also other prescription mouth rinses like Caphosol which could prove valuable. For mouth sores I recommend viscous lidocaine, swished around for as long as necessary. A life saver for me!

Heather, (and David)
You know that's interesting about your fatigue. This week I was listening online to a broadcast about radiation in general, and how fatigue goes right along with it. I cannot say that I slept anymore during radiation treatment. The advice I heard on the broadcast was to fight the fatigue with exercise, and that it would perhaps make the radiation more effective, and you would rebound from it better as well. I did try to take a walk every day, more for mood therapy than anything.

The radiation oncologist on the broadcast even explained some of the theory why radiation made a person fatigued . . . something about radiation and protein changes. I know you need to push the protein.

Best,
Anne