Hi again,

Jenna, good luck next week!

I just completed 3 sessions--they're pretty much mundane and uneventful.

I noticed that I feel a bit groggy afterwards, and that last night I woke up in the middle of the night with killer heartburn. I can't recall that happening to me before. I asked the doctor, he said it's not related to the IMRT. (?)

BTW, pardon the typo for IMRT (not IRMT).

I'm used to the mask now, so I'm glad I'm over that hump. Plus, only 26 more to go!

I plan on giving a weekly update--hopefully this may be helpful to others that are currently awaiting treatment.

I don't want to be in this spot, but I'm glad that I'm doing what I'm doing to get where I want to be.


Thanks again,


Oscar

Hi Oscar,

I'm glad you're treatments have been mundane. That's a good thing! I'm getting a little nervous about next week, but whatever happens happens. I'm mainly hoping I can continue to eat. It's been a little over 6 weeks since my surgery and eating is finally getting a little easier. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes. I'll be posting weekly updates too.

good luck guys.
Oscar you are correct you are doing this for a purpose.
It takes a while until the side effects hit (2-3 weeks). Expect them!, and consider yourself lucky when they are not severe.

M

Hi Oscar & All,

I finished treatment December 6, 2004. Still have my mask. It was a big part of saving my life so I will keep for the time being.

I hope & pray that your treatments go well. The side effects can be hard, but they will just make you stronger.

Steve

Hi all,

Weekly Update--Week 1 Summary

Completed (4) sessions of IMRT to rt tonsil area and neck.

Here's what I noticed:

--Initially mask was confining and clausterphobic--especially when it's snapped down onto the table. This apprehension gradually went away with deep breathing and calming prayers.

--Noticed that my tongue stuck to the top of my mouth last night (dry and pasty), and that the texture of my saliva is changing (it's more "frothy/bubbly").

--I get heartburn.

--I'm tired, but not sleepy tired, and have a dull headache.

So, that's all I noticed--so far so good, I'm about 14% complete (25 more sessions).

Oscar

Good job, Oscar. The first week is a tough one to adapt to mentally. Sounds like you handled that well.

-Regarding the tongue issue. We bought a humidifier and kept it by my husband's bedside. It was a huge help. You might want to keep water and Biotene gels or sprays by your bedside. However, the biggest help to us was the humidifier.

-Heartburn. My husband went on a prescription of Protonix for acid reflux. That was a huge help for the heartburn.

-Saliva. If it gets too thick and annoying ask your RO about using Robitussen, that was also very helpful. In addition, my husband used Caphasol (also an Rx) as a rinse. Some people use baking soda/salt and water as a rinse.

Good luck, I am glad that you are through that first 14%.