Hi Debra -

The weeks after radiation treatment where absolutely the worst for my husband, Kenny. The radiation treatments 'accumulate' and continue to build up & do their 'work' even after the actual treatments are over.

Also -- it was so very difficult for me as well. When we were going to treatments twice a day, I really felt like we were 'doing something' to beat this cancer. Then suddenly we didn't have the daily visits and we were at home, alone and Kenny simply felt worse and worse. I really struggled with this. It helped me to deal with his cancer by having him seen every day at the doctor's office, having nurse check him, etc. I didn't realize I would feel like this when I was dragging him to radiation twice a day - boy was I surprised!

Here's a couple of suggestions:

1. Talk to the staff at your RO office -- they probably have some resources that could help. Kenny slept 20+ hours a day after treatments, but managing his meds and feedings was critical.

2. Talk to your boss and see if you can work a more flexible schedule -- working a couple of hours, then taking a long/early lunch, working a couple more hours, etc. Or making up time on the weekends, etc. This worked for me. It gave me a break from constantly watching Kenny breath and also provided me with a few hours of 'normal'.

I was fortunate enough to have support from our families and blessed with a phenomenal boss that has the attitude that family always comes first. We need my paycheck & health insurance. And you DO NOT want to lose your health insurance right now.

3. Ask the docs to prescribe home health nursing. This was a terrific help for us. First -- it was from doctors orders, so insurance paid. Plus, it relieved some of my anxiety because RNs would come by the house on a schedule and check on Kenny. Just being able to talk to a nurse face to face about any daily issues was a blessing.

4. Take care of yourself. If you have a melt-down, you will not be much help to your husband. Call YOUR doctor (if you haven't already) and tell her what's going on. After 12 months of this I still take a very mild anti-depressant that has helped me tremendously. Some people are funny about not wanting to take anti-depressants, but I am here to tell you they saved Kenny's life and my sanity.

5. Visit here often. This support group, this network of huge hearts and wise words has helped me and Kenny so very much. During some very, very dark days I was able to post here. Or just read other's comments.

Hang in there Debra. Yes, it's probably going to get worse, much worse, before it gets better. But it DOES get better and you WILL get through it.

Sending you positive thoughts & light --
Carol