Almost done with rads. Cyber Knife? What to expect next?

Radiation side effects are pretty brutal and your husband's symptoms are not unusual. For me, Fentanyl patches and Hydrocodone liquid took the edge off, but did not eliminate the pain. Sleep was a way I wouldn't have to deal with it.  The two weeks after treatment ended were just as crummy, but there is good news. It gets better! Today is my four months out of treatment anniversary and I really do feel almost back to normal. My energy, focus, and drive are coming back. I didn't need pain medication anymore around the two months' mark. There will be other symptoms that pop up later like excess mucus or a sore tongue. You can get advice here for managing just about any problem. You have a tough job right now. Caregivers go through so much stress worrying how to help. As the patient, I just wanted someone there if I needed something, to tell me it would get better, and to pray for me. If you are concerned about depression, check if your cancer center has a social worker. He or she can reassure your husband that what he feels is normal and direct you to further help like a support group. I think all of us have had our weepy, why me moments. It helps to talk to other people. Maybe he'd like to check out this site. We're pretty good at pep talks!

I had gamma knife radiation to skull base. I think it is similar to cyberknife, but with the frame screwed in. What areas are they targeting cyber knife? Fatigue was the biggest side effect. I was definitely more tired after gamma knife to skull base than after neutron radiation to head and neck.

Hi Avisemi:

I'm so glad he is almost finished with radiation.  That will be a big burden lifted off you both.

I felt totally lousy for a good month or two after radiation ended.  I did almost nothing and laid around crying. The biggest question was how long is this going to go on?  I just wanted to feel better and didn't. Most of the time I was exhausted and i'm sure somewhat depressed.  

It does seem that when the body begins to heal so to does the spirit.  I noticed as I started to feel better I started getting out little by little and resuming my life.  It is a very slow process and it took months for me following treatment.

The good news is that it eventually happened and I feel almost normal 9 months post treatment.

Hang in there.  It will happen.

Love to you.

Shirley

I never had it but was told it helps them in removing just the dead tumor and not the good flesh around it. On the part of not waiting to visit or see anyone, that was normal for me, I ran everyone away from me the first time I did treatment; I did not realize it till treatment was over. Also he needs to rest, his body is going through hell and if depression comes in at the same time it will only makes things worse. Stay with him and hold him when he needs and find something for him to keep focused on. If you want read some of my about me page it might help you to understand what he is going through, He will get better.

Hondo