radiation graduation friday and THANK YOU!

I was told today that my last radiation treatment will be on friday! I am so excited to finally get to a point where I can rest without having to get to the cancer center everyday. I love the way I have been treated there, but I am so tired. I just want to rest! I am doing a happy dance...with all the side effects I have been having I have been afraid that they were going to extend my treatment...nope!
fyi (mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the hard alate intermediate grade. golf ball sized tumor removed with clean margins in aug, but based on type radiation was recommended...MEC often comes back (unless low grade) without radiation treatment. no spread to lymph nodes. (stage 4a clinically (it was on my palate, but grew into my maxillary sinus, caused decalcification of my septum and was pressing on my jaw, which was also decalcifying), stage 2 pathologically(MEC intermediate grade clear cell variety)).

side effects: fatigue, radiation burns, hair loss, sores all over my tongue, sores on my remaining hard and soft palate, sores on my throat, dry mouth, dry and tender nose with nose bleeds, unable to open jaw all the way, thicker mucous, and dry eyes. I am keeping an eye on some moles that changed during the radiation and I am monitoring my hearing...possibility of some hearing loss in right ear.

despite all of those side effects and the permanent hole in the roof of my mouth...I am happy! I am happy that I am that much closer to being able to find my new normal. I am determined that this will not define me. I don't want to look back and wish I could have handled having cancer better. I don't want my children to think that mommy's diagnosis of cancer was the worst thing they have ever gone through. I want them to know that yes their mom had cancer and she fought it, but she fought it with strength and with grace. that just because there are obstacles in life that doesn't mean they have to buckle under the stress of them! only time will tell if they learned that lesson...I think they have!

I know there are those on this site who have things worse off than me and some who have had things easier. I just wanted to say thank you to you all for all the discussion topics you have written...they helped me prepare for what could happen...for better or for worse. Thank you for your stories of hope and of sorrow. without you I do not know if I would have been prepared enough to handle this diagnosis and treatments with the strength I needed for myself and my family.

I am doing a happy dance for myself and for all of us who have been diagnosed with cancer, our caregivers, and those doctors who have helped us.

hugs and prayers!
elizabeth