Cancer Support
Related: About this forumLast night I drank some mint tea. An hour later I was yodelling in the porcelain throne.
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
(92,759 posts)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
(60,134 posts)alfredo
(60,134 posts)It isn't just my beard. Monday is Chemo, that should kick it into overdrive.
PennyK
(2,312 posts)...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
(60,134 posts)Solly Mack
(92,759 posts)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
(60,134 posts)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
(52,988 posts)treatments and completely collapsed the week after they were over.
alfredo
(60,134 posts)Solly Mack
(92,759 posts)alfredo
(60,134 posts)Tab
(11,093 posts)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
(60,134 posts)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
Sounds like a hard slog. Post or PM anytime.
- Tab
alfredo
(60,134 posts)It is getting battered by radiation.
BTW how are you doing?
Tab
(11,093 posts)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
(60,134 posts)Tab
(11,093 posts)it's just the timing that's up for grabs.
alfredo
(60,134 posts)Tab
(11,093 posts)I find it helps me, although my brand of cancer is differerent than yours.
Not aciditic, refreshing, fixes up dry mouth. Ymmv.
alfredo
(60,134 posts)BuelahWitch
(9,083 posts)alfredo
(60,134 posts)I hope they still taste good.