I can't believe I'm actually typing this. He did it. He finished his treatment today. I'm so very proud of him. I know we have soooo much work ahead of us, but I am savoring this victory just for today. The RO and his nurse sat us down and gave us "the talk" about the long recovery and about not getting impatient and discouraged. I think this will be the biggest struggle for my husband.
We are supposed to make an appt. with the Swallow/Speech therapist now that he's done. I can tell he's not too thrilled about that. I somehow have to make him understand that this is VERY important and he truly needs help. His swallow wasn't very good to begin with because of the location of the tumor on the base of his tongue. it was weak and he couldn't control thin liquids and would choke.

Anyway, just wanted to share my happiness with all of you and thank you for your advice and support. You know I'll be on here constantly, still. We've got a tough road ahead of us, still and I'll have questions, as usual.

Carol

Congratulations to both of you! The first major milestone...done.

He's probably not going to be too thrilled at much of anything for a while. If you like, tell him use it or lose it. If the swallow isn't evaluated and exercises put in place as soon as possible, he may lose the ability to swallow and live on a tube.

Most importantly, enjoy the moment. This is the first big breather. Be aware that this time is the "quietest" time and the mind could be unleashed into areas that don't need to be traveled. The excitement and activity abruptly ends. Occupy that space with books, movies, together time...whatever it takes.

Congratulations again!

Hi Carol:
Congrats on completion of treatment. That milestone is a big one. If his treatment was hard to go through I'm sure he is looking forward to things getting better. Sadly, that won't happen for awhile. I've heard over and over that if you went through 7 weeks of radiation treatment you can expect 7 more weeks after before things start to feel better, and it could be longer than that for some.

I know you don't want to hear more bad news right now, but sadly that's the reality of it. I had very few symptoms during treatment, so I thought my recovery would be about as easy. Boy, was I ever wrong. I'm six month's post radiation right now and while nothing is bad, getting back to normal is a slow process. My taste for food is still negatively affected and my sinuses and throat are still messed up.

I thought recovery would be a linear thing. Every day I would just feel a little less bad until I didn't feel bad at all. Sadly, that's not the way it is for me. Some weeks are better, some are worse. It takes some getting used too. But, I'm way better than I was where you are right now.

Keep fighting, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Tony

Congratulations I know its been a hard road for you. There is still a way to go. Nobody can tell you how long recovery will take because it varies greatly. But its months not weeks, don't have unrealistic expectations (like I did!)

For the past 7 weeks you've been talking to doctors and nurses every day. It is very easy to feel disconnected from the process when you no longer see them daily. Medically he needs to stay on top of the basics. Eating, drinking, toileting, sleeping. Keep on top of the pain management. Most of the side effects he'll have to deal with he's already familiar with, and some will get a little worse in the next week or two. Stay on top of the basics and keep in touch with the doctors.

The hard work is done. Its not over, but the worst of it is. No more chemo, no more being strapped down for rads. I hope you kept his mask. Some people throw them away. Mine sits on top of the fridge behind my bar at home, there is one hell of a story attached to it when people ask.

Celebrate the victory today, you both earned it.

Definitely a HUGE congrats to the both of you. One step closer to walking out of that damn tunnel.

Done, I always love hearing that. And great for you both! I still have a very hard time with thin liquids. Sounds goofy, but if I lean my head a bit back and to the left...i can swallow thin liquids easier. He might find a position that is helpful for him too. I suppose you might have to wait to the right time to suggest it. Of course I keep this little circus act out of the public eye, well most of the time. ; )
Hoping all good things ahead.

Congrats on crossing the official finish line of treatment. As is constant - everyone is different, you hope for the best and fastest and most side effect free recovery. Most state you continue feeling worse for another 4 weeks or more post tx but by two weeks post I was starting back up. Best wishes. Don

Great news, Carol. Whew! The first big hurdle is behind you and now the recovery begins. With your love and support I'm sure your husband will get through it. Congratulations.

Congrats. Such a relief not to have to go in every day and how nice to say goodbye to the mask. The time ahead will be tough for a while but it can only get better. Watch out for the post-treatment blues. If you're prepared it is easier to deal with.

It's ironic that the emotional effort we put in during treatment can give we to a feeling of loss after it. But how great it is to be home and free from that constant assault on the body!