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alfredo

(60,074 posts)
Sat Apr 2, 2016, 12:36 PM Apr 2016

Last 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.

23 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Last night I drank some mint tea. An hour later I was yodelling in the porcelain throne. (Original Post) alfredo Apr 2016 OP
It gets worse as the weeks go by and don't all stop once treatment is over. Solly Mack Apr 2016 #1
Thanks. I like the ice chip suggestion. alfredo Apr 2016 #2
Hair loss has kicked into high gear. Duct tape is my savior. alfredo Apr 2016 #5
You're duct-taping your head? PennyK Apr 2016 #6
I have my hats, scarfs, and caps. I'm ready. alfredo Apr 2016 #9
Sunscreen the bald spots. Hair doesn't always come back, unfortunately. Solly Mack Apr 2016 #7
The Red Green Show made me a believer in Duct Tape. alfredo Apr 2016 #10
Sorry. but it gets worse. I worked all through my 33 sinkingfeeling Apr 2016 #3
If it gets real bad, I will see about pain management and nausea. alfredo Apr 2016 #4
I know how hard that was to do. :( Solly Mack Apr 2016 #8
I'll deal with it. alfredo Apr 2016 #11
The echo in there sucks Tab Apr 2016 #12
Thanks. The doctors said a bt of blood is normal alfredo Apr 2016 #14
Best to you Tab Apr 2016 #16
Thanks. The tumor is at the base of my tongue. alfredo Apr 2016 #17
Thanks for asking Tab Apr 2016 #18
Sucks to know you are losing the battle. alfredo Apr 2016 #19
We all lose the battle Tab Apr 2016 #20
I'm in no hurry alfredo Apr 2016 #23
If you can tolerate this Tab Apr 2016 #13
I can't take anything by mouth alfredo Apr 2016 #15
I'm so sorry, Alfredo BuelahWitch Apr 2016 #21
As soon as I can take food by mouth, I will be exploring the wonders of my tea collection alfredo Apr 2016 #22

Solly Mack

(90,769 posts)
1. It gets worse as the weeks go by and don't all stop once treatment is over.
Sat Apr 2, 2016, 06:23 PM
Apr 2016

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

(60,074 posts)
5. Hair loss has kicked into high gear. Duct tape is my savior.
Sun Apr 3, 2016, 10:40 AM
Apr 2016

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

PennyK

(2,302 posts)
6. You're duct-taping your head?
Sun Apr 3, 2016, 11:00 AM
Apr 2016

...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!

Solly Mack

(90,769 posts)
7. Sunscreen the bald spots. Hair doesn't always come back, unfortunately.
Sun Apr 3, 2016, 11:10 AM
Apr 2016

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

(60,074 posts)
10. The Red Green Show made me a believer in Duct Tape.
Sun Apr 3, 2016, 05:52 PM
Apr 2016

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

(51,457 posts)
3. Sorry. but it gets worse. I worked all through my 33
Sun Apr 3, 2016, 12:42 AM
Apr 2016

treatments and completely collapsed the week after they were over.

Tab

(11,093 posts)
12. The echo in there sucks
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 06:05 PM
Apr 2016

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

(60,074 posts)
14. Thanks. The doctors said a bt of blood is normal
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 06:22 PM
Apr 2016

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

alfredo

(60,074 posts)
17. Thanks. The tumor is at the base of my tongue.
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 06:33 PM
Apr 2016

It is getting battered by radiation.

BTW how are you doing?

Tab

(11,093 posts)
18. Thanks for asking
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 06:37 PM
Apr 2016

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

Tab

(11,093 posts)
13. If you can tolerate this
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 06:09 PM
Apr 2016

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

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

BuelahWitch

(9,083 posts)
21. I'm so sorry, Alfredo
Fri Apr 29, 2016, 01:34 AM
Apr 2016
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

(60,074 posts)
22. As soon as I can take food by mouth, I will be exploring the wonders of my tea collection
Fri Apr 29, 2016, 07:59 AM
Apr 2016

I hope they still taste good.

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