What could I buy for someone about to start radiotherapy?

[RedPandaFluff]

Hi everyone - DH is about to start six weeks of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (started off in salivary glands but it's quite a big, invasive tumour now). I want to put a bit of a 'care package' together for him, and wondered what I could include. I've been on the various cancer charity websites and so far I have:

Fancy water bottle (he will need to drink lots)
Sugar free gum (recommended for dry mouth)
Fresh pineapple (not sure why but recommended!)
High-calorie drinks (expected weight loss)
Comfy PJs for when he is recovering/resting

For anyone who has been through radiotherapy, is there anything you found useful or helpful that I could include?

Thank you!

These are great suggestions, thank you - I would never have thought of breathable bedding or a scarf/snood/buff thing.

@Radiohorror are you waiting for your DH's follow-up scan, then? Is it 3 months after radiotherapy ends? I hope you get a good result. Not curative, in my DH's case - it's too invasive and extensive, they're just hoping to reduce the size of it a bit. It's in the bone of his jaw, optic nerve, left temporal lobe . . . everywhere. I think it's about buying some time. I can't think about that side of things too much because we have a three year old and our second baby is due in early August and I can't bear the thought of my children growing up without their amazing dad.

My dad finished RT for head and neck cancer in September and was provided with nutrient packed drinks by the hospital to sustain him. Anything he needed to protect and care for his skin/mouth was also provided.

The thing he used the most was a heated throw. He was constantly cold and drinking the fortifying milkshakes and not being able to eat anything left him cold all the time.

I hope your DHs treatment goes well OP.

@RedPandaFluff , I'm sorry to hear that, it's rubbish. I may be wrong but if it's palliative rather than curative it may be a lower dose so may not be so brutal.
Unfortunately DH's wasn't curative (we were told it was unlikely but possible). He's now undergoing immunotherapy, which will hopefully slow things down a bit.

Oh bless you ❤️

How awful I just realised I forgot to wish your family lots of luck with treatment, I truely hope all goes well for your husband and your family!

Biotene dry mouth gel

Sending much love - I've been through similar.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is a humidifier overnight - the extra moisture in the air really helped during treatment.

We also got a soup maker which was put to good use - some of the shop bought soups were a bit harsh.

Ice cream and maccyds milkshakes were always a big hit too.

Will he be having chemo with it? Mine had a low dose once a week. Different for everyone, of course, but chemo days he actually had a bit more energy due to the steroids they'd give him - the crash would come two or three days later.

We ended up with lots of cozy spots dotted around the house so he wasn't stuck in bed and could still participate when people were round - even if he was a bit out of it and nodding off, he preferred to feel 'part of things'.

I had radio for breast cancer 15 months ago, there are lots of skin creams about but MooGoo is the go to for most women. There are some for the sunburn like effects, Flamagel is popular. I used Biafine, a French staple designed for radio burns but widely used for sunburn. I had an intense course ( high dose over shorter time period) and had no major skin problems.
With my professional cap on, the biggest problem with head an neck radio is damage to the salivary glands and subsequent damage to teeth. Dry mouth leads to longterm dental decay. If I am aware a patient is having or has had radio to head and neck I prescribe Duraphat 5000 high fluoride toothpaste for use during and after treatment. It is quite mild flavour so probably more comfortable that strong minty types. A mild mouthwash probably wouldn’t hurt. Corsodyl is vile, a good alternative is Curaprox available on Amazon.
Thrush is a common problem which Nan be treated with nystatin but again the taste is vile. A more natural alternative is to use live plain yoghurt. Either as a mouth wash or just eat it. It is a good way of reestablishing some of the good bacteria in the mouth which then stop the thrush overgrowth.
Encourage him to do all the physio exercises he is given. Radiation fibrosis can be a real problem in the soft tissues and muscles around the head and neck.
Finally don’t underestimate the fatigue. He will probably start to notice it around two weeks into treatment and it can go on for many months. Encourage him to pace himself, it will be life in the slow lane for some time. Radiotherapy really is the treatment that just keeps giving.

I craved something sweet after RT, what I wanted varied though.

Plenty of time and quiet space to nap and being prepared for spontaneous requests for food or drinks would be my advice.

@Radiohorror can I ask, how long after radiotherapy finished did your DH start immunotherapy? DH is week 2 for radiotherapy for neck cancer and has already been referred for immunotherapy but no one has really spoken to us, just a phone call before his radiotherapy saying it had grown and spread (due to the huge delay in starting treatment) and so he would need immunotherapy.

@FutureUncertain I will pm you

I suffer from dry mouth due to medication - sugar free gum does nothing. Biotene gel is the way to go!

Oralieve is a newish range of products that have been developed with head and neck cancer in mind. They are available online. I have had some positive feedback from patients I have recommended it to.
Most patients struggle with eating and drinking during and after treatment. I think it’s just trial and error with what is easy to swallow so smooth sloppy foods (no lumps) which are high in fat and carbs to keep energy levels high. And maybe eat high calories while he can so when it becomes difficult he has some fat stores to fall back on.
Imagine having a mouth (and throat) covered in the worst mouth ulcers you’ve ever had and it is close to what happens.
If he is struggling to eat/drink they may suggest tube feeding.

Have you tried Xymelts?

Hi

It’s tough treatment but he can do it. This is the area I work in. You’ll be waiting around a lot for treatment and Dr’s appointments so I’d suggest investing in some entertainment such as puzzle books, audio books etc. You can also make up some bland, soft foods (no spice including too much salt and pepper) for him to have. He’ll be exhausted as the treatment progresses so a nice bed and black out blind would be his oasis.

All the best. Make sure you take time for yourself - don’t be over doing it. X

One of these to keep his hands warm / make it easier to cannulate

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warmers-Rechargeable-Reusable-Portable-Electric/dp/B0BHSP2MVD/ref=ascdff_B0BHSP2MVD/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606797194451&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15357754855269743444&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007330&hvtargid=pla-1927794789262&psc=1