Joel,

Sounds GREAT and lets hope the next month goes as well. It doesn't even sound like you found the tunnel most of us struggle through. You must have had a better guide than we did. Keep up the good work.

Charm,
When I was on Cisplatin I was told the best time to get a PEG in would be the middle of the third week. Any later and it could be complicated. I opted to have it put in right then as I was expecting the tough road to hit that next week (week four). I used the PEG out of curiosity just into the fifth week.

Although I want to think it was all the due diligence that made things easier (hoping that there was a way for all by following some process), I trust my doctor(s) when they just shake their head and say it's just luck.

And you're right too, in that if David hadn't prepared me for planning on the worst case scenario (and given me info one what I'd be experiencing-dry mouth, lost taste etc.), this would have been much MUCH more stressful as things started happening.

Still, I wish some way could be found that could help EVERYONE going through this to be able to get through it easier. It's just frustrating to think that Tx hasn't really changed in 20 years.

I feel like my doctors at Kaiser just treat the patients as cars in a drive-thru.

Joel

As for wishing there was a way to help everyone going thru TX to get through it easier, SO SAY WE ALL. You might find this draft OCF document worthwhile reading: OCF: Getting thru it to appreciate just how lucky you have been. Sounds like you will be in the Holiday spirit. Thanks for reminding me that it's not always so difficult for everyone as we see a lot of worst case scenarios here.
I was lucky also to be able to continue to work full time during my entire first TX due to a secure laptop, a virtual private network for email, Blackbery, home fax, and phone conferences.
I scheduled all my radiation TX for close of business. It really helped financially as well as emotionally.

My God Charm,

You are a true warrior! I can't believe how much strength you had going through the first Tx (and even more so after). Your courage has really helped me to get through this so far.

I don't know HOW you were able to focus through the Tx.

I looked at the document over a month ago however I was so overwhelmed with documents from my MO, ENT and RO, and books from friends that I only skimmed it. I'm going to go through it again as I need to think about life after Tx.

Joel

Thank you for the kind words. It is a good point that the worse does not necessarily need to happen. If this next month has you still so strong, consider opening your own thread: maybe entitled: It hit me not so much or something like that to give hope to the newbies. I feel a little guilty hijacking Angelia's thread like this but it is important to give the OCF newbies HOPE. Sandy St also sailed through her radiation and I think that your message is a valuable one for people to hear.
Charm

Don't feel bad about hijakcing my thread. If that is the worst that is done, so be it. I am actually doing a little better emotionally right now. I felt really good this past weekend, and was doing well up until today. I can not wait for the weekend to get another little bit of a break. I do know everyone's experience is different. When I was talking about it hitting me, I was talking about the emotions of having cancer, not the treatment itself.

I'm so glad to hear that the past weekend was good for you.

I found that having things to look forward to was very helpful for me in looking past the day-to-day. For example, each weekend I look forward to heading to my girlfriend's house. Without knowing I have weekends coming with her, I'd be down in the dumps.

I'm also so glad for you that you have your two charming boys and husband. Revel in their love and care for you.

Also, even though others have said it, it's true. I'm only a rookie among these fine people here but we do root for you (and each other) to have the best of luck!

I read an old proverb, maybe from here, that said:
"Joy shared is joy doubled. Trouble shared is trouble halved."

The weather here is so darn cold and this time of year is always hard. Would be surprised if you weren't feeling something.

A day at a time is all we can do and the Drs should help you get through the rough patches. Lte them know about the bad days.

"The squeeky wheel gets the grease"
Sometimes we try to hard not to squeek.

Margaret

I will be squeaking today. Woke up this morning and my throat hurts something terrible. Hurts to swallow, and my head hurts.

So glad to hear you are feeling a bit better Angelia. Steve and I also loved the weekends during his tx. Gave us a break, a rest and some time to just spend together. Enjoy your time with your family because that will become the most precious thing of all. Steve was also another one that got through tx pretty good. If it wasn't for his peg problems that is. It still wasn't an easy road by far but much better than we or his doctor's expected. Keep smiling girl and stay positive.

Wendy