Reply #22: coping with head and neck cancers [View All]

[DMCarter]

I hope I can offer up some encouragement for you. My husband is 6 months out of radiation for cancer on his left vocal chord. He was a very lucky man..they found it at stage 1. He had 37 radiation treatments(5 treatments per week for 7 weeks and 2 days) and was told pretty much the same as you. He was determined not to have a feeding tube so though swallowing was very hard and his throat was extremely sore he managed to only lose 6 lbs during the whole ordeal. He was on several different pain medications and even worked for the first two weeks of radiation. By the time the third week rolled around however, he was begining to feel extreemly tired. Radiation wears you down and you may find it difficult to sleep. On those bad nights, I fixed up what I called a comfort pack for him. Chilled water,his meds,a warm cozy blanket, chapstick,pudding cups. He also found it easier to sleep in his recliner than the bed as laying flat seemed to choke him up more. You'll find your own ways of coping but don't give up. The dr. told him that during his treatment he couldnt have dental services so if something needs fixed go ahead and have that proceeduce done before radiation. Although its true that you might not be able to swallow, or eat leave worrying about that when and if the time comes. There are many who do just fine. I sinceley hope that when all this is over you can be a help to someone else who has head and neck cancer. If you are open to online support I can suggest a great one...Many survivors with tips on how to get through this. Its Throat cancer support.. yahoo groups

I wish you the best
May Angels Keep
Deborah