1. < Head & Neck Cancer
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I just started radiation, what kind of side effects should I expect?

Posted by alberth @alberth, May 3 8:21pm

I had surgery on 3/20 for tonsil cancer that was HPV positive. I started radiation on 4/16. Im half way done and I have a very dry mouth and no desire to eat, even when I force myself I only eat 2-3 bites and I'm done. My throat is swollen and it feels raw.
I drink protein drinks and Gatorade or water. How long will my side effects last? When will I be able to eat real food again?
I believe I'm already healed as I'm standing on the word of God.

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zenren14 | @zenren14 | May 10 3:27am
In reply to @oliverpuppy "@alberth drink high protein 530 calories Boost! It gives the most energy from the least amount..." + (show)
Profile picture for oliverpuppy @oliverpuppy

@alberth drink high protein 530 calories Boost! It gives the most energy from the least amount food and should go down easy. Weight is extremely important and if you continue to not eat three bites you’re going to need a feeding tube. Between four and six boosts a day depending on what your ideal weight is. You can sip it off and on all day. I had trouble eating food at all and boost was essential to my survival.

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@oliverpuppy @alberth
I refuse to drink boost or ensure. Get it in the Gtube. I have sensitive tastebuds.

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56tburd | @56tburd | May 10 8:47am
In reply to @jubilta77 "@56tburd Ten mucha paciencia y fe ponte siempre a disposición de tu oncoradioterapeutico para que el..." + (show)
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@56tburd Ten mucha paciencia y fe ponte siempre a disposición de tu oncoradioterapeutico para que el te valla dando las indicaciones que mejor te vayan.
lo mío fue un cáncer de lengua y me dieron mucha radiación y al cabo de unos meses ya empecé a comer todo tipo de alimentos y bebidas (salvo alcohol ) eso si tenia que ser la comida triturada pero al menos me podía alimentar, es impórtate que tomes batidos normoproteicos como refuerzo.

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@jubilta77 thank you for your encouragement. I've learned to live with most of the inconveniences. I don't expect to recover much more after 20 years, though I have noticed an increase in saliva production lately. Many of us undergoing HNC treatment will experience baroreflex failure at some point. That has proven to be the greatest challenge for me as management of the condition is very limited. Good luck to you!

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oliverpuppy | @oliverpuppy | May 10 11:12am
In reply to @zenren14 "@oliverpuppy @alberth I refuse to drink boost or ensure. Get it in the Gtube. I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for zenren14 @zenren14

@oliverpuppy @alberth
I refuse to drink boost or ensure. Get it in the Gtube. I have sensitive tastebuds.

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@zenren14 it does taste terrible!!

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cskippy | @cskippy | May 10 12:24pm
In reply to @oliverpuppy "@alberth drink high protein 530 calories Boost! It gives the most energy from the least amount..." + (show)
Profile picture for oliverpuppy @oliverpuppy

@alberth drink high protein 530 calories Boost! It gives the most energy from the least amount food and should go down easy. Weight is extremely important and if you continue to not eat three bites you’re going to need a feeding tube. Between four and six boosts a day depending on what your ideal weight is. You can sip it off and on all day. I had trouble eating food at all and boost was essential to my survival.

Jump to this post

@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup but didn't work 🙁 stop right after priming the feeding tube. I thought it would push though like the food does, (there both liquid)

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3 replies
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oliverpuppy | @oliverpuppy | May 10 8:11pm
In reply to @cskippy "@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup..." + (show)
Profile picture for cskippy @cskippy

@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup but didn't work 🙁 stop right after priming the feeding tube. I thought it would push though like the food does, (there both liquid)

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@cskippy I just don’t know. My nasal feeding tube came with a nestle made formula that is not boost.

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oliverpuppy | @oliverpuppy | May 10 8:12pm
In reply to @cskippy "@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup..." + (show)
Profile picture for cskippy @cskippy

@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup but didn't work 🙁 stop right after priming the feeding tube. I thought it would push though like the food does, (there both liquid)

Jump to this post

@cskippy I did have coffee!

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zenren14 | @zenren14 | May 11 1:59am
In reply to @cskippy "@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup..." + (show)
Profile picture for cskippy @cskippy

@oliverpuppy Can or has anyone use "Boost" in their feeding tube? I did try broth soup but didn't work 🙁 stop right after priming the feeding tube. I thought it would push though like the food does, (there both liquid)

Jump to this post

@cskippy
Hi,
I used boost and ensure thru Gtube.
broth has a different texture.
I'm fortunate to eat a bit more by mouth.
I commend you to feed thru Ntube.
I dragged into my 30th radiation round.
RN was scheduled for Ntube.
I was too sick for it and hauled me to ER.
I was in ER for 3 nights, moved 3 times, ran tests.
Ntube procedure at witching hour.
It took 3 nurses to perform & then xrays.
I screamed "get that thing outta my nose"
I waited a bit longer for Gtube as I was scheduled for it originally.
I finished off my last 3 rounds in Onco Ward.
The tales we tell.

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oliverpuppy | @oliverpuppy | May 11 7:27am

A difficult time! I hated that tube in my nose!! It was sewn in to my nostril and I would hit it on things and it hurt like hell! But it was all I could do after surgery.

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alberth | @alberth | May 11 7:58am

I'm having a feeding tube inserted in my stomach today

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