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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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@dragonfire Great news that your cancer is gone! I'm sure it's very frustrating not having taste buds come back yet, have you tried all types of salty and/ or savory? How about hot and spicy? Ice cream? My husband's taste buds are almost gone too but for some reason he can taste jello. Sincerely hope your pet scan comes back totally clear. Keep us updated.
@lizzyj58
I can taste baloney, pickles, mustard the best. My next step will be back to hot and spicy I cannot describe how much I miss tacos. I have tried a couple to hot sauces could feel the heat but only so much taste. I grilled burgers and they had more taste but everything still lacking. My tongue swelling is still there so eating takes me awhile. I was told years ago aging in not fun and they were right. When I was going through treatments I could taste jello don't know why. I hope things go well for your husband this is nothing but a living nightmare for anyone going through this. I am the family cook and not being able to taste is frustrating.
@dragonfire At least you can taste some foods. I'm sure it's very frustrating for you but it will get better. Think about how you felt last week, this week is probably a little better. It's like baby steps to get back to normal, but you will get there. Let us know how your dr visit goes and your pet scan results.
I completely understand the frustration everyone is going through. They didn't give me any warning of the difficulties I would face with eating, or the pain. I'm 20 years out and I can say it gets better with time, but going through it isn't easy. A nurse put it to me bluntly, "You didn't need to worry about that, you just had to decide whether you wanted to live or die." I've come to appreciate that sentiment when I find myself getting down about my situation, and now that my sister has gone through throat cancer twice and isn't expected to make. Despite the treatments being brutal, they allow us to survive, which in my book is a blessing. Take care.