OK, first, I have shared some of the worst in regards to post treatment or late effect issues of treatment with so many here. My first inclination was to not do that because I do not want to instill fear in anyone. Thanks to some gentle persuasion from Charm I decided that it was more important to offer help to those with longer term issues but also because many of the issues I face are really issues that deal with muscle pain, swallowing and such that we all go through after treatment.

Second, thank you Charm since you are right. It is important for all of you to know that there are many with small issues like carrying a water bottle for life, adjusting diet and exercise. As we go through them they seem huge and once we settle into a new normal we trudge onward. Second, for those facing some of the darker days of recurrence, late effects of radiation, etc., it is more important to know that others have made it beyond those days and folks like PaulB and Charm are examples that you can make it through the toughest of situations and still maintain a sense of normalcy and optimism. So, with that in mind, read some of my posts not out of fear but to learn a specific perspective of one patient and see that fear subsides and you move forward with hope, spirit and determination!

Thank you for those that have reached out privately to ask me questions and to Charm and PaulB for just being who you are!

Now, go live life! Be well but be diligent.

Ed

Beautifully put, Ed.

When we were in the midst of the most difficult part of my husband's therapy, my son sent me a hand-written letter as if we were in the midst of our American Civil War, instead of a battle with cancer. It reminded us that people can still enjoy a sunny day or a beautiful piece of music even in the most difficult of times.

Maria

Thanks Ed. You said everything perfectly.

"...Fear subsides and you move forward with hope, spirit, and determination!"

You are absolutely right Ed, there are many who benefit from your substantial knowledge of late side effects. Doctors and patients are all dealing with immediate issues and in my opinion that is where we all should put our focus. What gets lost is the "long term" side effects which you are so well versed in. We all pray that these are things we will be lucky enough to deal with someday, but when they arrive help IS needed. Thank you for so generously sharing your experiences and tips.

Donna

Ed

Thank you for those kind words. Once TX is done, the problems start appearing just when most of the support system is winding down. We have a lot of knowledge here on OCF and glad to have you adding to it.
Keep the Faith
Charm

Ed,

Thank you for posting that - beautifully put! The only thing I find lacking on the OCF forum is a "LIKE" button!

I'm also in the long term survivor category (7 years 8 months) and experiencing some of the late effects of radiation (dental issues and a few others). But these are minor in comparison to what some are experiencing and I'm certainly thrilled to be still here and able to help others. Life is still good!

Thank you all!

Love it Ed! Keep sharing brotha as your knowledge and experience is both needed and appreciated my friend.

We can't know how people will react to our message, but we are responsible for sharing it. All we can do is try our best to relay our message in a way that people can relate to us, we won't reach everyone and there will always be those who misunderstand.

Ed,

The other benefits, albeit likely unintended, is that in reading people's stories of the battles they have emerged (or not) from, we are all reminded of a deep wellspring of strength that is the core of human nature, which most need never tap in their lifetime. When you do have to, it is comforting to see you are not alone, and that the well runs very, very deep.

Also, speaking for myself, it is a reminder of just how lucky I have been in my treatment, which is a kick in the pants when I start to feel sorry for myself, as I have had it so much easier, than so many here. It is easy to lose sight of the big picture and wallow in one's own circumstances, but then I see your story, Christine's and Paul's and Charm's, and so many others, and think: "You stupid ass, take nothing for granted, and carry on".

So, short version (I'm a lawyer there is no shorter version than this)thanks to all for that.