Some reflections

As I understand it what the oncology team are trying to do is to supplement the surgery by cleaning out the area from which the tumour was removed to makes sure none of the cells which were cancerous survive and to prevent the recurrence of the tumour in that area at least.

They appear to be using what is known as 'radical' treatment rather than "palliative". ie it goes one for four to six weeks rather than massive single doses to alleviate pain or remove the mass quickly. This is reassuring at least to the extent that their whole treatment plan seems to suggest that I am NOT on my last legs.

Now for these side effects. After a lot of reading . . .

I know that radiotherapy to mouth and throat will cause some soreness (otherwise called mucositis). This usually starts halfway through treatment, and is at its worst towards the end of treatment, but can persist for some time afterwards. (this is the part that of course makes me really squeamish) It is important to keep the mouth clean, with regular soft toothbrushing, dental floss, and mouthwashing and believe it or not brushing the tongue to remove plaque.

Apparently once mucositis has started, treatment to prevent secondary thrush infection is often given. So avoiding the onset is obviously a good strategy. It is also important (apparently) to maintain a good nutrition, and avoid smoking and alcohol.

So I am trying to ensure that I do all of these things to minimise the risk of mouth ulcers etc.

Alas what I am looking for is how to stop the bleeding in the nasal passages and the subsequent blockage to my breathing. The hunt for THIS answer continues! I am afraid that the more I read the more frightened I can become at the possibilities.

However there is this from a site http://www.bcm.edu/oto/grand/51492.html

Epistaxis
Approximately 5-10% of the population experiences an episode of active nasal bleeding each year. Fortunately, fewer than 10% of these patients visit a physician for this problem and only one of those ten will require hospitalization. The incidence increases with advancing age, during the winter months, and epistaxis is more common in males.

Now that SOUNDS like what is happening in my case - but I will read further.

However assuming that this is something I CAN do something about some suggestion are the following:

Warming and moistening the air you breathe are two of the many functions of the nose and sinuses.

When heaters are turned on in the winter, air conditioners are used in the summer, or after nasal and/or sinus surgery of any type has been performed, the nasal and sinus mucous membranes become dry and irritated. The cilia (hair cells of the lining membrane of the nose) may die so that normal nasal secretions do not get swept to the back of the nose for swallowing, but stay in the nose and become crusts and scabs.

The following are ways to help improve and normalize the moisture of the nasal and sinus mucous membranes in order to minimize nasal dryness, crusting and bleeding.

Moisture Inhalation: Moistening the air that you breathe will help to minimize crusting and scabbing of the nose, as well as decreasing the risk of developing nasal bleeding. Breathe steam in through your nose 2-4 times a day or more. Listed below are ways you can humidify the air that you breathe.

Turn the hot water on in the shower and either take a shower, or sit in the shower room in order to inhale the steam.

Fill a sink with hot water and/or leave the hot water running. Place a towel over your head to make a steam tent and inhale the steam.

Boil some water over the stove and stand over the pot so you can inhale the steam.

Sit close enough to a vaporizer or humidifier so you can inhale the mist.

Saline Nasal Irrigation: Use normal saline (salt water) in your nose at least 2-4 times a day. You may spray the saline into your nose, sniff it from your palm or irrigate it into your nose with a large syringe. Maximum contact is obtained by lying on your back, on your bed, with your head hanging upside down and instilling saline into your nose.

You may mix your own salt water by putting ½ teaspoon full of salt in a 12-oz. glass of water.

One suggestion which I have read is to moisten the inside of the nose with KY jelly - I seem to recall lots of uses for this substance, but until today I have not ever thought of using it in that way! Apart from a moment or two of severe embarassment - I suppose it can't hurt to ask about this option. The worst that can happen is that I get a belly laugh and some comments about this substance normally being used elsewhere and for very different purposes.

I will now try the steam stuff and then hopefully get back to sleep (perchance to dream)