I'm starting to feel the radiation big time: sore tongue, sore throat, and burning skin.

[alfredo]

There's no turning back, but then there's my bed, and a nice nap in my future.

I had some tomato garlic bisque and it was a delight.

[Solly Mack]

1. Remember the baking soda rinse.

Happy napping.

[alfredo]

2. Thanks. I got a free knitted cap from the senior center. It's nice, it's my cancer helmet.

[Solly Mack]

3. Cool! That was nice of them.

[alfredo]

4. So comfy. Thanks for the reminder.

[Solly Mack]

5. It'll help. Warm water gargles help too.

Heat helps ease the swelling caused by radiation. Use a comfortable setting.

Don't forget to moisturize after a treatment.

Don't forget your wide brim hat.

Sorry. I just want you to be OK.

[alfredo]

6. Thanks. Some Thom Yorke for its palliative effects.

I got chilled, so I bundled up, curled up, and listened to Atoms For Peace "amok." Did the trick.

[alfredo]

9. Today I noticed I've lost salt. Oh well.

I will test to see if I can still taste sweet.

[Solly Mack]

10. I was the odd ball. All food tasted too salty to me.

I was never a salt eater, so that really sucked. I tried several waters to find one that didn't gag me because of the salt taste.

Everyone else seemed to need more salt, but not me.

It will get worse, sorry to say. But it does start to get better in time.

[alfredo]

11. It was not a shock, I expected that.

My Head and Neck Doctor confirmed that my tumors are responding well.

I found out about the salt when I tried one of my wife's French fries

[Solly Mack]

12. That's great news about your tumors!

You sound like me, tasting food just to see.

[alfredo]

13. Also, I'm too nice to tell friends and family I can't taste what they made.

I ate, I enjoyed, but later I told them that my taste buds are damaged from radiation and my sense of taste and smell are disappearing. I told them that they should be back by Thanksgivings.

[Solly Mack]

14. I'm the primary cook at my house

I usually prepare a dish as usual for my family, as well as preparing myself a modified version I can eat.

I really do hope your buds are better in time for Thanksgiving.

[alfredo]

15. If not I will fake it.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. It really hits about 3rd. week when everything tastes like dirty socks. Hang in there!

[alfredo]

8. I kind of like dirty socks.

It feels like home.

[alfredo]

16. I can still taste Cajun spices. I made Emeril's Braised Chicken Thighs.

http://emerils.com/127418/braised-chicken-thighs
My wife loves that recipe, so I made it for her. I ate one thigh. It was soft enough to gum into submission, and the mouthfeel was akin to good brisket.

BTW, Bigelow's Mint Medley still tastes good.

[Tab]

17. Sorry to hear that

I've only had it in the abdomen and lungs, not throat. Hopefully you can get some good palliative care out of it. This is a limited-engagement deal, right? They're not talking about never-ending radiation, I hope.

Hang in there; if you can get through, it'll have been worth it.

[alfredo]

18. Thanks. I have 5 more weeks.

Two more Chemo sessions in my future.

I knew there would such things happening, so I watch them as the therapy progresses. My wife is taking all this much harder than me.

I saw a graduate walk out of the building, did celebratory barf in the flower bed, but made sure his mask didn't get splashed.