dennismcgn's Cancer Blog
July 2, 2009
Sorry for the delay in my weekly posts…the past 10* days have been more of a struggle with increased effects from the radiation/chemotherapy..which is common in the final weeks of treatment…
- increased nausea and episodes of vomiting
which was mainly due having a mouth with increased mucus and a heavy coated salt-like throughout mouth
as you can imagine, with my earlier loss of taste and then with a mouth coated in salt…my appetite was non-existent…which lead to a 18+ lb weigh loss in less than 2 weeks…the treatment team was concerned and pushed me to start my feeding tube…i started nurtrional drinks through the feeding tube yesterday… - skin breaking and increased redness/sun burn-like on both sides of neck area where radiation delievered
before placing lotion of 2% lidocaid and aquaphor cream, the doctor suggested domeboro compress 4+ times/day…this is basically, using a wash towel…dissolving powdered packed in water..then place soaked towel over the redeness neck areas for 15 minutes several times/day… - increased pain in throat area
this week was the first time the neurontin was not able to contain the pain…so i have begun to use the prn {as needed} oxycondone in the hopes this will lessen the increased irritation/discomfort in the back of my throat when i swallow - increased tiredness
i have noticed i have need increased amount of afternoon naps to have any kind of normal energy…again this normal response at this point of treatment
now the good point in all of this….i have just completed all my chemotherapy and all my radiation…hey!
the doctors alerted me, that even though treatment has ended, this coming week could be the most difficult as the side efects of the chemotherapy and radiation are still active in my body….time will tell
either way, the time for healing has begun
that is all today, as i am getting tired…though i wanted to get a new post out…
til next time
dennismcgn
Posted on July 2, 2009 at 12:17:12 PM by Dennis (
Week 6++- Radiation & Chemotherapy.... Finally Completed !!, 
10 comments)
Week 6++- Radiation & Chemotherapy.... Finally Completed !!, 10 comments)
Thanks for your support - 
Dennis—
Thanks for giving us an udpate. I’m so happy to hear that you are done with chemo/rad—that is a happy feeling! I know you are anxious to have all of this pain and the unpleasant side effects behind you. It will take a little time, but you are now on your way! I’m sure you are going to start feeling better real soon and I hope your recovery goes quickly! Take good care and keep us updated on how things are going!
Martha
Dennis,
Congratulations on your completion of the torture treatments…..........yep, there’ll be some residual effects for a couple of weeks or so and then you’ll start returning to normal. Anna is a week or so ahead of you so if you can follow her posts and see how she’s progressing.
I recall it took me a month or so before the taste buds started to function properly again and the swallowing will take about the same time to rid yourself of the mucus. I found if I stayed away from milk, ice-cream and the likes I had less trouble with the thick mucus and swallowing. I have no salivary glands and eating a lot of foods is still difficult. However if I eat hot foods or coffee….HOT and the cold food or drinks very COLD I get them down easier. I still use a straw when possible too as it makes it easier to swallow beverages.
Good luck my friend, the worst is over and the healing starts. Be patient and before you know it you’ll be having your first quarterly check-up.
Try and have a great 4th of July weekend.
Ron
Dennis,
High Five my man! Congratulations—you did it. Now just heal-
Cheers
Anna
Hi Dennis,
So glad to hear you finished your treatments and hope you are now going to go uphill and feel better real soon. Keeping you in my prayers!
hugs,
Amy
Dear Dennis,
The worst is over! Thank Goodness! I hope you feel all of our sighs of relief for you! The fatigue takes some time.It gradually slowly disappears …I am 10 months out of treatment and I would say I am about at 85ish percent…still not 100 in terms of the fatigue. Anyway…rest and know that all is well! Lori
Congratulations to you! Oh happy day! Now little by little, day by day (after the first week or two while the treatment stops being active) your body will kick in and move toward recovery. Remember to be patient if you can——the timeline is different for all of us, but I sure got impatient and had to reframe the recovery process and timeline, and then I could relax and have faith. Bravo, I’m so glad for you!
Just wanted to say “Hello, Dennis!”; haven’t been accessing the internet much the last several weeks, so thought I would catch up regarding how you are doing. Have thought of you a lot; praying all is going well, and after reading your blog it appears the journey, though difficult, has overall gone well. Thank God!
You know, we still have to have a farewell party for Dr. Ye, now also Laurie (MHA, next week is her last; she’s going to New Horizon where Rodger is), coupled with congratulations (some might say condolences) to Chris (now Addictions Director….job requirement: wear a tie!),,so let’s add YOU, too, to celebrate your completion of treatment, restoration to health and “Welcome Back, we’ve missed you![]()
Hope you are smiling. Not sure when you are targeting to return, but take your time and don’t push. You’re far too precious to sabatoge continued recovery. God bless; praying He will continue to guide and direct your steps. Much love.
Sorry Dennis,
i am not very good at blogs. I just saw this part after i made a comment about looking for you…duh! Anyway – Congrats on the completion of your Treatments. OMG - Take care of yourself. You are in my thoughts!
Awesome! Youre a champ!