Yesterday was Ken's last radiation. I got up this morning with the happy realization that we didn't have to make the three hour round trip to Cleveland! Although with yesterday's snows, it was more like a five hour round trip. Anyway, he is very tired, coughs up tons of mucus, and generally feels like most at the end of treatment. His peg is working fine, and he is still able to drink fluids, eat jello, and take pills by mouth. Total weight loss-25 pounds, not bad since he is 6'2". Our next checkup is in three weeks. His doctor is very confident that all will be well. In his words, "The treatment always works, it's just getting through it that is hard."
I'll keep you posted...

Sherry,
Great news. I remember the feeling of the last day of treatment also, so good not to have to see Dan take those treatments anymore and we only had about an hour round trip. May God continue to bless you with strength for you and healing for Ken!
Take care,
Debbie

Sherry,

What a great day when those treatments are finally over. Positive thoughts out to Ken and yourself as the healing begins. Don't forget that nutrition, nutrition, nutrition.

Peace
Jack
..........
Dx 1/15/97 SCC rt. tonsil met to rt lymph node Stg IV,
Srgry 1/23/97 tonsillectomy & mod radical neck dissection,
Radiation 35 trtmnts both sides

Happy Holidays! Thats wonderful! Erik

Sherry,

Congratulations to you and Ken for reaching this important milestone. This is some of the hardest times but it will get better. I remember this part or at least bits of it. My wife probably remembers it much better. She keeps talking about me trying to get out of the car going down the highway or something silly like that. I learned dexamethasone and I don't get along too well. We drove an hour in horrible rush hour traffic to get there and about 30 minutes home. I clearly remember the feeling of walking out after the last treatment.

Be aware now that the fervid pace of treatments, blood tests, doctor visits, etc., come to a screeching halt, Ken will be feeling like he was run over by a train. For me and many of us, the calm after the storm forces you to realize the enormity of having cancer and it is pretty rough on the mind. You have more time to do nothing but sit or lay around and think about it.

I hope you have best Holidays you possibly can!

Ed

Great news on the last day and it was one of the most exciting days in my life. Please note that the two weeks after the radiation were the hardest two weeks of my whole process. But after that things progressed better each week. So hang in there and you will see improvement. I still lost weight the last two weeks because it was so painful to eat so bere through it.

I too remember my elation at the last day of treatment and I only had to drive 5 minutes to treatments. No more mask. I hated that horrible thing. Yes, I was tired, nothing tasted good, but I was done and and I was cancer free. As John said, the first week or so after radiation is still rough, but you do start to heal. For me, the dr appointments, tests, etc. continued. All I wanted was a week when I didn't have to see a dr or dentist or radiologist.

Try to get some rest and enjoy the holidays.

Take care,
Eileen

Sherry, glad Ken had his last treatment. It will be a little rough the next couple of weeks, but keep in mind that he is starting the healing process. After a few weeks, it all starts to get better. Seems like just yesterday I was walking out of the hospital after the last rad treatment, and yet it was almost 10 months ago. It will pass like that for Ken, also. In 10 months, he will feel like a new man. Bless you both.

Hello Sherry,

Nice to hear the news about the radiation ending!! The rad keeps on working for a week or two so don't be surprised if he doesn't feel as well as you think he should. The rule of thumb is one month of recovery for each week of rad.

The good news is he is on the road to recovery. I hope you and your family can enjoy the holidays as best you can. Get lots of rest and don't over do it. My best to Ken and you from a fellow Wisconsin member!!! Isn't it nice and toasty today!!! 3 degrees this morning!!!!

Danny Boy

Well, actually, we live in NE Ohio, but it is as cold here as in Wisconsin, 5 degrees and several inches of snow on the ground with more falling. I'm so glad we don't have to drive anywhere. One week post-treatment, he doesn't really feel any better, although I've noticed his voice is starting to improve. His doctor told him at least two weeks before he starts to perk up, so he is resigned to sticking it out. The mucus is the big thing now. It bothers him more than anything else.