I have just two of my 35 rads left, on Tuesday and Wednesday after the holiday weekend.
I've gotten through this pretty well, I think, and am hopeful for an uneventful and strong recovery.
I mean this to be a tale of hope for people entering treatment; I don't mean it to be boastful. I feel very lucky and grateful for what follows:
The oncology team told me to stay as active as I could. Since I ran a marathon on May 30, four days after my diagnosis, I decided to try to jog 2 to 3 miles three times during the week, and then try to do 5 miles on Saturdays. I really never imagined I could keep it up all the way through, but I just finished a 5-miler and logged 13 total miles for the week.
On non-running days, I've ridden stationary bikes, lifted weights (lightly) or walked a mile. I've done some exercise every day for the past 36 days.
If nothing else, it has helped fight fatigue, and perhaps has aided my appetite. I need pain meds now for the neck burns and the nasty sore under the front of my tongue, so I sleep more, but I haven't had the drag-my-butt fatigue described in other places.
My side effects got much worse over the past week. My neck is oozing and spotting blood. I'm using Silvadine, Alra and Domeboro as instructed. It all works pretty well until I wake up from even a short nap, at which time the right side of my neck feels like it's on fire and bleeding freely.
I have to cut the collars off of T-shirts to keep them from rubbing the burns.
Waking up is the worst moment. I throat is so dry it feels stuck together, and in my grogginess, I sometimes feel scared that I'm swallowing my tongue or something equally hideous.
My tongue really hurts. My mouth feels increasingly dirty as the day goes on and plain water "tastes" slimy. This week, three days after my final chemo, I had the first nausea that I couldn't knock down with meds, though I didn't throw up and it finally passed.
The idea of consuming calories is daunting, even though I continue to force myself and have lost only 6 pounds through the treatment. My wife is making all kinds of shakes and smoothies, wanting me to avoid the processed sugar drinks. I also am still able to eat some soft foods, such as eggs, oatmeal and bologna, and I know most people can't at this phase. I am doing a gratitude list most days to try to keep a positive perspective.
I'm spacy from pain meds, but have no choice but to take them. I start to feel sick in many ways if I get behind the pain.
Mentally, it's a relentlessly grinding experience. Rinse, soak, drink, get calories down, repeat ad infinitum.
Two more treatments to go. This weekend feels a bit like waiting for school to get out knowing that a bully is going to beat me up afterward. Each radiation treatment hits pretty hard now.
It's all worth it if it works and kills the cancer. I have to wait till November or December to find out about that, but I'm assuming it will work.

Randy - It's wonderful you have made it this far and so successfully! You are an inspiration to everyone with your strength and perseverance and positive attitude. You really are providing the light at the end of the tunnel for all of us! Please do keep posting your progress. Yay!! only two more treatments to go!

Thanks for posting your update Randy. I love reading stories like yours that are so encouraging. While nobody gets thru this without some type of side effect, you proved that the side effects can be managed. You are doing great with still being able to eat. Keep up the great work!!!! Best wishes for a speedy recovery after those last 2 treatments.

Randy, you're a wonder of nature. I could barely walk at your point, let alone run. And that you're eating real food is fantastic. I know it's tough and that you're suffering, of course. I applaud your strength and attitude and wish you all the best.

David 2

Way to go Randy. That's a remarkable feat during this Tx.

Amazing Randy
I also did pretty well, but I can't imagine jogging 5 mile in the last week. By then I wasn't even taking walks anymore

Actually it was the last week that finally wiped me out!

But, for me every week after was a little better - no long "Tunnel". Hope it is the same for you.

LAST DAY! LAST DAY! LAST DAY! LAST DAY! LAST DAY! LAST DAY! LAST DAY!
Whatever these next few weeks bring, it's got to be a lift not to have to take a 45-mile drive to get pinned to a table and zapped five days a week.
I am now going out before dawn for a 3-mile jog on the day of my 35th radiation treatment.
(By the way, the way I've dealt with exercise and dry mouth is gum. I'm getting less radiation on the left side of my neck, too. I pop in two pieces of Biotene gum and one piece of orbit and chew vigorously while exercising. Also carry a water bottle.)
I of course can't know at this point if the treatments worked, but I have to assume that they did until I get a scan. Anything else would be paralyzing. So screw cancer. No matter what, it hasn't been able to completely put me on my knees.

Your enthusiasm amazes me. Im so impressed with your staminia. The inner strength you have spills over to be physical strength too! When I was at your point, I didnt get out of bed. I wasnt able to talk or even take a walk. You are doing absolutely wonderful. The gum is a great way to exercise your jaws too. Your athletic ablities really helped get you thru this.

When you get your mask to take home, consider it to be your marathon trophy


GO RANDY, GO!!!!!!!!

The more I read from you the more I am convinced you are not real. JM2C's.

You are so-o-o-o-o inspiring, Randy! As a CG I'm not even battling cancer and you have spurred me on to resume my 3 mile a day power walk! Your last comment on Cancer should be on a T-shirt!