My radiation recovery - 1 month

Well, I'm happy to report it's been a whole month and 2 days since I completed treatment. It's gone quick but it hasn't been easy.

The first 3 weeks were pretty tough. Vomiting issues due to mucositis and those Boost/Ensure shakes I was drinking to maintain my weight. I've lost maybe 5 lbs and still look and feel the same. Last week, I ditched the Boost for veggie and protein shakes packed with all sorts of high calorie dense foods. My stomach tolerates them much better and they're healthier.

The fatigue was perhaps, the biggest issue, along with tongue sores. I was laid out on my couch for most of the day with my head feeling like it weighed 100 lbs. A walk down the hall felt like a marathon. I'm noticing a 2 step forward, 1 step back type of progress with the fatigue. It's much better now. Still there, but manageable.

I left work during the last week of treatments and stayed out for another 2 after that. The 4th week, I returned half days, then full days the following week. It was a bit rough even sitting at my desk, but here I am typing this report and feeling pretty good.

I still take a swig of Oxy if the sores bother me too much, but I'm pretty much done with the meds. They were a Godsend.

My biggest accomplishment to date: I was able to eat some solid foods for the first time last week. Not going crazy but I ate a bowl of rice almost pain free and had an apple yesterday. Cut up, of course but no pain in my throat. My taste is slowly coming back.

My oncologist is very optimistic. From the beginning, she didn't believe in PEG tubes and says I'm doing well, overall. I asked her about accupuncture for dry mouth and she recommended it. But only after 6 months because she insists I shouldn't need it. My saliva production will improve. She's been right so far, so I'm hopeful. In fact, I do notice a bit more production coming back.

Brushing my teeth is almost painless and back to normal now that the gum sores are healed. They disappeared rather quickly, most within 3 weeks. Mucous is much less now, also.

For those behind me, prepare for the worst conditions presenting after treatment ends. That's when everything really accumulates head on. You will most likely be out of work, so be prepared to take time. I didn't think that would happen since the treatments weren't affecting me terribly until week 6. Then, I knew I would need time off. You will experience what I call "radiation head". It's a condition where you're not quite right up there and it feels so damned heavy. That, in itself, is enough to lay you out. Seriously.

My first post treatment PET Scan is in mid September. I will post the good news when I get the results. Optimistic thinking.

Thankfully, the election season and HGTV kept me entertained for hours.