I wasn’t able to speak, and I couldn’t eat or drink ANYTHING

Jaime Robbins Essex, MA | Throat Cancer Warrior

When I was going through throat cancer treatment, one of the most horrific side-effects from radiation and chemotherapy was the damage done to the inside of my mouth. I wasn’t able to speak, and I couldn’t eat or drink ANYTHING. My tongue and the insides of my cheeks were covered with a white, pastey goop. My throat was raw and swollen, so badly that even a sip of water was excruciating to try and swallow. Imagine the worst sore throat you’ve ever experienced and multiply it by one-hundred.

The actual side effects that can take place in our bodies from cancer treatment can be uncomfortable to discuss. And, when we are IN it, we are just trying to push through our days one breath at a time. There are so many things happening all at once - we are grateful for a treatment plan, but we are also suffering from its side-effects. Both are true.

At Dana Farber in Boston, MA, I had the help of my oncology team and an amazing nutritionist. But even with all of their support - I wanted more information, options, and... to feel less ALONE.