A visit with Dr. Trevino
Viv went to see Dr. Trevino for a check up today to see how things are going. All is well and he has been given the thumbs up. This doesn’t mean everything is totally rosy yet, but they are on their way. He is now setting Viv up with appointments with specialists in Faro and Lisbon for further tests and scans to see where we go from here.
Week 8
Tuesday 19th
Today should be Viv’s final session of treatment but no such luck. We have a change of plan. The last two treatments have been suspended until further notice.
Yesterday Viv went to the clinic for the penultimate treatment, changed into his hospital gown and waited for his name to be called as usual, but on making his way into the treatment area he was stopped by the specialist who wanted to inspect the badly blistered area on the side of Viv’s neck. After taking a look he announced “no more.”
He met with Viv in the consulting rooms and explained that it was too dangerous to continue the treatment with this open wound. In some instances the radiation could burn a hole in the flesh. He also explained not to be too concerned if the last two sessions were not completed, apparently they work within a 60-70% tolerance (whatever that means) and Viv was told he has already achieved a level of 66%, so he’s well within the tolerance. He has now been put on a course of dressings for two days to try to heal and dry out the wounds. He is to return to the clinic on Thursday for the specialist to decide whether or not the last two sessions will be administered. However Viv stressed that he really wants to see out the last two sessions, perhaps for his own psychological reasons.
Yesterday the specialist showed Avril how to clean the area and administer the dressing. It has to be changed 3 times a day to Viv’s aggravation. It is very painful, and this morning it took 45 minutes alone to prepare and dress the wound.
The pain in his throat has not subsided and he is still taking enough painkillers to sedate a Spanish bull. Viv now knows that the specialists were not kidding when they said the last two weeks would be the worst. He now understands some peoples need for morphine at this late stage in the treatment, and admits that if the pain gets any worse he will be begging for the stuff.
So until Thursday….we’re all biding our time.
Thursday 21st
As planned Viv went to the clinic to see the specialists so they could take a look at the burns on the side of his neck, and decide whether or not to administer the last two treatments. After some analysis they saw that the wounds were healing well, so the last two treatments have been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday next week.
Also, some excellent news is that the burns to his mouth and chest which were very red some weeks ago are healing at an alarming rate! So much so that the specialists were asking him what the hell he’s doing to be healing so well!
As Viv didn’t know if it would be his last trip to the clinic, he took everyone some champagne as a thank-you gesture for all the staff’s hard work and continued support during the last seven weeks.
So finally on Wednesday next week the treatment will be officially over!
Week 7
The 6th weekend was great for Viv. He slept a lot, getting some decent rest, and the Springboks won again! Who would have thought it! Feeling very refreshed, Viv started the 7th week on a high. Although his throat was extremely sore, and he says it’s like swallowing razor blades every time he takes a drink, so at this stage painkillers are essential. The minute he feels the pain coming on he has to take another dose.
Monday’s treatment was the same as the previous week. His left shoulder was clamped down and he was given a 40 second blast of radiation into the left back of his neck. This area is now very painful and he can no longer wear shirts with a collar. Very bad burn blisters are appearing on this left side of his neck. Even showering and soaping the skin is very difficult. Luckily the new cream which has been prescribed to apply, cools these badly burned areas.
In the evenings he also sits with an icepack on the area to try and relieve the irritation.
Tuesday 12th
At around 4am Viv woke to this excruciating pain in his throat. He couldn’t breath, and he said it felt like he had broken glass stuck in his throat. He was violently sick, vomiting both blood and phlegm. “To hell with cancer, I thought this was going to kill me” he says. A triple dose of painkillers were taken to calm the pain.
Unsure of why this had happened so late on in the treatment, Avril soon realized it was because that night Viv had accidentally left the nebulisor in the office, so was not able to lubricate his throat before bed that evening.
“So this is a warning, always make sure the nebulisor is on hand at all times. I’m sure I could have avoided this terrible experience.”
Tuesday’s treatment was exactly the same, except when the mask came off a young, female radiologist was at Viv’s side. She explained in perfect English that this session was the last time Viv’s shoulder would be clamped down and that area of his neck targeted. She told him the last 5 treatments would be very short and easy – 2 blasts of radiation at 5 seconds each. This was very good news indeed.
Stay tuned.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays treatments the radiation was greatly reduced, one single blast to each side of Viv’s face. On Friday it was down to 15 seconds on each side. With the exception of a very sore throat and very bad blistering on the left back side of his neck he was looking forward to a relaxing, easy weekend before the last two sessions.
Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th would see the end of the radiotherapy treatment. But unfortunately a few incidents on Saturday and Sunday hindered the ‘relaxing, easy’ weekend.
The radiation blistering on the side of Viv’s neck began to burst, becoming painful, open wounds. The local pharmacy – who are now fully aware of Viv’s condition – suggested a special lint-dressing used for serious burns called “Rayonfur.” The dressings would protect the area from infection and help heal the open wounds. It was applied on Saturday night before Viv went to bed. He said it seemed to help keep the burns moist and at first felt quite soothing. But Viv would not even describe the pain come Sunday morning when Avril took the dressing off. Needless to say he refused to have another one applied.
Sunday 17th
Viv went around to the Pharmacy to show them the burns on his neck and explain the problem with the dressings and the pain he was experiencing. They gave him an antiseptic cleanser and a cream, which he was to apply tonight and Monday morning. The area still had to be protected with ‘Sativa’ the cream which was originally prescribed. These burns had literally become a pain in the neck.
The second thing that went wrong on the weekend was that Viv developed a cough, and by the evening it had become so bad he was coughing up blood with the phlegm he was bringing up.
Anything he tries to eat or drink now burns him beyond explanation, so much so he now takes triple the prescribed dose of painkillers and is under constant sedation. He says there is absolutely nothing which can alleviate the pain from his throat, which is now probably as raw as a French mans fillet steak.
The reason for these severe burns and excruciating sore throat is the extended amounts of intense radiation which has been administered to his neck, to target the base of his tongue for the last two weeks. This intensive blast has lasted around 40 seconds in each session, and whilst it doesn’t sound a lot, compared to the usual blasts which are between 5 – 10 seconds it really is an acute amount. If you look at the mess Viv’s neck is in you can not even begin to imagine what the inside of his throat looks like.
The good news for the weekend is that Avril’s buddy arrived from South Africa. So Viv has spend most of the weekend sleeping, dosed up on painkillers and under constant sedation. Avril has had a well earned break, showing her friend Lynne some of the local sites and fantastic restaurants, and of course shopping, shopping and more shopping. Viv is under instructions that he must drive himself to the hospital for the penultimate radiotherapy session, as they have a serious day of shopping planned for Monday! But Avril deserves the break and Viv has no objections in one of the guys from the office going with him.
So….TWO SESSIONS LEFT!
Week 6
Monday 4th September
The start of week 6 has seen the effects of the radiation kicking in completely. Viv says he is feeling “very shitty” and “generally bloody lousy.” His saliva has dried up completely, and on the doctors advice he is using the nebuliser twice a day, which lubricates Viv’s throat and mouth, helping him breath easier and clear the phlegm and mucus which is now building up to the extent that it is very difficult for him to eat or swallow.
The treatment has now changed, coming in from different angles to specifically target the base of Viv’s tongue and throat. The clamp which was being used has also been changed to a rod which bears down on his arm, allowing the radiation to penetrate areas difficult to target. The treatment times have also been slightly reduced.
Even at this late stage he still does not feel a thing during the treatments, and is still driving himself to and from the clinic.
Tuesday 5th September
Viv had to go to Faro hospital at 7:30am to meet with the hospital administrators to arrange the finance for all the various treatments.
He had to see the original specialist who diagnosed the cancer to fill in various forms relating to the financing of the treatment. While Viv was in the consulting rooms – on the off chance – the specialist asked to see how the treatment was effecting the tumors. He wanted to take a look into Viv’s throat. He put his scope into Viv’s mouth and had a look around.
Well…he broke out into a huge smile and announced that it was incredible. The tumor, which was originally the size of a ping-pong ball, was now the size of his little finger nail! It had been reduced significantly. The specialist told Viv that he sees no reason whatsoever that by the time the treatment is finished why it wouldn’t be gone altogether. He was convinced that within the next six months Viv would be completely cured, and would not even need the surgery.
It was news that gave Viv an unbelievable boost in confidence and strength.
He went out into the corridor of the hospital with Avril, and the two of them stood there, holding each other and crying in joy.
Nine more sessions to go!
Wednesday 6th September
After Tuesday’s news Viv was feeling stronger than ever, and combined with the changes and decreased doses in therapy things were getting better mid week through week 6. The swelling in his lower lip had reduced considerably – along with the pain. He also said his gums weren’t quite so sore anymore. The radiation burns to his chest, shoulders and neck have also reduced and lost their vicious red colour. Although the nasty skin rash is still there and driving him nuts.
Now that the radiation is targeting new areas, the left side of Viv’ neck and the area just below his chin are being affected. It’s actually so bad in that area he says you could peel of the skin and use it for a designer leather handbag.
This morning Viv’s tongue had swollen very badly and he complained that his throat was excruciatingly painful. His voice had also completely gone. For the first time during the therapy, Viv had to take painkillers.
They call it “pain management control,” although he says the only thing he knows about it is when to take the next one, as the pain gets so bad even breathing through his mouth is unbearable, so using the nebulizer is imperative.
Sleeping at night is also very difficult. His throat is so swollen he snores worse than his sharpei dog, Fred. Often waking himself up during the night! He now has to take sleeping pills to try and get a full nights rest.
Viv still has an appetite, and can still tell what the food is meant to taste like. He can still smell the food, which is probably what makes him feel hungry. 87kg at the start of the treatment, he is now 78kg, and maintaining that weight, (2-300g give or take). Still having his appetite at this point helps.
The combination of the therapy and the pain he is experiencing makes him very tired and saps the energy out of him. But he’s still going into work everyday, taking a short nap each afternoon to sensibly rest himself.
Monday the 11th will be the start of the final week of treatment. 7 sessions to go. Tuesday the 19th will be the last day of the radiotherapy treatment, and Viv says that for him the time has flown by. It only seems like last week since this whole thing began.
Week 5
27th August – 3rd September
The emotional departure of Viv’s brother back to South Africa left Viv with the realisation of how important, and how good it was to have him around. He was someone Viv could talk to openly about how he was feeling – something that was very important.
“You really need to be able to talk to people about what’s happening.”
Avril had been continuously at Viv’s side, helping him eat and administer the medication, not to mention trying to run her own busy life at the same time. In this respect having another member of the family there made a heck of a difference. It had enabled Avril to have a rest, and get a new haircut – which Viv was particularly fond of!
“If you want my advice, if a member of the family offers to come over to help for a few days jump at the chance”
Avrils best friend from South Africa is coming over on the 16th September, near the end of Vivs treatment. Viv believes Avril will need someone at that stage for moral support, or a shoulder to cry on. By that stage there will have been a long, emotional strain on her. Viv, not having a very big family appreciated any help offered to himself or Avril.
Session 20, in the fifth week, again started where the last one left off. Viv was feeling reasonably ok, but had now come to accept the constant 24/7 pain he was experiencing in his mouth. He explains that the pain is not excruciating, but was wearing him down at times. However there was a surprise waiting for Viv on Monday. Viv thought that this week the radiotherapy intensity was be reduced. Well, something was ‘lost in translation,’ because it now seems the intensity has doubled, taking about 30 minutes to administer. The usual long blasts to three different angles, then – Viv’s left shoulder is clamped to the table, causing his burned, blistered skin to “hurt like hell.” He’s zapped again for another 40 seconds. Viv says he always counts every application to pass the time away. Needless to say he was very relieved when the clamp came off and it was over for today.
Later that night Viv discovered that an uncomfortable, itching sensation he had been experiencing under his arms, was actually a huge rash that had developed under both his armpits. “It was as raw as a Bangladeshi-backside after a vindaloo dinner.” It seems that due to the sensitivity of the skin in that area he’d become allergic to deodorant spray. So would now have to go around smelling like a rugby lock forward. He says that anti-histamine cream is not the best form of deodorizer.
During the rest of the week there was no let up in the intensity of the radiotherapy applications, the clamp on the left shoulder was used everyday of the week, and because his skin was so tender it caused bruising around the area where the clamp was being used.
The weeks treatment went according to plan if you consider the double doses, and Viv was learning to live with the radiation burns, constant sore throat and pain in his mouth. Viv’s voice had almost completely gone by the end of the week. From here on in it was liquidized meals only. Some days he explains it is more difficult to swallow than others.
On Friday he was taken to have the three-dimensional mask of his head measured once more, to compensate for more swelling, and to set up the computers in readiness for the change in therapy.
The technicians explained that they had now finished treating the larger fields of his chest and sides of the face. The 6th week would target much more precise areas. They told him this with a smile, as if he should be relieved. But Viv wasn’t convinced just yet. He knew that these last 2 weeks would be the most difficult. But optimistic as ever he smiled back and told them he trusted them, and obrigado.
Viv is continually stressing the importance of keeping yourself busy, and your mind active at this stage of the treatment. People are always asking him why he doesn’t spend more time at home, relaxing. But Viv firmly believes his time in the office everyday is therapy in itself.
This weekend, the 5th since the start of the treatment was the worst for him. The area around his mouth, neck and chin are extremely burned and sore, so much so he can not sleep on his side, and his mouth is now extremely swollen. He says he looks and feels like he has gone ten rounds with Muhammad Ali, or Cassius Clay as he was known. And after a day watching the sports channel on Saturday, sitting around doing very little, he was feeling absolutely exhausted.
Sunday saw Viv’s confidence spiral downwards. Laying in bed until midday, it was the first real occasion he really didn’t feel like eating anything. The longer he lay in bed the sicker and more exhausted he got. The only relief from the radiation burns was to put ice-packs on his chest. He seems convinced that if he’d been in work for these two days he would not have had the time to sit around, dwelling on his condition and feeling sorry for himself. Just goes to prove that being active and having people around you is so important.
Week 5
At the end of his 5th week, he’s lost all his excess weight and thinks he now looks quite dapper. It’s the first time he has been able to wear those slacks in about 6 years.
He is now at his optimum weight of 79kg. Except for the red burns on his face, you would never know he was sick.
Week 4
The 4th weeks treatment took off where week 3 left off, two long blasts to the sides of the face and one from above.
Radiation burns show clearly after four weeks of constant bombardment.
Tuesday 22nd
Another meeting with the consultant had him explaining that in week 5 Viv would probably lose his saliva altogether, and would have to use a special ‘actimizer’ (looking not unlike an asthma pump) to dispense artificial saliva into his mouth. He also explained that the previous two weeks treatments were extremely intensive and very destructive, and that the next three weeks would be different. The intensity of the radiation would be slowly reduced, and targeting different areas.
The 5th weeks treatment would specifically target the base of Viv’s tongue. He warned that Viv would experience a lot of pain in his mouth, gums and lower lip. Eating and drinking would become even more difficult, meals and drinks might have to be ingested using a straw. He also indicated Viv would start to lose his voice, something which had already started happening. He said not to be too concerned if he lost his voice altogether.
He also stressed the importance of eating and drinking, as eventually Viv would get to a stage where he wouldn’t want to eat at all, but he would have to stay strong.
Some pluses Viv took from the meeting, was that the specialist was impressed Viv still had use of his taste-buds at this stage in the treatment, but best of all was the fact that the tumour in Viv’s neck had shrunk to half the size it was at the beginning of the treatment! It was a very good sign, usually this kind of shrinkage would only occur in latter stages of the fifth week, something Viv took great encouragement from.
Thursday 24th
A power-cut in the hospital resulted in Viv’s appointment being shifted to the evening, no major thing. Once again we were all impressed at the hospital staff, who after running around like blue-arsed flies for most of the day, still found time to be pleasant and efficient. Apart from this the week was unfolding as normal.
Friday 25th
Today Viv was taken to another machine for the mask to be re-fitted, to target new areas, and to cope with the swelling around Vivs mouth and his weight loss. All these changes attributes to the accuracy and precision to which the machines have to operate to administer the radiotherapy.
Eating difficulties mean a lunch of soup every day.
The week ended with Viv on a high, and apart from the ulcers, the great difficulties in eating, and that Viv was now getting very tired in the evenings, he was feeling ok.
It was Avril’s birthday today, and Viv arranged a surprise meal with a half-dozen friends at Avril’s favourite restaurant. Everyone had a fabulous time as they supped Viv’s favourite Portuguese wine Quinta Do Carmo, torture for Viv to have to sit and watch! The restaurant manager knew Viv, and of his condition, so had the chef prepare a special meal – a great soup, liquidized vegetables served in a hollowed out loaf of bread, with two raw eggs on top. Viv said it was delicious, and it was good to know that even at the end of the fourth week Viv could still taste his food.
The evening went on until late, and Viv was completely exhausted by the end of the night. Viv and Avril made a sharp exit to go home, so he could get some sleep. A word of warning from Viv: “Even if you’re feeling ok, you’re not. It’s better to rest.”
Saturday 26th
Still exhausted from the night before, Viv was sorry for not getting an earlier night. He took it easy all day, watched the Springboks get a mauling from the Kiwi’s (nothing new there!) embarrassing, but at least he can claim to be Welsh!
Glenn, Viv’s brother went home the next day, so the rest of the weekend was continued rest.
Viv had also noticed that the lump on the side of his neck had almost disappeared altogether! If that was not an incentive in itself to see through this worst stage of the treatment, then nothing was. “Roll on week 5!” Fifteen sessions left.
Week 3
Monday 14th
Viv pictured left with his concoction of medicine – ready for the day. This particular Monday, the start of the third week of treatment, was a continuation of his weekend. Getting up this morning was a very unpleasant experience. He began his usual morning preparation but it would prove very difficult, in this morning of the third week.
He woke with a mouthful of mucus as “thick as granddads chewing tobacco. To shift it almost had me spewing in the loo” he says. He could also hardly swallow because of his painful throat. “It felt like some South African voortrekker had driven his ox wagon through my throat.” Secondly the medical toothpaste burned like hell. Mixed with the mucus it just turned to cement. Next…breakfast. Avril had decided to give Viv grapes as a change – a disaster. After two grapes he was almost vomiting, the bitterness was burning his throat and the skins stuck in his mouth. An emergency mango was found which was much better. The yogurt also turned to cement and had to be washed down with water. But the worst, was the prescribed mouthwash. He says it was like Avril had given him rocket fuel! It was unbearable. The syrup for his mouth was the only soothing thing, which he took as usual on his drive to work.
Around midday the clinic called Viv and informed him of some ‘emergency services’ which had to be made to the machines. His therapy was postponed until 23:20 that night! Amazing how the staff are prepared to work until midnight to ensure he got the treatment, and as usual they were their usual happy selves. If only Viv’s staff were as dedicated as this(!!!) Viv returned home around midnight.
Tuesday 15th
Second day of the 3rd week was a Portuguese holiday, althought not for the medical team who would be there for Viv’s treatment that afternoon! A long lie in was the order of the day and proved essential, especially as the discomfort of the mucus build-up in his mouth was running Viv down, but the rest helped Viv re-collect his thoughts and his determination to beat this thing.
Waking up was again very unpleasant. His first bottle of water was almost impossible to drink and his mouth was so sore he couldn’t use the toothbrush, and had to use his finger to coat his teeth with the medical-paste, but keeping the toothpaste in his mouth afterwards burned like hell. Breakfast was ok, mango seemed to be a good fruit to eat at this stage, and went down relatively easily. But the mouthwash was still excruciating, and this particular morning it took Viv some time to get through the excruciating burning sensation.
Viv talked today how important it was to have people around him at this point during the therapy. Here he is pictured with long time colleague and friend, Lazlo. The support of his family, friends, and partner Avril was keeping him strong, and he was convinced that it would be impossible to cope alone. Without even having passed the half-way mark, he had reached some low points, it was going to be tough, but sheer determination, his strength, and the strength and support of those around him would be invaluable.
This particular day was a low point for Viv, but laying in bed contemplating, he thought about all the phone calls and emails he’d received of support and encouragement. It gave him a tremendous feeling of strength.
Avril went to buy a liquidizer today, so all of Viv’s food from here on in would be like baby-food. Not something he was thrilled about.
Wednesday 16th
Treatment was continuing as normal, no pain, and off home with his trusty bottle of water. The surprise of the day was smoked salmon for dinner that evening, which he says proved to be delicious. It was oily enough to eat comfortably and tasted great. In Viv’s audio journal he seems mentally strong today, and prepared for what’s ahead. He speaks realistically, and says apart from a very sore mouth and throat he “really can’t complain.”
But it was becoming more difficult and more uncomfortable to talk at length. It seemed quiet around the office without Viv’s booming voice and colourful expressions(!), but his spirits were good. He came in the next morning and declared “I’m feeling good this morning so no one f%&# with me!” It was a relief to see Viv back to his old self.
Sunday 19th
Weekend, 2 days break and end of the third week. This week all the therapy was the same, 3 long blasts, one from each side and one overhead. The specialist had prescribed a different mouthwash because all the ulcers forming in Viv’s mouth. Viv is convinced that this mouthwash is actually jet-fuel used to power NASA rockets, but this new one had improved the state of his mouth considerably. At least now he can comfortably open his mouth and chew. However his throat is still extremely sore, something which he was told by the doctors was perfectly normal. Eating and drinking were becoming increasingly difficult, it took twenty minutes to get though half a mashed avocado today, and each meal is a test of will power, food and water had to be ingested in very small amounts, it was exhausting.
“Knowing what to expect is half the battle, the thought of having to face this for another 6-8 weeks is depressing, but you have to think positively, and the constant support of those around me and the thought of a glass of wine at the end of all this is getting me through.”
Optimistic as usual, Viv thinks about how healthy his liver and kidneys are going to be after 3 months off the vino!
By the end of the third week of tratment Viv had lost around 4 kilos, (having been 10 kilo’s overweight for the last 10 years). “Another 6 and I’ll be in good shape!” The radiation has also made the area around his face, throat and mouth “very tanned.” His beard growth has slowed and almost stopped, and the hair growth in the ears and nose had ceased completely. So no shaving or plucking, great!!!
“And what about the nookie I hear you asking! Well let’s just say it still works, and if you can muster up the strength in between the treatment and medication to get a little action, then you must have a pretty good chance to see you through until the end!”
Another plus Viv mentions is that Avril now prepares all his meals and controls his diet. Viv has been the sole cook in the kitchen for the last twenty-five years of their marriage, although he loves to cook and finds it very therapeutical, this new experience of being waited on hand and foot was very enjoyable!
At the end of this week Viv seemed to be losing his voice even more, and his mouth was so swollen it was like he’d been secretly eating his home-grown chilli’s out back to relieve the chilli-withdrawal symptoms!
His brother Glenn visited from South Africa and his company did Viv a world of good. A weekend cussing S.A sport and a prawn BBQ on Sunday were great, but unfortunately no luck for Viv with the prawns, he could not chew or swallow even just a small piece. So it was baby-food and water, while his bro enjoyed King prawns and vino-verde. The bastard! Avril would have a deserved break next week with Glenn making the daily trips to the hospital with Viv for the treatment. The ulcers were beginning to get better, and Viv was now preparing for his fourth week.
Week 2
Tuesday 8th
This was the first consultation with the radiotherapy specialist since the start of the treatment. He sat Viv down and asked if he was feeling any discomfort. Viv explained that he was fine, except a slight dryness in his mouth, and confessed his guilt at the only thing really bothering him was not being able to crack open a bottle of wine in the evening; but there would plenty of time for that after the treatment.
A gel for Viv’s gums was prescribed to help stimulate his saliva glands. The specialist explained that 6-8 weeks after the therapy Viv’s taste-buds would return, but his saliva cells would be permanently damaged, only ever partially returning. Viv would have to carry an artificial spray for the rest of his life, and keep a bottle of water handy at all times. A small price to pay in return for his life.
During the treatment, Wednesday is the worst day of the week. The mid-week session is very long, about 30 minutes as the radiation zaps him from different angles. But still…the only real discomfort during these sessions is from the mask.
Thursday 10th
Viv woke with a painful ulcer in his lower lip and gum. It was the first real sign of the treatment beginning to take effect. Although Viv is suspicious it might have something to do with the way him and Avril are diluting the mouthwash which has been prescribed, having not used enough water the mixture was too strong, perhaps it was burning his mouth?
Saturday 12th August
By the weekend, Viv’s mouth had become swollen, very tender, and very sore, making swallowing difficult. It wasn’t too bad, but after the first two weeks, it was another sign of the treatment taking effect.
The 35-minute drive to the hospital still wasn’t a problem for Viv, and apart from the daily therapy sessions he was still working almost a full day. At this point all his meals had to be cold or luke-warm, and hot sauce was still a big no-no, the lack of chilli too was perhaps causing it’s own side effects! Lot’s of water was needed with each meal to help Viv swallow, and eating was becoming a test of will power – difficult, but his ever increasing desire for a glass of wine with food was driving him on. At least he still had his taste-buds at this point.
Anyone who wants to know any further info on the side effects should check out this section:
Evening of Sunday 13th.
The honeymoon of week 1 and 2 was over. Things had been easy up to this point, Viv couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. No wine for 3 weeks because of this?! He was pissed off. But he’d been lulled into a sense of false security. It was the calm before the storm. This weekend had been a nightmare. His mouth had now become one big ulcer, and his throat was extremely sore. His physical condition had changed as sudden as the flick of a light switch.
First week of treatment
Viv entered into his first week of treatment. This was one of the early weeks that are supposed to cause no problems. It is only after the first two weeks that one will start to lose the ability to produce saliva and the taste buds will be buggered. Certainly not something to look forward to but hopefully the first few weeks can help build one’s resilience and faith which is so important in these situations.
The very first session began on the 31st of July at 2:30pm. Viv describes the room he was taken to as a “military underground bunker”. It was heavily protected with lead shields, the entry was about 6-inch thick lead door and nobody is allowed to enter when the machines are operating. Inside is a huge computerized machine, which will apply the treatments to Viv. The mask, which had been shaped to his face, was waiting by the machine. Viv had to lie down on the treatment table, to which his head was firmly strapped, using the mask as a clamp. Feeling extremely nervous, he was told to relax, “everything will be fine”.
After ten minutes and a few whirring sounds, staff returned to inform Viv it was all over. He hadn’t felt a thing, no discomfort or pain whatsoever. In fact, the only thing he felt was embarrassment from the scenario. A feeling that there was a lot of fuss and concern for something, which was no distress at all.
This was the situation for the first week. Everyday Viv arrived for treatment, everyday he left without feeling a thing. Just waiting for the harder weeks to arrive.
Saturday 5th
By the end of the week, Viv was still feeling fine. Apart from experiencing occasional dryness of the mouth and that his saliva had become a bit thick there was no significant change. He was eating normally and could taste his food. He was following the specialist’s heart breaking instructions for surviving the treatment, which include not drinking alcohol and staying out of the sun.
On Sunday 6th Viv decided to torture himself slightly by having a barbecue with some members of staff.
As the guys ate their piri-piri prawns, Viv chows on his non-spicy prawns. As the guys sip another ice-cold beer Viv drinks his water. And as everyone splashes around in the pool catching the rays, Viv is sat in the pool under an umbrella and wearing a hat – protecting the radiation burns, which were slowly developing on his neck.
But generally, one would never know. Sunday was a great day, lots of fun. The weekend had been a well-appreciated break and left Viv feeling very relaxed going into the second week of treatment. Life was normal. Although according to all information, from now that was about to change as the side effects from treatment would begin to kick in.