Update

Still feeling good.  Docs gave me an RX for a pain patch that lasts 72 hours.  Still having some problems with the saliva, comes and goes, but seems like after radiation is the worst.  Keeps slipping down the air pipe and I have to cough hard to get it out.  Nothing like last week, but still bugging me.

Day 25 Radiation Treatments

Elroy tried to ambush me last night in my sleep.  Woke up about 1:30 in pain, but a quick shot of honey and pain medicine and that guy was last seen dragging his tail back into the jungle.  Will have to see the doctor today about some better medicine because I suspect he'll be back stronger tonight and this stuff is very temporary.

Had a slight setback last night while trying to do the flouride trays.  Started gagging and ended up throwing up my "supper" of protein shakes.  Must have swallowed some of the flouride because the Dentist said I'd get sick if I did so.  Anyway, might have to start doing the flouride during the day.  Seem to have most gagging problems at night after the radiation. 

Feeling great right now, very little spitting going on today for some reason.  I took two Percocets and they haven't made me sleepy, so I can continue to work.

Radiation Day 24-Mouth Sores

Looking about the same as Sunday despite
two more days of Radiation. Must be the honey.

Day 24 Radiation Completed

Well for some reason the spitting has almost gone away.  I've been taking a lot of honey all day, and suspect a lot has to do with the increased in a burning sensation in the throat.  May have gotten into a "crispy fried" mode, or it's finally killing off my saliva glands as the docs said it would.  Continuing with the honey treaments before and after and still helps a lot.  The outside of my neck is getting pretty tan, starting to really get tight and burned also.  Eight more treatments, so we'll see just how tan I can get on the left side of my neck. 

Walked 25 minutes on the treadmill, but the pain medicine makes me sleepy so I wimped out on the bowflex this morning.  Was a good day overall. 

Dat 24 Radiation Treatments - Elroy Bringing in the Big Guns

Well, I guess since he couldn't choke me out, Elroy has decided to bring in a rusty ice pick and start stabbing me in the throat.  Woke up this morning with the first real pain I've had since they took out my tonsils.  This was expected.  Had to go to the pain medicine right away, and it's already under control, but the stuff I have may not cut it in a few days.  My doctor is out of town until Wednesday, so I'll hit her up for the good stuff then.  I can deal with the pain, just glad I got that "drowning" thing over with.  Other than that I had a good nights sleep and feel great physically. 

Day 23 Radiation

Finished the day on a positive note.  Took the honey before and after the treatments and seems to work.  Did not have the usual problems I was having the last three days last week with the massive saliva flow.  Soreness is still not bad, have not really needed the pain medicine much at all.

Did 25 minutes on the treadmill this morning and tricep extensions, so glad to be back on track there. 

Monday Day 23 Radiation

Starting off as a great day.  Got plenty of sleep, the throat is feeling much better after two days rest and lots of honey.  Will start using the honey before and after the radiation treatments to see if it helps reduce the sores, or at least the intensity. 

Update

The honey is still having positive effects on the sores in my mouth.  It does not stop the saliva flow, but it does keep it under control and allows me to nap during the day.  Some problems with constipation this morning, but have been drinking more V8 fusion which is loaded with fiber, plus took a stool softener this afternoon.  Probably too many shakes and not enough juice yesterday.  Need to find that right balance, because this has not really been a problem till today. 

Have taken in a lot of fluids today and feel really good.  More info on the benefits of Honey:

Antibacterial Effects of Honey Medical Fact or Fiction?

by Julie McCarthy
M. Sc. Student,
University of Guelph, May 1995.

Since ancient times people have speculated about honey's curative properties. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Egyptians used honey to heal wounds and cure disease of the gut (Zumla and Lulat, 1989). Until recently, there was little scientific evidence to support therapeutic uses of honey. Lately, however, many studies have shown that honey has valid medical use because of its antibacterial activity. This article focuses on the potential importance of honey in modern day medicine due to its antibacterial properties.

Treatment of Burn Wounds and Skin Ulcers with Honey

Subrahmanyam (1991) conducted a study comparing a conventional method of burn treatment (silver sulfadiazine) with topical applications of honey. Burn patients of a variety of ages were divided into two treatment groups. The burns of patients in Group 1 were cleaned with saline solution and pure, undiluted, unprocessed honey was applied daily. Burns of Group 2 (control) were cleaned and covered with gauze that was soaked in 5% silver sulfadiazine which was changed daily. Results showed that within 7 days 91% of the infected wounds treated with honey were free of infection, compared to less than 7% of the silver sulfadiazine treated burns. Within 15 days, 87% of the honey treated wounds were healed whereas only 10% of the control group wounds were healed. Patients treated with honey experienced less irritation, more relief of pain, and no allergic reactions or side effects.

Subrahmanyam (1991) suggests that honey is effective for treatment of burn wounds because: 1) It prevents infection because of its antibacterial or bacteriostatic properties (i.e., inhibits the growth of both Gram- negative and Gram-positive bacteria). 2) It provides a viscous barrier to fluid loss and wound invasion by bacteria thus preventing infection. 3) It contains enzymes which may aid the healing process by promoting tissue formation. 4) It absorbs edema fluid (pus) thereby cleaning the wound. 5) It reduces pain and irritation and eliminates offensive smell.

Efem (1988) showed that various types of wounds and skin ulcers which had not responded to conventional methods of treatment such as antibiotics and medicated dressings responded favorably to a topical honey treatment. Wounds and ulcer types treated with honey included: Fournier's gangrene, burn wounds topical ulcers, bed sores, and diabetic ulcers. After the wounds were cleaned with saline, honey and clean bandages were applied daily. Infected wounds that had not responded to conventional treatments were free of infection within 7 days of the first honey application. Following treatment with honey, dead tissue was quickly replaced with healthy granulation tissue. In some cases, diabetic ulcers were successfully treated with honey and skin grafts, thus preventing amputation. Apparently, the antibacterial properties of honey allow it to work on wounds and skin ulcers in the same manner it works on burns.

The antibacterial activity of honey is partially due to its osmotic effects (Molan, 1992a). Honey is a saturated or super saturated solution of sugars and is said to have osmotic properties (i.e., water-with drawing). Water molecules strongly react with the sugars in honey leaving little water available for micro-organisms. The bacteria that cause infection are unable to survive in honey because they become dehydrated. Molan (1992a) compared the antibacterial activity of natural honey to artificial honey solutions (i.e., super saturated solutions of sugars of the same proportion as those in honey). Results showed that these artificial honey solutions did not have the same degree of antibacterial activity as natural honey, indicating that while the removal of water from bacteria is important, other factors are operating to provide the observed antibacterial effects.

The presence of hydrogen peroxide generated by the enzymatic activity of glucose oxidase in dilute honey also contributes to its antibacterial activity (Molan, 1992a). As hydrogen peroxide decomposes, it generated highly reactive free radicals which react with and kill bacteria (Note: Prior to chemical identification of hydrogen peroxide, it was often referred to as inhibine in the literature).

Treatment of Infant Gastroenteritis and Stomach Ulcers Using Honey

A paper by Haffejee and Moosa (1985) studied the effects of orally or intravenously administering dilute honey for the treatment of gastroenteritis compared with a usual treatment of glucose solution (control). Gastroenteritis is acute diarrhea caused by human rotovirus (Tallett et.al., 1977). This disease is highly contagious and mainly effects young children, but can also occur in adults. The disease is characterized by diarrhea accompanied with fever and vomiting at the onset. Gastroenteritis is a major health problem that has been found in all continents and all races. Haffejee and Moose (1985) found that the honey treatment shortened the duration of diarrhea in patients with bacterial gastroenteritis. Patients with bacterial gastroenteritis who were treated with honey had a mean recovery time of 58.00 hours compared with 93.13 hours for the control patients. Improved treatment of gastroenteritis with use of honey can be explained by its antibacterial properties.

All information that appears here is reprinted in whole or in part from the World Wide Web or other sources as noted.

Sunday Morning

Had another good nights sleep, even better than Friday night. Starting off the day with juice, vitamins, and a shake. Was able to put down 7 shakes yesterday. Going to workout this morning and take it easy today. The sores are looking much better and the honey has to be the reason, plus it helps I didn't get zapped yesterday. Only have to do radiation Monday thru Friday, so together they have to help the healing process. Will begin using the honey 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the radiation to see if they helps.

The neck is stiff, but I'm able to stretch it out pretty well without much pain. I took some pain medicine before I went to sleep, but have not had to take any this morning so far. Been up about an hour or so. It's going to be a good day.

Mouth Sores Two Days After Starting Honey "Cure"

Photo of Mouth Sores Taken on Friday, Day 22 of Radiation.










Compare to This One I took on Sunday, two days after starting to drink Honey. Looks better to me. More white, less red (blisters).

Honey Does the Trick

Had a great night thanks to the Honey cure.  Did not choke, gag, or cough one time all night.  Woke up this morning feeling like a new man.  Hope it continues to work.  Am starting to get more pain from the throat, so had to go to the pain medicine a couple of times in the night, but pain is managable, the "drowning" was getting out of control.

When I talked with the Docs yesterday about it, the only solution they had was to interrupt the radiation treatments for a few days and let me recover, but that would have delayed this thing and that's the last thing I want to do.  Two weeks and counting.  Morale is sky high this morning.

Started off with a shake and a gatorade, plus some juice and vitamins.  Feeling really good right now.

Elroy is on the ground and I'm raining down elbows on this punk.  Grrrrrr

Honey Reduces Mouth Sores

After spending the last three days drowning on my own saliva, I started researching for some type of relief and ran across this article on using Honey to reduce the mouth sores.  Immediately took 4 teaspoons full and haven't had to spit, gag, cough, or anything else I was doing constantly for the last three day, in the past 30 minutes.  Will have to see how long term it is, but you can bet there will be a cup full of honey by the bed tonight.   Guess I should have started looking for a solution earlier, eh?  Will start doing this before and after radiation from now on. 

Honey Reduces Radiation-Induced Mouth Sores

People with cancers of the head and neck undergoing radiation therapy may reduce their risk of developing painful mouth sores by regularly ingesting honey, according to a preliminary study in Supportive Care in Cancer (2003;11:242–8). This novel treatment may also help prevent unwanted weight loss that often occurs in those receiving radiation treatments.

Cancer of the head and neck affects more than 500,000 people worldwide each year. Treatment for these types of cancer often includes radiation therapy, which can produce many harmful side effects, such as the development of painful mouth ulcers. The inability to eat and drink without pain is the most common reason radiation treatment is discontinued. Various attempts at preventing the development of mouth sores, including using a lead shield to protect the mouth and throat, spreading out treatments, and lowering the amount of radiation given per treatment, have been unsuccessful.

In the new study, 40 people with cancers of the head and neck (mouth, throat, thyroid, and others) were assigned to receive radiation therapy alone or radiation therapy with the addition of honey treatment for seven weeks. Those in the honey group took 20 ml (4 teaspoons) of honey 15 minutes before their radiation therapy and again 15 minutes and six hours following the treatment. The severity of mouth sores was monitored weekly using a scale from 0 to 4, where 0 reflected no symptoms and 4 indicated ulceration.

The severity of mouth sores in the group taking honey was significantly lower than in those receiving radiation therapy only. More than 75% of the individuals in the radiation-only group had grade 3 or 4 mouth sores, compared with only 20% of those taking honey. No one in the honey treatment group experienced grade 4 mouth sores, whereas 20% of those in the radiation-only group developed these severe sores. Weight increased or remained stable in 55% of those treated with honey, while only 25% of those in the control group had this benefit. This finding suggests the reduction in mouth sores leads to improved food intake and better overall nutrition.

Honey has been shown in several studies to be an effective treatment for burn wounds, surgical wounds, and mouth infections. In the new study, it appears to protect the lining of the mouth and throat from damage caused by radiation. Scientists also believe honey limits the growth of bacteria in the mouth that ordinarily exacerbates the radiation-induced mouth sores. While honey has been shown to be safe and effective in conjunction with radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, it is unknown whether honey can prevent damage to other mucous membranes, such as the lining of the intestinal tract or stomach, which are also prone to irritation or ulceration after radiation therapy. More research is necessary to clarify this issue.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

Copyright © 2003 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc., shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.

Day 22 Radiation-Mouth Sores

This is the good part. Much worse down lower in the throat.

Four Weeks Down, Two to Go

Finished the fourth week of Radiation and now get a two day break from zapping and stabbing by doctors. Had a pretty good day, probably thanks to the IV this morning and an increase in protein shakes. Still dealing with the saliva issue, but have been pretty much "gag" free all day. Just have to control it.

Bought some 350 calorie "Ensure Plus" brand shakes which is about 100 calories more than the ones we were using, and will increase to at least 6-7 per day. Should control the weight loss.

Putting aloe vera plant juice on the outside of my neck which is starting to get red from the radiation and some vaseline type stuff the doctor gave me Tuesday. The neck is getting pretty stiff, so I have to work it out several times a day. Don't want to look like "Woody" in Toy Story.

Have lost all sense of taste, so pushing fluids through the tube is an hourly routine now. Got to keep it going, because when I'm hydrated, I feel good.

Elroy had me on the ropes a couple of times this week, but at the end of the week, I'm still standing, still ready to go the distance.

Update

Just finished the IV and Chemo followup with the Oconologist. Blood work looking very good, am doing well. No solution to the thick saliva problem, so just have to continue with Caphosol treatments and forcing fluids. Doc not concerned with weight loss but does want me to increase the protein shakes, done deal.

Day 22 - Radiation Treatment

Good night, bad night.  Was able to get some sleep but it was interrupted several times grappling with Elroy.  He keeps trying for the choke hold, but can't quite get there.  Was able to fend it off pretty well.  Am going in for another IV as part of the Chemo followup this morning so that usually helps with the fatigue.  Down to 198 pounds this morning, so Shirley is going to the Commissary to pick up some higher calorie drinks this morning while I'm pumping in the IV. 

Feel better today than yesterday for whatever reason, may have gotten a little dehydrated yesterday.  No other explanation.  We'll see how it goes after the IV. 

ELROY, you're going down punk!

Day 21 - Radiation Treatments

Yesterday Elroy had me on the ropes a couple of times with the choking thing but at the end of the day I was still standing. Went into the radiation treatments worried I would start gagging when they put the mask on, but after I fitted into it, I relaxed and promptly took a nap. He's going to have to better than this.

Had a good night sleep, so relaxing and concentrating on controlling the gag reflex is how to fix this. That and hitting the Caphosol more often.

Starting the day hydrated, pumping in the vitamins and anti-oxidants is first order of business, then keeping the water flowing all day long. Am feeling pretty good today. The throat is sore, so I took a teaspoonful of the pain medicine, pain managed.

Attitude, you can have a good one, or a bad one. Only one works for you. Elroy has no chance.

Update: Pretty good day, but was a little tired and only put in 13 minutes on the treadmill. Probably not enough fluids and was up several times during the night.

Was able to control the gagging all day and the treatment went without a hitch. Fell asleep again.

I'm down to 200 pounds from 205 at the beginning of the week so will need to increase the protein shakes and get the calories up to 2,000 per day. Eating is no longer an option so the shakes will have to do. Can't be looking like "Skelator."

Elroy wants to Grapple

Okay, this guy Elroy is starting to get on my nerves.  He's wants to wrestle and thinks he's got a rear naked choke on me today.  The lesions in the throat are starting to constrict me and feels like I'm choking, but he can't get the hooks in.  So the escape is to start doing more Caphosol treatments.  I was doing 3-4 per day, but will up that to one an hour if necessary, followed by 1 teaspoon of salt and baking soda in warm water rinse as prescribed by the doc to help heal the lesions.  Pumping in a lot of protein shakes today, more than usual to help with the healing process also.  Lot of fluids and learning how to control the gag reflex is the key so adjusting as we go along. 

Day 20 Radiation

Today I get number 20 of 32 radiation treatments, so this on the the downside. The sore throat is back after a two day vacation, but still not bad. The only real issue is the increasing saliva, very thick and hard to get rid of. The caphosol was working pretty well for a few days, but is having less effect now. Will have to increase the use and see if that helps. The Army gave me plenty, so no need to hold back.

Just have to spit all the time in a cup. First thing in the morning it's so thick I literally have to pull it out hand over hand to get the stuff out of my mouth. This is caused by the radiation sores. Looks like second degree burns in there now. Blistered up pretty well. Almost a choking sensation. I do gag a little every once in a while, but nothing to worry about. Just a hassle. Still motivated, still kicking this thing hard.

Started the day with a V8 Fusion and my vitamins, so the physical part is still feeling great. Will get on the treadmill here pretty soon. Lot of fluids yesterday, got an IV at the hospital as part of the followup to Chemo, and the Chemo effects have pretty much gone away. Only a couple of days of nasuea and then it quit, so Chemo is a non-issue.

Add-on
Alright, since the throat is starting to get more sores, it's also restricting more, so a lot of gag reflects going on. Solution, if Elroy wants to get hard, I'm going to get harder. Up'd the walk to 32 minutes, and increased the weight on the bowflex by 20 pounds each side on the tri-cep pulldowns. Got to push back. Learning to control the gag reflex, just have to concentrate.

Chemo Treatment 2, IV Day

Have to go to the hospital and get an IV today, routine followup to the Chemo to make sure I'm hydrated.  I feel really great.  Got up this morning about 4:30 and did some work on the SFA Chapter's website and pumped in some fluids.  Up'd the walking to 30 minutes this morning and a light bicep routine.  Good day happening right now. 

Mouth Sores-Starting to Look Ugly In There

 

Chemo 2, Day 3

Great Day.  Got up early and immediately starting forcing the fluids which is the key to victory against the nausea that plagues you after Chemo.  Radiation treatment very easy.  Finally got that "mask" to fit right, no pressure points, so good day.

I wanted to put down all the medicines and vitamins I'm taking on a daily basis for those who follow.  Might help, sure is helping me a lot.  If I don't swallow or talk, I literally can't tell my throat is sore.  There are some side effects like the saliva overload, but the docs gave me some mouthwash that is keeping that under control.   So here's the deal on what's working.

First thing in the morning I take the following vitamins, thanks to Brad.
USANA Chelated Minerals - 2 each
USANA Mega Antioxidant - 2 each
USANA Proflavanol - 2 each

These are augmented with:
1 oz of Goji Juice
One dropper of liquid B-12 (Sublingual B Total is the brand name)

For the first three days after Chemo the following meds are prescribed:
Zofran - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Decadron - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Promethazine - 1 Tablet every 6 hours as needed for Vomiting/Nausea (Rarely needed)

Normal Meds prescribed for the Radiation Side Effects
Lot of sores develop in the mouth from the Radiation.  One of the other side effects are yeast infections in the mouth.  The doctor has prescribed Diflucan for this for 7 days.  One tablet per day.
Mucinex - Expectorant for keeping the flim in the throat from getting too thick.  One tablet every 12 hours.
Hydrocodone Liquid for pain.  Used one hour before eating to kill the throat soreness.
Oncology Mouthwash - Lanacaine wash to numb the mouth/throat.  Rarely used.
Caphosal Mouthwash - A must for controlling the saliva overflow.  Works very well.  Used 5-6 times a day. 

Nightly ritual includes:
30 Minutes of fluoride tray treatment for keeping my teeth strong.  If anyone has any teeth that are not healthy before the radiation starts they take them out.  I was lucky, blessed with great teeth, so I didn't lose any and don't plan on it.  Never blow this one off.
Peridex Rinse.  Another prescribed by the Dentist to keep the bacteria out of the mouth.  
Coumadin - Blood Thinner, only 1 mg, just enough to prevent blood clot in the port used to pump in the Chemo.  Taken before bed.

Daily Feeding Routine
At this point is almost all via the Feeding Tube, though I do try to eat something to keep the muscles in shape for swallowing so when this is over I can put down that 24oz T-Bone at Cattlemans.Yeah !

Pumping in Ensure and Moplex Protein Shakes, about 4-5 per day.  Each one has about 300 calories, so may have to up the number if I start losing weight.  Right now, I'm holding at 205lbs, so not worried.

Started using V-8 Fusion juices to get more fiber in the diet.  Very important that fiber, so must be included.

Gatorade, at least one 24 oz bottle per day, just because.  Adds to the fluids and has some electrolytes.

Lot of water.  Alway follow the shakes with water to keep the feeding tube clean and add more liquids.  Shirley puts droppers full of green tea, Ginger, and Yin Chioa Immune Health into the first glass of water everyday.  Home remedies she's researched for cancer treatment.  I'm mighty healthy as far as the immune system is concerned.  The docs check my blood work every Friday and everything normal, no drop whatsoever, so it must be working.  Blood pressure is really in good shape.

Chemo Home Remedy Secrets.  Best one is a bottle of Peppermint Oil.  The first 2-3 days after Chemo you'll feel a lot of nasuea, so everytime I feel it coming on, I put one drop of Peppermint Oil on my tongue and it stops instantly.  Amazing stuff.  Doesn't last long, but just keep doing it.  Works well.

Salt Water with Baking Soda mouthrinse.  Another good one. Keeps the mouth sores in check. 

Am not having any problems sleeping, feel really good physically, the soreness is in check so far and the Chemo "keys to victory" are set, so this is not a big deal.  The worst part is not knowing what to expect, or expecting the worst.  Hopefully this will help somebody some day not worry about the great unknown, because it's not an unknown.  Shirley and I have a great system, she's the rock.  Makes sure I don't forget and we have a good assembly line going with the feeding tube, she fills up the syringe (big fat one) with the fluids and I just push 'em down the tube.  Goes quickly when working together.

Bottom line, get a plan, make a schedule and stick to it.  This punk Elroy is going down!!!

Update

Day two after Chemo treatment number 2.  Am having a good day.  Got up and immediately started forcing fluids which makes a real difference in how I feel.  Got a little dehydrated yesterday morning, so I took a nap, then got up and started forcing fluids which made me feel much better, so have to keep that up.  Throat is getting really sore now.  Having problems talking and swallowing without the pain medicine, but sitting here no pain, just when swallowing, so am learning how to keep that to a minimum.  The neck is red, but the aloe vera seems to be keeping it from getting to bad.  I have 15 radiation treatments left.

Day 2-Chemo Session number 2

Throat is starting to get much more sore.  Had a little nausea this morning but seems to be under control after taking all the day two meds.  Forcing fluids and was able to eat a piece of toast and some over easy eggs after taking the pain medicine.  Feeling pretty good right now.

Over the Hump

Today was the 17th Radiation Treatment of 32.  I thought it was only 30, but they told me yesterday 32, either way, I'm still counting down the days.

Also had Chemo Treatment number 2 of 3.  Turned out to be a good day overall, had a banana, some peaches, a little salmon and brussel sprouts by mouth, and 3 protein shakes, so was able to get some pretty calories in.  Still dropping weight, but not much. 

Biggest good news, is I started Caphosol (sp) mouthwash which has helped with the massive saliva onslaught that has plagued me the last few days.  Worst side affect by far up to this point.  Have to literally pull spit out of my mouth with the consistency of super glue.  Gets all over my face and hands and have to wash it off.  Pain in the rear and has choked, gagged, and drove me crazy.  If we can keep that under control, no sweat.  Also gave me some medicine to help with a yeast infection in my throat, probably has something to do with the saliva problem as well.

Still positive, still motivated.  Shirley doing a great job as my nurse.  I'm a lucky man.

Good Day Bad Day

The day started pretty well, was having some serious "spitting" going on first thing in the morning thanks to the BS saliva substitute the doctor gave me Friday.  Used it once on Saturday and haven't quit spitting since.  Wish it would wear off.  Not too bad the rest of the day until around 1800 then it started again and I got choked on my own spit.  Ended up busting loose some of the mucus in my throat, so started gagging and spitting up some bloody chunks.  Finally got it under control and the throat actually feels a little better.  Guess it was stuck.

Was able to put down about 6 over easy eggs, three protein shakes, Shirley's Green Monster concoction (vitamins/green stuff), and three of four glasses of water.  Need to increase the water.

Walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes and got in an arm workout on the bowflex.  Limited to arms and legs only thanks to the port for taking the chemo in my chest.  Can't work chest or back because it might sever the cathater and drop it into my heart.

Molly came over with Stevie and is spending the night.  I love that puppy, cracks me up and really picks up the mood when she's here.  Too funny.

This is more like it

Mohawk?

I asked Shirley for a Crew Cut but she had to play around first. Not what I expected but pretty funny looking.

Losing the Hair

Starting to lose the hair from the chemo treatments.

Back on Track

Felt a little more soreness this morning so I took a couple of tylenol, but was able to eat a bowl of Clam Chowder, a couple of protein shakes and get down all the vitamins by mouth.  Starting to use the feeding tube to makes sure I force the fluids since don't really want to drink much.  Took a good walk today and feeling pretty good physically.

Starting to Kick In Now

My throat is starting to get sore and seems to be full of flim which I can't get out.  Not able to eat much, but did have some pancakes and beef broth. Absolutely no taste buds left. The broth was better because it helped loosen up the throat a little.  Did not workout or walk, so need to get back on track regardless of how I feel.  Still feel good physically overall. 

Mouth Sore

Doctor prescribed some anti-fungus medicine for the sore which is not a blister.  Side-effect of the radiation on the mouth's ability to fight off infections.  Another great day physically.  Radiation Treatment number 9 down, today I hit 1/3 down, 2/3 to go.

First Mouth Sore

This morning I noticed a little pain in the back of my throat, then after Radiation this afternoon I looked and it's the first mouth sore right in the back on the roof of my mouth.  Let the games begin!

Had another good day eating.  Took a longer walk up the hill, so physically feeling good.

Day 7 Chemo

Friday was the 7th Radiation treatment and followup with Chemo doctor. Felt pretty good all day. Was a little tired at noon, took some liquid B-12 vitamins and had a resurgence, so that will be a daily routine from now on. Getting plenty of work done.

Diet, boiled eggs, mac and cheese, and some smoked brisket. Good stuff.

This weekend was great. Felt good all day both days and even ate more than usual. Shirley's Flan Cake was half gone by noon.

Mike-Day 7 Chemo/Radiation

Starting to look like Skelator.