From 35 to 13

rcaulder
rcaulder Member Posts: 70
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I have made it from 35 to 13 radiation treatments left. 3 erbitux remaining. I can still eat some. I have mucositis, It is difficult to swallow. I do have a lot of mucus. But I do have to say, between the radiation tech's and this sites encouragement I am happy to say I am starting to regain hope again. Can't leave out God, he gave me strength. I want to hope it isn't going to get any worse at this point with radiation. Some say if I made it to this point the next 13 should be ok.

Comments

  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,034 Member
    #2
    Keep doing what you are doing

     

    Glad to read that you are nearing the final laps of running in circles or groundhog day as it seems at times. Yes, you are about as uncomfortable as you may get, but each person is different as mentioned many times on this board. Keep ahead of the discomfort if at all possible.

    This is just a small reminder so you aren't disappointed after your final treatments , we do "Cook" for several weeks after that last treatment. You will feel the full effects of all the treatments at that time, it can last from anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Measure your improvement by weeks, not days at first.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

  • KB56
    KB56 Member Posts: 318 Member
    #3
    home stretch

    13 radiation treatments left so you're almost to single digits and will have this behind you before you know it (like maybe mid July).    the radiation tech's were awesome as was the nurses in the infusion area.

    I know you're having trouble swallowing and i don't think you got a feeding tube.   If you're having trouble swallowing (eating) you might start drinking protein shakes.  I would use whole milk (not the low fat stuff I drank before) and i would mix it with a nutrition powder I would order by the box on Amazon (EAS Myoplex Original Nutrition shake - came in chocolate and vanilla) and drink as many as i could.   It gave me protein, as well as a lot of calories (don't forget the fiber) and helped stabalize my weight (i lost ~40 pounds over the treatment and wasn't heavy to begin with... the good news is i put back on the 40 + 5 more).

    Unfortunately the radiation will continue to get a little worse and you will cook for a couple of weeks after you finish.   You can do this and as a wise person's husband (Robyn from Australia) once said "focus on the end point and not the in between".   You're not far from the end point and then the body will slowly but surely start to heal itself and you'll be chasing those 11 year olds around soon.    it a slow process to get back to your "old" self but most of us get there, or at least so much better than our low points in treatment, and for me now being 2 years old most of it is a distant memory.   Still a few side effects but nothing i can't live with and my saliva actually still seems like it continues to improve.

    Stay strong and stay positive.   You're almost home:)

    All the best,

    Keith

  • tomb247
    tomb247 Member Posts: 54
    #4
    Almost There

    Sounds like you are doing as well as can be expected. I think counting down is something we all have done. (If you notice my picture, we used a white board and counted down each day).

    My Oncologist said you will get about two weeks out form your last treatment and one day say to yoursellf, " I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday". It will happen and then things start improving more noticebly. I am 3 1/2 months out felling better every day. Good luck and prayers your way.

    God Bless,

    Tom in NW Missouri

  • avisemi
    avisemi Member Posts: 172
    #5
    Yay!  You are getting closer

    Yay!  You are getting closer and doing well overall. I remember your first post. See?  You are almost there. And yes, with God, all things are possible. I pray that He keeps you under His wings and covers you with His feather. I pray that He gives us strength and comfort. 

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #6
    Knew you could do it...........

    It's rough, but you are much tougher then you ever think. Just one day at a time, and drink lots of water, so you don't forget how to swallow. You know we are all in your corner and yill keep you in our thoughts and payers.

    Bill

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #7
    wow, more than 1/2 way

    wow, more than 1/2 way through!  that is great.  now you can at least see the light at the end of the tunnel.  we'll be waiting to hear you ring the bell so we can all do our happy dance!

    God bless you,

    dj

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