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Your tips for recovery after 35 radiation treatments for tonsil cancer
Just completed 35 radiation treatments for HPV positive tonsil cancer at stage 1. I am frustrated with the pain, dry throat, medications and the duration of all this. My last treatment was last Thursday I met with my doctor yesterday to learn I have weeks possibly before I can eat in a normal manner which was difficult to accept. I have been told to focus on the positives which right now is difficult for me to do. If I had really known all that would happen I would have never agreed to the treatment. I can only manage cream soup, scrambled egg, jello for foods during this what I term a living hell.
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@hrhwilliam
I will never forget this difficult year it has been a living nightmare.
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1 Reaction@lizzyj58
I hope so still cannot put on weight guess I need more fudge if I can hopefully taste it. I hope the best for your husband this is such a DIFFICULT process I NEVER want to go through this again.
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1 Reaction@dragonfire Eat whatever you want! The weight will come back in time. So glad you're on the way to much better health and life. My husband just had his first chemo infusion, now he has his radiation. Same tomorrow. Has your energy come back ?
@lizzyj58
I have a little more energy certainly not enough to go duck hunting which I love. I had enough to put up the outdoor lights. I still have issues with the right side of my mouth with chewing and swallowing my health team says this will improve. I meet with my ENT next week and will discuss this. This entire process is so slow and frustrating I will NEVER go through this again no matter what.
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2 Reactions@dragonfire Totally understand your frustration but at least you were able to put up some lights. It must feel like trudging through mud but little by little you are getting better. Hopefully your ENT visit will be a good one. Try to remember that the worst is over, now you heal,you will get there.
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1 ReactionI am two years post radiation related to throat cancer. At about 18 months I noticed improvement. Still not what I used to be but I have much better days overall and have learned to accept lower expectations as far as what I can do.
Used to do hours of outside yard work now I spread it out over 3 days as an example.
And I recognize it is ok to not be busy all the time. It was a very hard adjustment but it did gradually improve.
est wished to you.
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1 ReactionMy experience and frustration was much the same. I was not prepared to find out that sore mouth, throat loss of appetite and taste were going to be so difficult.
I have not had a smoothie in a year because I was so tired of them. It will get better slowly. I was not a regimented eater before surgery and radiation, A few days a week were 3. ears and other days it varied due to work travel, etc. I found that even with the soft food choices being so boring I did better by earring more often and close to a set schedule.
Now after 2 years post I am eating more normal food but still have to be selective. Taste is about 50% but I just eat what I want and psych myself to eat things I used to like even if not as tasty. I do eat less than I used to and I am 5 pounds less than pre surgery weight gaining back 20 pounds of the 25 lost.
Best to you. Hang in there!
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