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I just started radiation, what kind of side effects should I expect?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: May 30 8:24am | Replies (52)Comment receiving replies
I said my morning prayers during my radiation. I used CeraVe cream during radiation. At the end I used Aquaphor for a few weeks and then back to CeraVe. Make sure you are doing your stretches to keep your neck muscles flexible and avoid fibrosis. Baking soda rinses helped soothe my dry mouth and throat. My favorite treat was tapioca pudding made in my crock pot. I found the recipe on Pinterest. You are in my prayers.
Replies to "I said my morning prayers during my radiation. I used CeraVe cream during radiation. At the..."
@sandy8043 thank you Sandy I have the baking soda rinse along with others to keep my mouth moist. I can only eat 1-2 spoon fulls of anything I eat. I work about 15 hrs a week because that's all I can handle at the moment.
I just want this to be over already but it's nothing I can't handle because God gives us that promise. So I'm just keeping my eyes on Him.
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@sandy8043
Your routine is similar to the one I used for my journey.
Can’t stress enough how important it is to do exercises for your neck and swallowing muscles. It has helped me recover faster than if I hadn’t (I finished radiation treatment mid December for hpv tongue and lymph node cancer).
Currently going to acupuncture (1x/week),practicing deep breathing techniques and lymphatic massage.
Dry mouth is still an issue (especially at night) but has improved since ending radiation treatment.
Overall almost five months later I am able to see much improvement on all aspects of my life and expect that I will continue to get better as time continues to pass.
The road to recovery isn’t easy and recovery is a “two steps forward and one step backward” process…but stay strong,stay positive and do the little things everyday that set you up for long term success! You can do this!!👍