D day for me - last radiation!!

LiseA
LiseA Member Posts: 266
edited July 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I used to imagine what the last day would feel like. I also used to think it would never come.  I read all about symptoms and other reactions to radiation and was a pack of nerves at first...then I let go of fear and took it a day at a time. The best advice I got from so many sweet and thoughtful people here. People who had walked the walk. I can never thank you all enough for all the support and advice.  I can't remember ever joining a group online that was so full of loving, caring people like those here.  This is an amazing community. 

I'm ringing that bell and taking my mask today!!!  Hallelujah!!! 

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Comments

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    #2
    What a relief, huh? Now you

    What a relief, huh? Now you can relax and work on recovery. Good for you!

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    #3
    How are you feeling today?

    How are you feeling today? Any improvement?  

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    edited July 2016 #4
    Well said LiseA

    this is a very special group, and you are part of the fabric of it. Congrats on making it through a grueling treatment. Here's to a steady recovery and good results!

    Barbara

  • Kari2007
    Kari2007 Member Posts: 108
    #5
    So happy for you!

    You did it! Thank you for posting about your progress through treatment. I look forward to hearing about how your recovery goes, as well. Ring that bell, sister!

    Kari

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #6
    Finished

    I will ring my bell for you today.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #7
    It was in the top 3...

    of favorite days for me....I remember it well!!  Congratulations!  Now on to healing!

    p

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    #8
    You made it! Congratulations!

    You made it! Congratulations! Ring that bell with pride!

  • Gypsy28
    Gypsy28 Member Posts: 69
    #9
    I'm so Happy

    I'm so happy that you're through. Congratulations and I so admire your strength. Happy healing Lisa. You did it.

  • SusanUES
    SusanUES Member Posts: 125
    #10
    Marvelous and Wonderful News!!!

    So good to read this...you were a study of grace under fire all the way and I am so very proud of you!!  Now comes the healing and then resumption of LIFE.  Hope you got my package by now.  All blessings going forward and keep posting...always great to hear your progress.  Big hugs from sunny NYC!

  • Raddude
    Raddude Member Posts: 84
    edited July 2016 #11
    You are a trooper!

    Congratulations, best feeling in the world is knowing that mask is off!

     

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    edited July 2016 #12
    Yayyyy!

    You did it!!  Congratulations Lise!  I am so happy for you!  Now on to healing and life!  Prayers you will have a smooth recovery!

    Joanne

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    edited July 2016 #13
    Thank you all so much.  I

    Thank you all so much.  I never thought it would end. I'm sure others have felt this way too.  I thought that I would cry when I rang the bell, but I didn't.  Instead I felt like a kid!  It was so exciting. The bell that I watched at every day that I went for treatment.  There were days I didn't want to eat or drink. Days I wished that I had a feeding tube!  But I made it eating solids, though it takes a good hour sometimes to get that food down, but I did it. Hope this helps with any potential swallowing issues. I have had a few episodes of choking, though not serious. Also, didn't realise that I had started snoring (very rare for me) and gasping/choking in sleep. Hubby wakes me and I sip water and get back high on my wedge pillow. Occurs when I slide off apparently. 

    Susan, thank you for the package. It came on the perfect day.  I really appreciate all the goodies.  It made me feel special today. That was so sweet of you :-)

  • OYN
    OYN Member Posts: 2
    #14
    Congratulations!

    Congratulations!!! You Did It! It has been a year and a half since I finished treatment and I remember the feeling of elation of completing it. I do not post often but I agree that this site and the wonderful warriors that post here, made me feel that I was Not alone.

    Rest and recuperate and enjoy your beautiful life:)

  • cardoza33
    cardoza33 Member Posts: 81
    #15
    You did it.

    That is awesome.  Great job.  I will never forget Feb. 3rd my last treatment.  Keep the positive energy going.  Recovery is a slow and frustrating process, but it sure is nice to not put the mask on anymore.

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #16
    Congratulations

    LiseA so so happy for you.  Ring that bell loud and clear.  You earned it.  Onward to healing and your "New Normal".  From all the above comments, you have such a wonderful group of individuals rooting for you.  You will never be alone in this journey.  And if you start to get frustrated or feeling defeated look at your mask and say..."Lisa, If you can survive that you can tackle and survive whatever else comes your way!"  We tapped into a inner strength that many will never know they have but, we do.  We are Warriors.....Big hugs, Lisa

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #17
    Lisa you did very well.....

    You also found out you were so much stronger than you ever thought, but most of us knew it. When it got really bad you took one day at a time and got through it. You used this group like one should. You had questions, someone had an answer. You were scared and just needed someone to listen and understand what you were feeling, and we did. You used this support group like it should be, and you became family and always will be.

    When I say I will add you to my prayers, I do. However the list has gotten so long over the years I just hold it up and say, you got this right. He has never said no. I am glad and very proud of you, and yes, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.  I told you that only today matters now, and the day will come when you have your tomorrows. That day is today. You now have fought, and now you have all the tomorrows.............

    Bill 

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    #18
    Thank you, Bill. I always

    Thank you, Bill. I always believed you when you said you would pray for me and others, and I also believed the outpouring of well wishes from others was genuine. No one can understand us better unless they walked the same walk.  Now I'm having terrifying moments of fear that it will come back.  I think perhaps since the rads are over and I'm exhausted and dealing with the aftermath that I'm in a sort of shocked mode. I awoke yesterday thinking I had rads in the afternoon, then realized that it's over. Last night I cried because it's over and I didn't think it would end. Just so emotional last two days. I was on such a mission to eat all through, to be positive for as long as I could and be strong, then I crashed when it was over. I want to be here for others and to give back as much as was given to me.  You, like many others, gave me the strength to take it a day at a time. Thank you all again. 

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    edited July 2016 #19
    Hi Lisa, how is your recovery

    Hi Lisa, how is your recovery going so far?

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #20
    All Done

     

    Wow that is a great sound, congratulations to making it all the way to the finish line.

     

    Tim

     

  • Grandmax4
    Grandmax4 Member Posts: 723
    #21
    the very best

    to you and your family~~~this group, I've been here almost, Nov 2, 2011, 5 years. The knowledge,kindness,concern,love is amazing..I count all as my friends

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