Last Treatment.

 

Today was my last rad treatment. About a week ago I switched to shakes and smoothies as only source of nutrition. Can't wait to switch back. Mild sore throat and I am always trying to wash out my mouth. That taste is unreal. Doc says 2 to 6 weeks and I should start to feel some relief.

It has been a long 6 and a half weeks and I am very happy to not have to go back there any time soon. I have first follow up apt with Rad Onc Doc on the 25th. Not sure how the scan schedule will go, they let me know.

Man I hope this works. Yeah I’m still scared.

Luke

 

Comments

  • NJShore
    NJShore Member Posts: 429 Member
    Done!

    Luke,

    Congrats to getting through treatment! It's a very long road you've been on. It might take a few weeks to turn that corner, but it's nearby! Keep up with all things you've done to get this far.. Rinses, drinking, creams, meds and the next few weeks will move soon pretty quickly.

    keep us posted on how you are doing!

    Kari

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    Whee Haw Luke!!

    I know I keep repeating this....but finishing rads was the best day of my life!  Did you bring your mask home?  Are you going to run over it with your car, or are you going to get creative with it, and make it a spooky planter? Laughing

    Congrats on getting that part done....you don't have to go anywhere tomorrow....ain't that nice??

    p

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    Bell Ringing.....

    We have the bell ringing for you Luke! Congratulations on completing your treatment. Just as Kari said be sure to stay hydrated, keep up those shakes, and meds/creams....AND continue to SWALLOW, SWALLOW, SWALLOW. You may feel some discomfort for awhile yet. We are now on 10wks post and the pain has let up tremendously. About week 5-6 it got better. Started swallowing jello, applesauce, soups and some iced tea around that time also. Our scan is at the end of February. We are a little scared too, but we can't dwell on that part right now. We must concentrate on healing and feeling better. I know this is going to be hard on you during this time til the scan. We call it the "dark time". It's when the treatment is over and the doctors cut you loose and there isn't everyday attention like during tx, so we get a little anxious and our minds wonder. Just get plenty of rest and don't over do it, yet be sure to get up and move around. Stay busy if you can. But, stay with us on this forum and we'll help get you through it. You are never alone.

    ~Cureitall

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Luuuuke...

    The Force is strong in you....

    Keep those calories coming in, drink plenty of water.... If you can slide down a sliced peach or something to keep those swallow muscles going strong do it... (even something you don't like since you can't taste it anyways) ...:)

    Your doc has the longer side right, though two weeks might be a little early.., but you never know.

    Start DVR'ing those food channels so you'll be ready when the time comes...and ummm drooling that imaginary drool that we all have had.

    Best  ~ John

  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660
    Skiffin16 said:

    Luuuuke...

    The Force is strong in you....

    Keep those calories coming in, drink plenty of water.... If you can slide down a sliced peach or something to keep those swallow muscles going strong do it... (even something you don't like since you can't taste it anyways) ...:)

    Your doc has the longer side right, though two weeks might be a little early.., but you never know.

    Start DVR'ing those food channels so you'll be ready when the time comes...and ummm drooling that imaginary drool that we all have had.

    Best  ~ John

    CONGRATS ITS

    SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE FINISHED WITH THE RADS.  I REMEMBER WHEN I FINISHED, MY WIFE, OUR DEAR FRIEND EMILY AND OUR GRANDAUGHTER EMILYS BABY WERE THERE.  I CAME OUT IN TEARS SO RELEIVED IT WAS OVER AND THEN SMILED AS MY GRANDBABY AND I RANG THE BELL.  IT WAS PRETTY TOUGH WITH THE NECK BURNS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS BUT GOT THRU IT / SO AGAIN CONGRATS AND GET ON WITH THE HEALING.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    So wadda ya doin' with the mask?

    Congrats Luke!

    Way to go! I'm looking forward to a similar post in a couple of months. I've already decided I'm going to take my mask and blow it to smithereens when all is said and done!! ;)~

    Sounds like you were able to eat through this... Hoping it's the same with me.

    Here's to fighting the good fight and Beating the Beast!

    "T"

  • lts
    lts Member Posts: 75
    fishmanpa said:

    So wadda ya doin' with the mask?

    Congrats Luke!

    Way to go! I'm looking forward to a similar post in a couple of months. I've already decided I'm going to take my mask and blow it to smithereens when all is said and done!! ;)~

    Sounds like you were able to eat through this... Hoping it's the same with me.

    Here's to fighting the good fight and Beating the Beast!

    "T"

    What to do with mask?

    I have it and am going to let kids play with it for a few days and the next trip up north I am gonna blow 12 gauge holes in it.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    lts said:

    What to do with mask?

    I have it and am going to let kids play with it for a few days and the next trip up north I am gonna blow 12 gauge holes in it.

    Where's the "Like" button?

    Ohhh right... that's Facebook! ;) I like that idea. I'm thinking along the same lines!

    "T"

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    fishmanpa said:

    Where's the "Like" button?

    Ohhh right... that's Facebook! ;) I like that idea. I'm thinking along the same lines!

    "T"

    .

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    way to go!

    Luke,

     

    Congratulations on completion of some of the most important steps on eradicating this beast from your life.  You stand victoriously (or maybe lay sleeping victoriously) over this intruder.  Talk about a major bump in life’s road.

     

    Now, stay in the game and work on getting better.  Your physical and mental well being should improve rapidly.  Your taste buds and saliva are on an alternate time frame.  It was like “war of the worlds” for those puppies, they were taking radiation zaps from all angles.  Your friends at the H&N forum are all over the place (time wise) on taste bud rejuvenation to dry mouth quenching.  So the best advice I can give is make peace with yourself, it will happen when it happens and you did what you had to do to kill the cancer.

     

    Relax, relax, relax,

     

    Matt

     

    I rang my bell for you.

  • Dr.Ed
    Dr.Ed Member Posts: 22
    CivilMatt said:

    way to go!

    Luke,

     

    Congratulations on completion of some of the most important steps on eradicating this beast from your life.  You stand victoriously (or maybe lay sleeping victoriously) over this intruder.  Talk about a major bump in life’s road.

     

    Now, stay in the game and work on getting better.  Your physical and mental well being should improve rapidly.  Your taste buds and saliva are on an alternate time frame.  It was like “war of the worlds” for those puppies, they were taking radiation zaps from all angles.  Your friends at the H&N forum are all over the place (time wise) on taste bud rejuvenation to dry mouth quenching.  So the best advice I can give is make peace with yourself, it will happen when it happens and you did what you had to do to kill the cancer.

     

    Relax, relax, relax,

     

    Matt

     

    I rang my bell for you.

    congrats

    Good job hanging in there, not everyone does. get ready for whatever your body needs to do to heal now, and if it gets rough..just remember that it will pass and you will feel better. I agree that the important thing is to take care of yourself the best you can. Try to do what you know you need to do to stay as strong as you can (which may sometimes mean doing nothing). Havent decided what I'm going to do with my mask, but shooting it to bits sounds real attractive. 

    i'm glad you've gotten this far thru it. I still get scared sometimes, I'm getting better at saving it until just before my next scan.

    we're with you, Ed

  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    Congrats!

    It's a great milestone! I think all of us will remember when we had that day. Now you can focus on healing and the road ahead. :-)

  • meaganb
    meaganb Member Posts: 244 Member
    Congrats Luke!  Praying for a

    Congrats Luke!  Praying for a speedy recovery for you & nothing but NED in your future!

     

     

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    No worries just heal !

    Luke,

    I agree w/all the other posts.  But I am so amazed at your contined courage and uplifting spirit !  Keep this inner strenghth as it will serve you well in every aspect of your life.  I will try my best at the HAPPY DANCE AROUND MY KITCHEN KIDDO !  Wishing you a fast and uneventful FULL recovery my dear friend !    Katie

  • Vee1
    Vee1 Member Posts: 59

    No worries just heal !

    Luke,

    I agree w/all the other posts.  But I am so amazed at your contined courage and uplifting spirit !  Keep this inner strenghth as it will serve you well in every aspect of your life.  I will try my best at the HAPPY DANCE AROUND MY KITCHEN KIDDO !  Wishing you a fast and uneventful FULL recovery my dear friend !    Katie

    hey, original bus rider!!!

    I couldn't be happier for you.  Three of you started at the same time (my Dad was one, but he's still on break). BUT, I am just sooooo happy you made it!

    Hugs all around!

    -V

  • sassysrice
    sassysrice Member Posts: 117
    Welcome to new road

    Congrats Luke

    You made itSmile I know we had 35 rads over 8 wks it seemed to drag out. Waking up yesterday morning and not having to get Jeff to treatment actually seemed strange. Never thought I would say that. He was so glad to have that madk done with. When it was first made he thought about asking if he could keep it after it was all done -he was to happy to tell them to KEEP it.

    Now the healing can begin.. good luck and keep us posted.

    with thoughts and prayers for all  Sue