It's the final countdown... dadada the final countdown...

lyolan1
lyolan1 Member Posts: 95
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello All, I don't mean to be cheesy, but I could not resist. I have been away from the boards due to this little battle with cancer. I have only 1 chemo and 5 rads left. It really has been quite the little trial that life threw my way. These discussion boards have been a great comfort and source of information. Thanks to all. I hope that everyone is doing well.I thought I was doing great because my Erbitux (small pox) rash was finally getting under control. Then I got nailed. I had a real bad 2 weeks. I ended up getting sick on a homemade smoothie which spiralled down to dehydration. My throat was obviously sore to begin with. Then add 10hrs of violent hurling, ouch that hurt. I knew that I was in bad shape because I could not get down any food and was getting light headed. I needed 2-days of fluid in the hospital, got a pain patch that meters out constant relief but did not ruin my appitite.The patch and fluids changed my situation 180 degrees. Since last week I have recieved intravenous fluids everyday. I have actually been able to eat solid food for the last week. I feel great and realize I am going to get this over with next week. I wanted to share this story because one of the cancer veterans always preaches hydration, JK. He is so right. Believe me, please. I was never so sick in my life. Today I am able to eat solid food in week 6 of radiation because the doctors got me back on track. My energy is better and so is my attitude. This treatment is tough, everyone knows it by now. New members,Please do not try to be a tough guy and know it all. Proper hydration will make the ordeal easier, trust me. The tube sucks, use it anyway. Drink and eat as much as possible even though the food and drink might taste like nothing on this Earth. I want the new folks to know how tough this treatment can be, but, There are great people here who want to help. Use the board to get strength, hope and information. Two weeks ago I did not think I could go on and finish, now I know I can make it. Thanks to my family, friends, doctors, and the people on the board. Oh yeah, anybody interested in a used mask? I'll let it go cheap. Actually, I plan on burning every item associated with this treatment proscess next Friday. Good luck, stay in touch with your inner strength. Alex. The Final Countdown.

Comments

  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #2
    Congrats,,,,,,,,,,,, dude
    You are nearly there. The finish line is well within range.

    I am so glad you focused on all "the right stuff".

    Trust me, this fight-for-your life will have paid off.............BIG TIME

    Again, Conratulations.................you are quite the achiever..............and not a shabby coach for others, I should say.

    JK
  • Dazey
    Dazey Member Posts: 91
    #3
    The goal is view
    Great to hear such a positive report! Way to go! You and I started this journey at the same time.
    My last radiation treatment is this Monday. I think I am doing remarkably well - some burning on the neck, sore throat and some trouble swallowing. I worked throughout week 5 of treatments, but took off the last week because I had family come to help me. I did not have a peg tube - but did walk around with a jug of water everyday. Had many, many high calorie protein shakes, but also had eggs, soups, pasta and some meats. I had to have a new mask done at the end of week 5 and they offered me the old mask. I graciously declined.

    Keep your positive outlook - I know it has been a rough road and you have been an awesome fellow traveler. Dazey
  • pk
    pk Member Posts: 192
    #4
    Alex
    I'm so happy you posted. Have been wondering how it was going. My husband is 3 weeks out and has turned the corner. Yesterday - a half of a peanut butter sandwich and a small plain Mc Donalds burger. He made it thru chemo and rads, but found the 2 weeks after treatment were pretty tough. Hang in there. The last day of treatment is quite a celebration.
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #5
    Dazey said:

    The goal is view
    Great to hear such a positive report! Way to go! You and I started this journey at the same time.
    My last radiation treatment is this Monday. I think I am doing remarkably well - some burning on the neck, sore throat and some trouble swallowing. I worked throughout week 5 of treatments, but took off the last week because I had family come to help me. I did not have a peg tube - but did walk around with a jug of water everyday. Had many, many high calorie protein shakes, but also had eggs, soups, pasta and some meats. I had to have a new mask done at the end of week 5 and they offered me the old mask. I graciously declined.

    Keep your positive outlook - I know it has been a rough road and you have been an awesome fellow traveler. Dazey

    Nearing the finish line
    Congrats to both of you on nearing the finish line. All that matters is that you cross it. I remember when you both started. Hang in there. I'm about 2 months ahead of you. I get stronger every day. Every day I'm able to do something I couldn't do yesterday. I have the mask next to the computer, I'm not done with it yet. Everyone in my family who smokes needs to see it at least once!
  • carolinagirl67
    carolinagirl67 Member Posts: 153
    #6
    Final countdown
    Alex, I knew you would make it and you will feel so much better by Thanksgiving. I am so proud of you. You are right, it is so tough, but you are a survior! My husband is four weeks out of treatment and doing fantastic. He got his tube out two weeks after treatment ended and he said that really helped his frame of mind. Good luck to you! Now you can really enjoy the holidays. Take care, Donna
  • carolinagirl67
    carolinagirl67 Member Posts: 153
    #7
    pk said:

    Alex
    I'm so happy you posted. Have been wondering how it was going. My husband is 3 weeks out and has turned the corner. Yesterday - a half of a peanut butter sandwich and a small plain Mc Donalds burger. He made it thru chemo and rads, but found the 2 weeks after treatment were pretty tough. Hang in there. The last day of treatment is quite a celebration.

    PK
    PK,

    I am so glad your hubby is turning the corner, I know how you feel. Life is finally getting back to normal. Congrats!!! Donna
  • pk
    pk Member Posts: 192
    #8
    carolinagirl67 said:

    PK
    PK,

    I am so glad your hubby is turning the corner, I know how you feel. Life is finally getting back to normal. Congrats!!! Donna

    thanks carolinagirl67
    Yup, we are on our way. At. 4 weeks out there is still alot of healing to be done and my hubby is sick and tired of the fatigue, but everything is improving - SLOWLY!!!! PK
  • pk
    pk Member Posts: 192
    #9
    carolinagirl67 said:

    PK
    PK,

    I am so glad your hubby is turning the corner, I know how you feel. Life is finally getting back to normal. Congrats!!! Donna

    thanks carolinagirl67
    Yup, we are on our way. At. 4 weeks out there is still alot of healing to be done and my hubby is sick and tired of the fatigue, but everything is improving - SLOWLY!!!! PK

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