the aftermath...

i've been off work all week (& will b 4 the rest of this week) - excused by the doctor 2 rest at home due to "complications from radiation treatment"...as i've mentioned several times on this blog, my throat has gotten progressively worse...it's not a sore throat, at the back of my mouth kinda thing - it's deep down my throat, in my neck...i'm pretty horse, not even able 2 speak on the phone cause the person on the other end simply can't hear me...swallowing hurts - simple as that! it doesn't matter if it's solid food or water - it just hurts! & when i experience reflux, i feel it - deep down in my throat, rising up into my throat

i'm taking Zantac regularly 2 avoid the reflux...& luckily, the liquid Percocet prescription (Roxicet) that i switched 2 once i realized swallowing the pills just wasn't working, has done wonders 4 my throat pain...but i have 2 stay on top of it & take my doses every 4 hrs in order 2 stay comfortable...it helps me b able 2 swallow my Coumadin pills (luckily, they're tiny - i take 4 5mg tabs every day), & makes it easier 2 swallow foods like applesauce, yogurt, soups, etc...i vomit every morning - waking up with a sore/dry/swollen/clenched throat causes me 2 gag & then dry heave (cause there's usually nothing in my stomach), no matter how hard i try 2 avoid it - sometimes there's even blood...& sadly, i've gotten used 2 that...but i know that as soon as i'm over it, i can take my 1st dose of pain meds & go about my day

the pics above r of my "burn" site - taken last Friday...i'm still rubbing SBS40 cream on it 4 times a day...in addition 2 that, i'm also now using Neosporin in my fat creases ~lol~ the burnt area started peeling just like a sunburn this weekend, but it's very red & raw underneath - especially in the creases - even 2 the point of bleeding on occasion

i go in 2moro 2 get my levels checked & the radiation doc wants 2 take another look at my neck 2 make sure it's not getting infected (i know it's not, but he just wants 2 make sure)...i know now what he meant about it actually getting worse b4 it gets better...but i'm thankful that i'm able 2 rest at home & recooperate in the privacy of my home

these side effects of radiation r "normal" & i thank God that i only had 2 have 3 weeks of treatment...i can't imagine how people going thru months of radiation therapy deal with these issues & even worse! once again, i recognize that it could always b worse

hopefully in the next week or so, i'll start healing up & will b able 2 get back 2 the real "normal"! i know that from this day forward, it will definitely take a whole lot 2 make me complain about being sick, in pain or uncomfortable!!! ;0)