This is my bus stop..
ooo
Member Posts: 105
..and I'm done too!
I came home yesterday night after the doctor removed my brachytherapy implants. Since it's whining week on the board, here's my contribution..
The implants were not too painful and the discomfort was manageable, but somehow I got really tired of the whole thing after days of antibiotics destroying my veins and causing infiltrations: every day a new IV line was climbing higher and higher on my arm. I was not allowed to brush my teeth for longer than I want to think about and because of the plastic catheters coming out of my chin I could sleep only in a couple of positions, either sitting, or on the side with my mouth semi-open and half of my face in a puddle of saliva. This, plus having a crazy room mate meant mostly sleepless nights. I know I should be grateful for salivating like a Newfoundland dog.. that indeed helped to keep me in a good mood.
The last night was the worst one: I really freaked out about removing the implants with no anesthesia. I thought about the pain and blood dripping on my gown and choking in my own blood and so on.. I was about to ask the nurse for some anti-anxiety drug but stupidly I didn't. Eventually I fell asleep. Fortunately the day after I was full of energy and mentally ready for the procedure, which turned out to be very quick and relatively painless. No blood at all.
I'm 24 hours out and I'm already laughing about it. In a few minutes I'll update my csn status to "no longer in treatment for cancer". I feel like a million bucks. I just want to share this moment of joy with you, especially with all my bus mates and with the friends who are still fighting, either to win it or to let go with dignity.
Dre.
I came home yesterday night after the doctor removed my brachytherapy implants. Since it's whining week on the board, here's my contribution..
The implants were not too painful and the discomfort was manageable, but somehow I got really tired of the whole thing after days of antibiotics destroying my veins and causing infiltrations: every day a new IV line was climbing higher and higher on my arm. I was not allowed to brush my teeth for longer than I want to think about and because of the plastic catheters coming out of my chin I could sleep only in a couple of positions, either sitting, or on the side with my mouth semi-open and half of my face in a puddle of saliva. This, plus having a crazy room mate meant mostly sleepless nights. I know I should be grateful for salivating like a Newfoundland dog.. that indeed helped to keep me in a good mood.
The last night was the worst one: I really freaked out about removing the implants with no anesthesia. I thought about the pain and blood dripping on my gown and choking in my own blood and so on.. I was about to ask the nurse for some anti-anxiety drug but stupidly I didn't. Eventually I fell asleep. Fortunately the day after I was full of energy and mentally ready for the procedure, which turned out to be very quick and relatively painless. No blood at all.
I'm 24 hours out and I'm already laughing about it. In a few minutes I'll update my csn status to "no longer in treatment for cancer". I feel like a million bucks. I just want to share this moment of joy with you, especially with all my bus mates and with the friends who are still fighting, either to win it or to let go with dignity.
Dre.
0
Comments
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I'm not off the bus yet.....
but we did finish our radiation therapy at the same time, Dre....
I had to laugh at what a vivid imagination you have....my gawd, massive pain....dripping blood, and then choking on it...OMG, do you watch too many horror flicks? LOLOLOL
Congratulations, Dre...on a bus well rode......I am SO excited for you, my friend, my little bus mate...don't drop out of site now, I would miss updates, and I'd most certainly miss your sense of humor.
p
PS...there is no such thing as whining....I'm seriuos about this. Whining is whimpering because you wanted to go to the beach, and it's raining.....THAT is whining...:)0 -
Congrats!!Skiffin16 said:WTG DRE...
Congrats....
Just in time for the week-end.
Best,
John
Well done Dre, congratulations on finishing treatment.
My you have NED the rest of the way.
God bless
Tonsi dad,
Dan.0 -
Whoo HooTonsil Dad said:Congrats!!
Well done Dre, congratulations on finishing treatment.
My you have NED the rest of the way.
God bless
Tonsi dad,
Dan.
Dre!!! Way to go and what a memorial end to the bus ride, huh? Being done is wonderful!!!! NED is absolutely next!!!0 -
Dre, congrates on gettingJahnsart said:It is great to hear good news
Congrats and thanks for sharing, even when we, personally, don't have great news. It is great to be able to celebrate yours..
Dre, congrates on getting the tx done. I am happy for you. When we hear people getting done...it kinda ensures the fact that there is a end of this tunnel.
Everyday i hear of new things, brachytherapy sounds better than imrt. Since you did not lost taste buds, it is a huge plus for you. I am wondering if by doing brachytherapy, they were able to give you lesser dose of radiation.
I wish you a very quick post recovery.
Sam0 -
good for you !Laralyn said:Good for you!
It's great to see a wave of people hitting the beach at the same time. :-)
CONGRATS on getting your treatments done. Usually what we visualize in our heads is far worse than the reality of it, and you have a vivid imagination--I can see where you couldn't get any sleep.
So now you can rest your body and start to recover. As I have said before, take naps, don't feel guilty about it and heal.
I wish you the best.0 -
i use to be a wet mouth
Hi Dre,
Sounds like I can ring my bell for you too, today. Mr. completed a round of radiation (seeds), very intense method of treatment. Brings up a vivid imagination, where I felt like a first responder.
One thing did catch my eye and interest, salivating like a Newfoundland dog. You see, before radiation I was know as a wet mouth and I (inadvertently) drooled on my pillows, ruining them and the pillow cases. I was keeping the new me, dry mouth me, in my back pocket so I could ask for some new pillows and pillow cases, but if my no drool is going to be short lived, I might as well stick with what I have.
Anyway, congratulations and try to get some much needed rest
Matt0 -
Good on all of ya!
I remember getting down a bit when so many newbies came on board at one time--it really made me sad and I stayed away for quite a few days to regroup mentally. But now when I read that so many of you have finished, or are close to finishing, your treatments it makes me very happy. And to hear that so many of you have come through with your sense of humor intact just adds to that happiness.
Mike0 -
Great news...
Dre,
you are very brave and made it ! I am so scared of more treatments...but you all give me the strenghth...besides humor to keep this newbee heading forward. Please for the survivors that have been here, for awhile keep posting, we need your encouragement and advice. Again Dre, fantastic news....warmest regards, Katie0 -
Congrats and Thank you!katenorwood said:Great news...
Dre,
you are very brave and made it ! I am so scared of more treatments...but you all give me the strenghth...besides humor to keep this newbee heading forward. Please for the survivors that have been here, for awhile keep posting, we need your encouragement and advice. Again Dre, fantastic news....warmest regards, Katie
I just wanted to say Thank you for all the help you have given me through your process. I have surgery next week and honestly your kind words have helped me out a lot! I am so happy to hear you are done and ready to move on..Wishing you nothing but the best!0 -
DreNitaNita said:Congrats and Thank you!
I just wanted to say Thank you for all the help you have given me through your process. I have surgery next week and honestly your kind words have helped me out a lot! I am so happy to hear you are done and ready to move on..Wishing you nothing but the best!
Congratulations to you, and very happy that it's all moving forward for you, well.
kcass0
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