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

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.

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

wow ... you sound very resourceful - kudos and cheers !
In 2006 - I went through 35 sessions of radiation, had to arrange with cancer volunteer drivers for transportations to and from hospital, and when no volunteer driver is available, I have to source elsewhere, ensure I have the recommended amount of Ensure Plus daily through my feeding tube, handle the cleaning and disinfecting of my burnt neck from radiation, ensure I take my medication, ensure and remember to keep my follow-up appts, etc --- all on my own!!
And now I frequently wonder how I managed to do all that on my own??
You sound very resourceful and able- am sure you will be able to handle all that!
Cheers - and meanwhile ---- lots of support from here !!

Yes. I have 2 devotionals for women with cancer. Also another book by a cancer survivor with references to faith and biblical quotes.
I am a strong person. I cared for my husband at home, while he suffered and died of ALS. I hope this is an easier journey. I hope I will be able to keep up my strength of spirit and body.
I appreciate you all on this forum helping me and others.

Amen praying is the strength to healing

Katelyn,
I just read the progression of your messages. I admire your strength and courage. I went through similar treatments in 2023 and it seemed like God sent help as needed. I can see you are not alone in this. I read and prayed the Psalms and I knew He was near. Reach out to Him daily for every need.

Thank you Patrick. So very kind .
I hope my posts, As I work out how to go on this journey, are helpful to others.

Kathleen,
I'm so thankful you found a driver. That was going to be my number one recommendation. Also, having meals delivered is a game changer. I did the same thing. You can do this. I went through six weeks of radiation and chemo as well. It is different for all of us, but we are a community who are going through similar things. I am praying for you...for strength, complete healing, and for endurance. I will be praying and please know you have a community here. Please feel free to ontact me if you need anything.
Patrick

Hi all. I have more information. MSK will do the treatment in NJ (not
NYC), my home state is NJ. I found a service that provides a driver for my
car. The driver will take me to and from treatments each day. Whole Foods
delivers groceries in my town. When I reach the point of exhaustion (week
4?), I will hire home health aides part-time, as needed. I will also hire
a cleaning service. Now I clean my own home.
I hope this is doable.

I pretty much went through my treatments alone. I had induction chemotherapy and then 6 weeks of chemoradiation. I tried to stay as busy as possible to help with my strength and recovery. You will get tired and I tried to do things on my days where I had more energy. There are groups that can help with meals and errands. Your social worker at the center you are being treated at should have some information for you.