Last night I drank some mint tea. An hour later I was yodelling in the porcelain throne.

[alfredo]

I don't know if it was the tea, or the Tylenol. Of course it could be the thick sputum. I just don't know. It did a thing on my throat, causing a touch of blood.

My question, is radiation side effects cumulative, or does it reach a plateau of suckiness?

Monday is Chemo, so there will be a spike in the fun factor, but that is temporary.

[Solly Mack]

1. It gets worse as the weeks go by and don't all stop once treatment is over.

Mine got worse and worse and it was a couple of months after treatment ended before it got better. Everyone is different though.

Some side effects will be permanent. (dry mouth & everything that can come with that) Again, everyone is different.

Chemo to the head/neck area causes excessive phlegm, so...with both you get a double whammy.

Throwing up in the best of times can cause the throat to bleed and with a throat made raw and sore by radiation, it's not unusual.

My radiation oncologist told me to avoid all herbal anything (supplements, teas, etc.) during treatment.

Try sucking on some ice chips. Actually helps with the mucus.

[alfredo]

2. Thanks. I like the ice chip suggestion.

[alfredo]

5. Hair loss has kicked into high gear. Duct tape is my savior.

It isn't just my beard. Monday is Chemo, that should kick it into overdrive.

[PennyK]

6. You're duct-taping your head?

...or using the tape to clean it up?
As a woman with chemo starting tomorrow, and with longish hair, I plan to get it cut fairly short once I start shedding. I've got my wig all ready, and since I sew, I'm going to make some head wraps/hats/turban-y things.
And non of that frikkin' Barbie Pink for me!

[alfredo]

9. I have my hats, scarfs, and caps. I'm ready.

[Solly Mack]

7. Sunscreen the bald spots. Hair doesn't always come back, unfortunately.

Depending on how high of a dose you are getting.

Most will experience hair regrowth in 2-3 months after treatment.

Mine thinned noticeably on the right side. The chemo didn't cause any hair loss but the radiation did.

Ha! on the duct tape. I use it for everything.

[alfredo]

10. The Red Green Show made me a believer in Duct Tape.

I sat on the porch, brush in hand. I was like a long haired cat shredding. It seems to be shedding uniformly at this time.

chemo in the morning

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Sorry. but it gets worse. I worked all through my 33

treatments and completely collapsed the week after they were over.

[alfredo]

4. If it gets real bad, I will see about pain management and nausea.

[Solly Mack]

8. I know how hard that was to do. :(

[alfredo]

11. I'll deal with it.

[Tab]

12. The echo in there sucks

Throwing up blood would alarm me, though, if you're sure it was just a spot and doesn't recur you may be okay, but I'd mention it to your oncologist anyway.

I know the side effects can be cumulative, but as to whether it reaches a plateau, I've never had to have it for that extended period of time (a few months at best).

Hang in there; we're all on your side.

- Tab

[alfredo]

14. Thanks. The doctors said a bt of blood is normal

My White blood cells count is low, so they have delayed my last Chemo to this Monday. That will also be my last radiation.

They have adjusted my 2cal intake to five cans, and has me wearing a mask

My whole schedule is off now. I will have to reschedule about four appointments no biggie

[Tab]

16. Best to you

Sounds like a hard slog. Post or PM anytime.

- Tab

[alfredo]

17. Thanks. The tumor is at the base of my tongue.

It is getting battered by radiation.

BTW how are you doing?

[Tab]

18. Thanks for asking

I'm hanging in there, but splitting my time between this channel and the End of Life Issues group. Slowly degrading is how I'd put it.

- t

[alfredo]

19. Sucks to know you are losing the battle.

[Tab]

20. We all lose the battle

it's just the timing that's up for grabs.

[alfredo]

23. I'm in no hurry

[Tab]

13. If you can tolerate this

I find it helps me, although my brand of cancer is differerent than yours.

Not aciditic, refreshing, fixes up dry mouth. Ymmv.

[alfredo]

15. I can't take anything by mouth

[BuelahWitch]

21. I'm so sorry, Alfredo

What does your doctor suggest? I would have said ginger tea instead, but I am afraid it would be the same or worse. Hope it gets better soon.

[alfredo]

22. As soon as I can take food by mouth, I will be exploring the wonders of my tea collection

I hope they still taste good.