My radiation journey - Week 6

Rottiesmom, first two weeks were the easiest. Third week the sores got worse. Enjoy eating for the next week and into second week. 

Steven:

You are almost to the end so push forward. You have been such an inspiration in sharing your journey on this site.  I, like Lise, am about to complete week 4 and only have 14 more rads and 2 chemos as of today!  The details you have provided have helped me plan my way through this journey and I appreciate that so much. Being from the South, I will just give you advice from one of our great philosophers (Larry the Cable Guy, of course) ....

..... GET 'ER DONE!! 

You have this in your sights.  Best of luck and keep us posted on your post treatment recovery!!

Freddie

I have 12 more treatments but two booster shots that they're doing on my regular days of rads. regular zap in morning, booster in afternoon.  I also had 14 extra boosters in my four week sessions. Wth is up with these extra boosters?? 

Yes Steve, treatments get tough, like labor pains(increasing) as we go . This gives into great relief though at the end. The last day leaving radiation you'll experience accomplishment. You and your Dr's had to beat the cancer, unfortunately it takes getting a beating.  This will all be hind sight soon.  I look forward to hearing your news, and we will,  you are cancer free.

Thanks for the head ups about about puréed food, Steven. I'm running trying to play catch up with you.  Wish I knew you under different circumstances, because you sound like a fun person. Take care of yourself. Soon all of this will be just a memory.  

stevenpepe said:

Thanks for the kind words and

Thanks for the kind words and advice. Today was my last full treatment. I now have to endure 3 booster treatments to my tongue. Yay.

I lost 5 lbs this week. Solids are out. Boost is all I drink and I'm lucky to get 1500 to 2000 calories a day. I've been out of it this past weekend and had little desire to eat. Remember when we were talking about burgers? How I yearn for those days

Seriously plan on some sort of liquid diet. Whether it's Boost, Ensure, Scandishakes, or your own concoction. You will most likely need it. If you can do puree, that's great. I know for me, liquids are the fastest and easiest to ingest. The frustration of eating is just too much to struggle with right now.

For those right behind me, week 5 on gets really tough. The sores in my mouth were tame for weeks until week 5. I've left work earlier than expected. I simply don't have the energy to work even half days. I will keep you in my thoughts. 

Honestly, you are doing great.  I was feeding tube dependent and not able to work through my treatment nearly as long as you have.  keep up the fight.  Once you get done with the treatment you can put 100 percent of her energy into rest and recovery.  Rest is your friend.  Keep your mind positive and let yourself heal.  Your body has been through hell.  It takes time to heal.  Good luck.

That's a milestone! The next few days and weeks will be tough - but you're over the hump. I feel like my husband literally dragged and clawed his way over the finish line of radiation treatments. For a few of them he was wheeled down from his hospital room because he was "in house" for severe neutropenia from the chemo. But just remember those x-rays annihilating those bad cancer cells...and you DID it.

I'll be keeping you in my prayers Steven...and those who are right behind you in treatment. It seems like a lot are on a similar timeline right now. Bless you all and wishing you strength.

Barbara