Week 4

Week four sees us almost to the half way point.  We were feeling pretty buoyed after the weekend as the swelling and pain seemed to have subsided just a bit, but like most things along this journey we seemed to have underestimated the situation.  After today's treatment, the pain in the mouth hit back a fresh with new raw spots, Karen's nose is bleeding more and the swelling is about the same.  The Doctor has also increased Karen's daytime dosage of morphine.  He said at this point it is all about managing and reducing her pain and to try and keep her as comfortable as possible.  He said the side effects would continue to escalate for approximately another week before plateauing out until the end of  treatment.  Like on the eve of a prize fight, Karen has her weigh in tomorrow with the dietitian.  We are desperately hoping she has maintained her weight and will be fighting fit!  The incentive of having a nasal tube to eat has been a real motivator to down all the cans of goodness provided.  As per the beginning of each week, I have included the week 1 compared to week 4 comparison.  As you can see, there is now a definite red burn in the treatment area.  A very neat line across her throat and up over her chin.  Of all the side effects, although the most visual, this the least painful at this stage.

Week 1                                                                                           Week 4