Post radiation side effects - concerns
Hello everyone, I am 22F who finished RT 4 days ago, and I am struggling extremely with the side effects. My throat is so sore and my mouth is full of sores. I try to manage it with magic mouthwash and lidocaine, but it’s a lot of effort to swallow anything except ice water. I have been doing the baking soda rinses and I started using Healios right after therapy (probably should have started using it in the beginning but didn’t because of the cost, very stupid).
I can’t talk and I am constantly spitting, with the occasional coughing of mucus. I have medicines to deal with this and possible oral thrush. Regardless, I can’t eat much and I don’t have a feeding tube. Even swallowing the medication is extremely painful.
My main concern is I wanted to attend my college graduation next Saturday, but I planned to fly out 4/29, and I am not sure if this is extremely ambitious. My radiation oncologist is optimistic, but I don’t know if he is overestimating me because I’m young.
I’ve developed extreme depression the last few days and reminiscing about eating proper food. I love spicy and acidic foods and I find myself watching cooking content or going on DoorDash just to vicariously eat.
Is there anyone younger who can give me some hope? Please be honest but I genuinely don’t know how much longer I can do this. I don’t know if I can wait months just to eat something since it’s been since December since I’ve properly eaten without care.