Sunday, May 14, 2006
Status & Treatment Effects
Greetings
This past 10 days or so have been rather challenging. The radiation and chemo have taken their course. So far its not as bad as I was told, yet they keep saying it will get worse. Of course I correct them with "it MAY get worse". Their response... "keep praying". So I am asking for your prayers. There is pain- primarily because the cheek and neck flaps have swollen and press hard inward and outward. And my tongue is dry from the radiation.
I am on Chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Irbutux one time per week for the next 5 weeks (2 down), along with daily radiation. They both cause nausea. The later has created a nasty rash and acne outbreak on my face and upper body. The last three weeks of radiation will be IMRT. I will receive a 1.5 hours of Amifostine for hydration through my "port" prior to every radiation. This is to help save my salavary glands from being burned up by the radiation. So far it really makes me nausiated. That is why they hydrate me beforehand.
I have also had a food tube put in. That is because the radiation at its worse will possible cause mouth sores to the degree I will not be able to swollow. So far I am having moderate pain and swelling on my tongue and as a result I use the tube occassionally. Mainly to take supplement pills.
To offset Side effects I am taking:
Radiation Burn & Dryness:
Biafine lotion
Aloe Vera Gel
Recue Remedy Bach Flower Cream
Nausea:
Compazine 1.5 hours before radiation and at onset of any nausea
ZOftan
Ginger
Irbutux-
Cleocin lotion for rash as needed
Magnesium Oxide for depletion
Sleep:
Ambien
Potassium
Melatonin
Mouth Sores
Vitamin E* topical, (mouth sores)
Salt and Baking Soda Mix
Glutamine* - Reducing chances of mouth sores and fatigue
This past 10 days or so have been rather challenging. The radiation and chemo have taken their course. So far its not as bad as I was told, yet they keep saying it will get worse. Of course I correct them with "it MAY get worse". Their response... "keep praying". So I am asking for your prayers. There is pain- primarily because the cheek and neck flaps have swollen and press hard inward and outward. And my tongue is dry from the radiation.
I am on Chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Irbutux one time per week for the next 5 weeks (2 down), along with daily radiation. They both cause nausea. The later has created a nasty rash and acne outbreak on my face and upper body. The last three weeks of radiation will be IMRT. I will receive a 1.5 hours of Amifostine for hydration through my "port" prior to every radiation. This is to help save my salavary glands from being burned up by the radiation. So far it really makes me nausiated. That is why they hydrate me beforehand.
I have also had a food tube put in. That is because the radiation at its worse will possible cause mouth sores to the degree I will not be able to swollow. So far I am having moderate pain and swelling on my tongue and as a result I use the tube occassionally. Mainly to take supplement pills.
To offset Side effects I am taking:
Radiation Burn & Dryness:
Biafine lotion
Aloe Vera Gel
Recue Remedy Bach Flower Cream
Nausea:
Compazine 1.5 hours before radiation and at onset of any nausea
ZOftan
Ginger
Irbutux-
Cleocin lotion for rash as needed
Magnesium Oxide for depletion
Sleep:
Ambien
Potassium
Melatonin
Mouth Sores
Vitamin E* topical, (mouth sores)
Salt and Baking Soda Mix
Glutamine* - Reducing chances of mouth sores and fatigue
