8th Radiation and 2 chemo latter

          Just got back from my 8th radiation this morning and I am beginning to feel the irritation in my throat. It feels like the onset of a sore throat, Eating, drinking and swallowing is not a problem yet but I can anticipate it to  change slowly. I do eat well but the diet has dramatically changed from spicy curries to soup and steam veges and fish. This transition was expected. But I kinda miss the vindaloo chicken from the SS3 corner shop.

       Yesterday was a great day as I managed to conduct a CRM class just after my radiation in the morning. My voice was still in tact and the enthusiasm still  evident. A real good sign that I am well in control of my ailment. The saliva does get thick whilst talking, so sipping water throughout the day was necessary. To manage my dry mouth and thickening saliva the doctor had given me some samples to try out. The result of dry mouth is the infestation of mouth sores and fungus and loss of teeth. So mouth hygiene is of utmost importance now. I will have to brush my teeth with a very soft bristle brush and special toothpaste very often. A mouth gargle is also required to moisturise the mouth lining regularly. During the night I apply a gel to the tongue and the upper lining of the mouth to keep it moist, otherwise my sleep get interpreted by me wanting to drink water to ease the dryness of the mouth. I only hope that this is a temporary condition whilst I am under radiation, but my doctor friend tells me that one of my saliva gland will be permanently damaged  and the other remaining saliva glands can and will make up for the shortfall.
This is one of the side effects of radiation. I will also loose a patch of hair on the back of my head / neck area but so far I don't see any signs of that ...yet!! Food doesn't taste as good as before and my appetite is slowly decreasing. I just weighed my self and I am 88kg. Before I started all this I was 91kg. So I have lost 3 kgs in 11 days. Is that good  or bad? I don't know? I looked into the mirror and can see the redness around my neck area. Soon I will not be able to shave with a razor in that area as the skin will be very tender. The radiologist told me to use an electric shaver.
        So far I am feeling OK and in great spirits. Support from family and friends is crucial so keep the calls and comments coming. I am being over pampered by Chris with food and special ice cream and what not.
Will update in a few days again. Thanks for reading folks. Got any questions or comments please feel free to write.