Another question for you guys...did anybody use the powder Glutasolve? It's a glutamine powder that you add to a liquid and drink. You can also add to soft foods and eat it. My dietitian has recommended it and I've been using it for almost 2 weeks now but honestly can't say if it's helping or not?! She said that it would help my mouth to heal.

Also, I threw out a question about my native tongue just hurting. I think I may be biting it at night but not sure. It doesn't have an ulcer on it. Did this happen to anybody else? The discomfort goes back to my surgery date but the surgeon said not to worry about it. I had my DDS look at it before radiation started and he thinks I may be biting it when I'm sleeping. Well, after my radiation treatments, this is the area that's causing me the most discomfort! It's frustrating! Anybody else relate to this?!

I used something called Helios that the doc suggested. It contains Glutamine and sounds similar to the Glocosolve Not sure if it’s done much or not as well. I Also have tried Juven that Paul B recommended on here.

Last night I was lying in bed and had a sort of mouth spasm and bit my tongue as I was falling asleep and it hurt like fire! Drew a tiny bit of blood even. Feels ok today but it was totally uncontrolled. So I can see where that could happen!

Linda

Dad drinks Juven for healing after his surgery. According to the makers 2 packets a day is clinically proven to aide healing of bedsores, burns, non-healing wounds in diabetics and other injuries. It is quite expensive- $25 for 8 packets at Walgreens, but it does seem to help. It's very strongly orange flavored. They make a unflavored and a berry flavored. The store I buy them at didn't have unflavored and I noticed the berry one doesn't contain collagen.

Vicky1,

I received Juven for free at my radiation center, a few years back though. It’s worth a shot to ask one of your doctors such as radiation oncologist, oncologist, ENT, other support staff like nurses, SLP’s, if they offer such items for free or similar type or even have discount coupons, which I’ve used for glucerna when I didn’t get for free being tube dependent, at the time. I think their made by some of the same company’s, maybe Abbott. They may offer discounts on their webpage, if you check. There is another head and neck cancer support group, cancer alliance, that I heard offers protein drinks that were donated, but maybe they have Juven too.,

I hope this helps, and good luck!!

To elaborate on Pauls suggestions...Ive always found nutritionists and nurses can be a great resource to help patients with a few samples or even a case of formula. It doesnt hurt to ask, maybe you will be able to pick up a few cans or cardboard boxes. Many large companies have programs designed to aid needy patients. Years ago I was able to get 12 cases delivered to my home for no cost simply by asking and my nutritionist filled out a request form. Im sorry but that was over 10 years ago and Im not able to remember which company did the give always. Abbott should be one of the companies that offer cases of their products.

Okay another question for you guys...I had a busy day yesterday. Not super physically active but just gone from the house a while to visit some family and friends. I did bring along my "liquid lunch" and supplements for the feeding tube. I was drinking water throughout the day. Came home tired and slept great. But today I am EXHAUSTED!! I can barely make it from upstairs to downstairs. Really focusing on rest and nutrition today. I'm almost 4 weeks out of rads. Is this normal? Did I overdo it yesterday? Am I just having an off day?
Bummed that I feel this way. I feel like I'm stepping back in progress instead of accelerating!

It really takes a while to build up one’s energy after treatment. When my husband was 8 weeks out, when we went for a walk, I always planned the route so that we would come on a bench at some point and he would be able to rest.

Kristen,

This happens to me too. In fact I’m in and out of bed today just feeling so tired. I’m also coming off my 12mg Fentanyl patch for th last few days so I’m not sure if that’s a factor. Take a rest day and see how you feel tomorrow. I know how frustrating it is when you just want to go and do.

Linda

It sure does-thanks for the reply!

Hi Linda- I'm starting to feel a little bit better now that the day has progressed. Mornings tend to be hard! Perhaps the coming off the patch has an effect for you- I wouldn't see why it wouldn't as your body is in a transition.I will be taking it pretty easy for the rest of the day. I just can't sit on the couch ALL day. Have to do something. Cleaning the kitchen- lucky me!