One down 32 to go

bumpy road ahead
Luke,

Or is it an uphill climb? My techs were great, they become more important as the time goes by. Good luck, smooth sailing (or should I say smooth zapping).

Best,

Matt

It feels good to get
It feels good to get started, doesn't it? I felt pretty good the first few weeks and I'm sure you'll probably get a few days off next week so try to enjoy your family this Christmas! Keep us updated Luke!

32 to go!
Hi Luke,
I remember vividly how I anxiously awaited for the neddle to infuse those thousands of solders to kick the a-- of the intruders. I kept that thought and actually pictured the battle going on within my body for all those weeks that turned to months and ended in victory called NED! The battle started on July 28, 1991 and the graditude and vigilence continues to this beautiful day. Even, or maybe especially, on the grey days picture victory. God bless and Happy Holidays, josh r.

Over The Hump
The making of the mask, waiting, and that first treatment are real hurdles. Very soon, all the hurdles will be in your past and you will be giving advice to the newcomers to this board. Rick.

4 down and 29 to go!
Hi,

My dad started his rad treatment also on Monday. He is due for 33 as well. We are trying to establish a bit of a routine. Drink a 530 calorie Boost with cream and whipping cream after breakfast...drink aloe in the car to and from, have a xanax about 40 minutes prior to treatment, return home and slather on the aquaphor then have lunch. As long as he can do that we will.

Oh, he also takes a marker and crosses off one more day.

Then it's on to Plan B...C....D....E....etc.

Wishing and praying for the best for you.
-V

Skiffin16 said:

Force...
May the Force be with you Luke....

LOL, sorry, I couldn't resist...

Enjoy the ease of the first few days, it goes down hill from here for a month or so. But the end result is well worth the sacrifice.

Best,
John

Well I'd say I really am a Star Wars Fan
Luke,
I am so happy things are moving forward for you ! Keep that goal line in your sites, and know you have a pretty good rooting system here ! And was that a 3 stooges reference you made up under Meagans post ? They are funny as all get out too ! Wishing you a speedy bus ride with few bumps in the road my friend ! Katie

lts said:

first week done!!!
First week in rear view and no real side effects yet. Weird taste in mouth and warmth on skin, nothing bad though.

Yes Katie, that was a stooges reference. I was trying to be funney with Johns comment but the order of posts kind of robs the humor.

Luke

I'm with you except
Got a really bad sore throat today. Pretty sure it's thrush (or some other nasty like it) and not from the Rads. But, one week in the rearview mirror.

Hang in there buddy, we'll get through this.

Joe Cortney
Dallas, TX

phrannie51 said:

You and Luke are going to
be great partners on this "trip of a lifetime"....That's what I love about this site! I gained so much strength having fellow bus riders who were in or nearly in the same stage of treatment as I was.....and having all those who'd completed the trip waving and encouraging us that we would most certainly make it to the end of the tunnel.

Joe...thrush is a pain in the rear....I still get it when I work graveyard shifts, and I'm 4 months out of all treatment, and 6 months out from rads. Diflucan (fluconazole) is what worked best for me...it works on thrush from the inside out, rather than Nystatin that is a swish.

p

Thrush
"Joe...thrush is a pain in the rear....I still get it when I work graveyard shifts, and I'm 4 months out of all treatment, and 6 months out from rads. Diflucan (fluconazole) is what worked best for me...it works on thrush from the inside out, rather than Nystatin that is a swish."

Phrannie,

I got right on the Fluconazole as soon as I suspected it (Friday night). If it is indeed thrush, I should start to see some relief today/tomorrow (based on previous attacks). If it's throat sores this early, well that's not a happy thought. Nystatin is a non-starter with me, just the smell of it sets me off.

Don't know where home is for you but North Texas might very well have a white Christmas.

Where ever each and every one of you are, please be safe and grab what happiness you can.

Joe Cortney
Dallas, TX

vermontgirl said:

On the same bus
My husband has 32 rads and 6 chemos to go. It's so nice to have people in the same stage of treatment and also the amazing people/cyber family who have been there cheering you on and helping you through. My husband is just feeling very "medicine head" and a bit more tired.....just the beginning. His PEG is getting scheduled for after the holidays (thank you kind MD). Keep us posted. I am rooting for all of us to get to NED.

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you. May you look around and see the good that is already here.

Kirsten

Fellow bus riders...

How is it going?  Dad has pain at roof of mouth and swallowing.  Started more exercises for neck and mouth.  And, started Miracle Mouthwash yesterday.

Fatigue is present and swelling of lower lip...

I was hoping we'd get to the 3rd week before this, but oh, well....

Please keep posting, ITS and Vermontgirl...

-V