Thanks for keeping me on my toes. The nurse said the nausea would likely hit 2-3 days out. I'll try to get better info when I return next Wednesday for hydration. Second dose of Cisplatin set for June 5.

Dexamethsone (decadron), and other corticosteroids can induce hiccups, DIH, Dexamethsone Induced Hiccups, and from Zofran and other medications, including Cisplatin. The decadron can be stopped, changed to a similar type drug or dosage reduced. The same with other medications, if necessary, I would think. Some doctors give another medication to counter, such as Thorazine, and others. [quote][/quote] Here is a good article to help explain, and offers some helpful hints.

http://www.kantrowitz.com/cancerpoints/hiccups.html

Thanks, that's really helpful info. Unless they worsen, I feel like I can put up with hiccups. I slept well so they didn't interrupt. I feel surprisingly ok, allowing that side effects have yet to show strongly. RAD #5 this afternoon, then the holiday break.

Two weeks in and I have to say I feel fortunate. I assume it's a result of my previous good health that side effects have been so minimal. After the first chemo on Wednesday 5/24, I took the anti-nausea meds as directed for following 2 days (Thursday and Friday). I had a supply of all 3 standing by, but took none since I didn't feel I needed any. Other than the few spasms, hiccups and belching, the Cisplatin didn't seem to bother me. I'm detecting a bit of blurry vision. Otherwise fine. Radiation effects are building, but also seem less than what I've been told to expect. Of course, I'm aware that many of you have mentioned week 3 as when it gets rougher. Mostly I'm feeling continued soreness in my jawbone. RAD is focused in that area. Just in the last 2 days, though, the tastebuds seem to have rolled over and died. Depressing when water tastes lousy. Still, I know these are small complaints. Still, feeling better than I've expected to sure helps bolster my attitude. So does the fact that the mass seems to be shrinking considerably. The RO checked last Monday and agreed it was smaller and softer. Treatment is working and well. Rounding the first turn in this horserace and picking up steam.

That's great you're doing well so far! I haven't looked back in the threads, but I'm sure you received well advise here. Being you mentioned blurry vision, Chemo, Cisplatin is one, and other medications can cause various eye problems such as dry eyes, itchy eyes, conjunctivitis, even blindness in some cases like mine, etc. You should let your doctors know of any vision changes just the same as you would with changes in hearing and neuropathy.

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/eye-problems.aspx

RO exam today. Things are proceeding well. Mass continues to shrink. Throat pain over the weekend became really severe. It was actually good news that she found Thrush. I got meds for it and glad that level of pain isn't what I have to live with for another couple of months. Appetite continues to be strong, but by Sunday evening, I cried out loud trying to swallow anything.

I also had GI consult today prior to scheduling PEG insertion. Doc there showed me hernia that I didn't realize I had. Not a small one, but if I do a halfway situp, this bump rises up from the sternum to navel like the alien from the movies was trying to pop out. I had no idea of this kind of hernia before. The GI doc said that would prevent installing the PEG in the usual way and are calling for a consult with radiology for them to do it...???? I was accepting the necessity of the PEG, especially over the weekend with that swallowing pain. But I'm thinking now I might pass. I'm 10 rad treatments in of 33. By the time I can get a tube, I'll be halfway or more. The meds are already working on the candida today and I can swallow much better than even this morning. I know things get harsher in this 3rd week. This hernia thing threw me. Asking for any opinions/thoughts from you knowledgeable folks.

Glad to hear the mass is starting to shrink. Always encouraging when you see results. I m a firm believer in utilizing every tool available to beat this disease and the effects from treatment last well beyond your end date.

I would see what radiology has to say about the hernia issue. If they can work around it, go for it. I have given you my two cents before on this issue and I never regretted the PEG. It made things dramatically easier, especially with the need for liquid intake.

Hope things continue to go well for you and keep fighting. It's a battle you can win! 🤠

Ed

Thank You again. Two of the rad techs talked to me for a while after today's treatment. Like loving parents they pleaded with me to get it and told me about some others who passed and then "hit the wall" as they call it. Pretty sure at this point that I'll take their advice and yours.

Is the consultation with radiology done with an interventional radiologist? It is different from radiation oncology. The intervention (in your case, the insertion of a feeding tube) is guided by radiation

Even if you are half way thru rads when you get your tube its ok. Radiation treatments get progressively more difficult as time goes on. The worst days are the first 2-3 weeks after rads ends. Many patients think when rads end they will get better quickly. Unfortunately this is not the case at all. Rads continue to work even after the treatments stop. Im glad you are doing better with swallowing now that your meds have started working for the thrush. If you cant get the regular PEG tube, there is a nasal tube that could work out as a decent option for you. The nasal tube is more of a temporary solution that can be inserted right in the doctors office.

If your throat gets sore you can always ask your doc for a prescription to get magic mouthwash. This is a combo of 3 meds. Mine was made of lidocaine, malox and benedryl. There are other combos but they all should be swished around in the mouth for up to a minute then spit out. The numbing is temporary and usually its enough time for the patient to be able to eat without being in so much pain.

Hang in there! Every day you complete your radiation treatment means you are one day closer to becoming cancer free.