Let the healing begin!

I have a few suggestions:

1. Be on the lookout for thrush and get on it early.

2. Stay away from sick people, especially children. Your immune system will be toast for quite a while. Stay away from public places, don't touch door handles, public digital key pads (ATM's gas stationes, etc., shopping cart handles and carry waterless hand cleaner with you if you do. Wash your hands frequently. Wear gloves

3. DON'T SCRATCH the irradiated area!

4. Make sure you have plenty of fiber in your diet if you are still on narcotics.

5. Stay on top of nutrition and fluid intake.

6. Experiment with eating different foods orally as soon as you can. Don't be discouraged - you will get your sense of taste back fairly quickly.

7. Mucositus is a toughy but all of a sudden it will diminish - be patient there as well. Sleep slightly elevated and try to clear your throat before attempting to eat anything.

The radiation damage will continue for some weeks after "beam off". I didn't start to turn the corner until many weeks after beam off and I actually continued to slide downhill. It requires even more patience because many think that the end of radiation is the turning point. It is a milestone to be sure, but the real perceptible differences and progress will be measured in three week intervals at this early stage. Don't let this discourage you - just be aware that this comes with the territory and is normal.

Congratulations on completing all of your prescribed treatment plan. According to my MO that ups your survival odds considerably.