How to fight cisplatin side effects like nausea & fatigue?

woodsy1 wish you the best !! Just remember life is great no mater what if your still breathing. The road been rough but you can make it through all of it I think if it is what you really want. Even with MANY side affects life is what keeps me going, even if it not like it was before

@justwow
Thank you for the kind words. Hoping you can get started with treatments soon.
I remember the wait after diagnosis (3 mos) and it can wear on you.
Keep your chin up, a positive attitude and outlook helps .
We may have one of the easier cancers to beat just in the worst possible location.

@woodsy1
Is vitamin d3 and k2 okay to take during chemoradiation? I have some too that my natural path had offered me but will have to talk with the radiologist. Any tips on mouth sores? Just got them today. Making it difficult to eat.

@kamrin
Don't take my word for it but my research suggests it is helpful for head and neck cancer treatment people.
Plus us northern folks are lacking in it anyway.
Mouth sores starting here too .
The DIY mouth rinse is 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp salt mixed with a pint water + - . This does help 3-4 times a day recommended.
Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Oral hygiene is really important so besides a soft toothbrush, rinsing well after meals is a good routine to get into if possible.
My throat is starting to feel parched at times too so keeping some water or dry mouth lozenges like OTC ACT on hand and bedside is helpful.
Hope this helps, we all need it.

@woodsy1 thanks for the tip. I also recommend xylimelts for the dry mouth. Works wonders at night!

@woodsy1
Simulation and long pet scan scheduled for this Thursday. Treatment supposed to begin on February 10.

My problem now is making my final decision between two options/places amid fears…

Today is the last day I’ve given myself to do so….

Hello @kamrin. I didn't have cisplatin during radiation, but a targeted therapy Cetuximab. I did have some nasty reactions to the infusions by the second half of treatment. Nausea, vomiting and just could not eat, along with the mouth sores and food taste changes. Thankfully the medical team stepped up meds by increasing the steroid dose with infusions and adding in a 5 day patch for nausea. It still wasn't fun but I survived. Utilize your team for help when you need it. There is no reason to wait to see if it gets better. That is what they are there for so use them. It is normal to be so tired. There is a new level of tired to experience with cancer and its treatments. Listen to your body and rest, nap as needed. It will help you heal. I did not continue working as a veterinarian during my radiation/chemo. Don't try to do too much. Radiation really saps your energy but by the end of treatment I think it is the new normal. There are a lot of new normals with head and neck cancer. Be strong. You will get through it, and likely have a new appreciation of the world around you.

@justwow
Well at least you have options. Good luck with your decisions.
Getting things underway should help relieve some anxiety , it did for me anyway.

The only thing that helped my husband was ensure drinks. Take as many naps as you need. They give dexamethasone for a few days after chemo and that helps with both nausea and fatigue but only for 5 days or so. Maybe your dr can recommend something for you?

Finally got a hang of the chemo. But now the mouth sores/ulcers are painful. Hopefully my med team gets me something soon.