The Final Stand - Day 5

Greetings all!

Today has been decent. I woke-up feeling okay...a little worse for wear, but not completely out of commission. Due to my new appointment today with the lymphedema therapist, Jess took some time off work to escort me to my appointments.

My first appointment was at the radiation oncology clinic. I received my fourth radiation treatment today. So far, the only side effect I am experiencing is tightness around my neck. I had been given some post radiation cream for my skin, but assumed it was for once the skin was burned. I was informed today that I should begin using it immediately to help reduce the effects radiation has on the skin. So... tonight I will experiment with this new topical. I'm not once for lotions and such, so I'm not exactly thrilled.

The appointment with the lymphedema specialist went well. Today was more a consultation than anything else, but she agreed that I was a good candidate for her services. We discussed what lymphedema is and how it affects me specifically. She was very interested in my current aches, pains, and constraints regarding my neck. I was shown some self-massage techniques for reducing scar tissue and urged to do so twice a day around my neck. I have two appointments scheduled with her next week, where she will message my skin in an attempt to move along all the built-up fluids in my face and neck. At one point, the lymphedema specialist had me standing up toward a mirror so she could show me how to properly message my scars. After a couple minutes, I became flush and light headed. I told her immediately, which she then urged me to sit down and drink some water. I'm not sure why this happened...

The only medical concern I have to report, other than feeling worn out, is some pain coming from my feeding tube. I noticed a bit of gunk built-up around the tube this morning and now the skin around the tube is pink and irritated. I'm pretty sure it is on the verge of becoming infected, which will most likely buy me a ticket to the E.R. tomorrow. I'll keep you posted...

Still no nausea and my taste buds are still active. I asked Jess to stop at a McDonald's today. I don't normally eat at McDonald's, but some hot fries and a Quarter Pounder sounded good. I'm very glad we did, because it was the best McDonald's I have ever had!