How do I go through 6 weeks radiation and chemotherapy, alone?

Josk. Did you decide on the feeding tube in advance, or was the decision made after radiation started?
I am hoping that with pain killers I will be able to swallow liquids. But I dont want to become dependent on oxy.
Thanks

I had Tongue and Neck Lymph node SCC HPV cancer. 58 years old. I had TORS surgery and then 6 weeks of radiation to clean up any cancer. I drove myself to all 30 appointments an hour away. Yes it was tiring but I managed OK. Also, I understand alot of people go on a feeding tube but I did not want to go that route if I could help it. I could hardly eat anything during treatment. I lived on creamy mashed potatoes with butter. Cottage cheese. Egg’s anyway cooked, peanut butter and jelly , banana , power shakes with powdered supplements and boost , apple sauce, baby food jars, soups and noodles, Boost/ ensure cans pack a lot of good calories. I had to FORCE myself to eat and It would take along time to nurse the food down. I did manage to stay off the feeding tube. After about 3 months from completing the radiation I was about 70% back to normal. 16 months as of today I am about 90% back. You CAN do this! Swallowing with basically the worst case of Strep throat you can ever have is not pleasant but I would take a Oxy pain pill once a day and time the full effect of that to eat a good dinner. It was very easy for me to stop the pill when I didnt need it to help eat. Trust in your Faith and I wish you well. God Bless.

Thank you so very much for this encouragement. Since I cared for my husband with ALS, I don't want to have a feeding tube, as he did.
I am very glad to know I will be able to swallow soft foods or liquids. There are many good balanced liquid formulas today.

I will drive myself until it is no longer safe. The service provides a person who drives your car. This is less expensive than a limo. My friends are all older than I am. I don't want to be a burden.

I must trust in the Lord. "Abide with me."

I had no choice on the feeding tube - I had to have the feeding tube inserted prior to start of my 35 sessions of radiation. Guess my doctor knew that with my T4 nasopharyngeal cancer and the level of radiation, I definitely would require the feeding tube for nutrition intake. (I was not able to swallow food, liquid, or even water in my 3-4 weeks).
My view - having the feeding tube ensures the intake of nutrients that your body would require at this time.
Keep well - and all the best !

I just met with the Medical Oncologist Doctor. I will have
Concurrent doxorubicin and radiotherapy for the papillary cancer that has been left, post thyroidectomy, on my trachea and neck lymph nodes. I will receive low dose chemo weekly. Radiation, daily for 6 weeks. When I have finished this treatment.. .in a few months the team thinks I will still need radioactive iodine to kill any trace cancer cells that may be in my body.
Wow. God willing I will get through all this.
Pray for help and row for shore. Pray and trust the Lord and the doctors.
Thanks all.
I am posting, hoping it will help others.

I bought an ice cream machine and put the nutritional drink plus added elements such as peanut butter, protein powder etc. and the coolness of the concoction makes it much nicer, has made a great difference.
Was able to avoid feeding tube but made sure I used nutritional drinks that were complete, such as Kate Farms and Orgain since I needed plant based drinks.

Yes. Agree Nutritionally balanced is and will be important. I have
heard of Kate farms. I know Breyers makes an ice cream that has 3 or 4
ingredients.

@kmlnj, Kathleen, I might also consider connecting with an oncology social worker.
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/

They may have some additional resources locally that could be helpful. I'm also thinking it would be good to have a connection to a social worker for things that you might not have anticipated along the way.

The American Cancer Society also offer free services like drivers and lodging during treatment
- Volunteer Drivers https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html
- Hope Lodge https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging.html

I also added this discusson to the Thyroid Cancer group.

When do you start treatment?

Hi there,
I think you should call on friends, family if you can. The radiation made me extremely tired, like not being able to put one foot in front of the other. On the days you are not feeling great.. reach out.

Thank you ! I am assuming. First 3 weeks tired but able to do things. Second 3 weeks, exhausted. 2 weeks after treatment, still very tired.

I have a friend who will help. And if needed, an agency who will send someone to do some light housekeeping. I will have to adapt as I go along. I have a driving service if needed.