Hi Sherry,

Congrats to Ken on finishing the radiation treatment! My husband Ron finished his treatments one month ago today, so I know how it is. Ron started feeling a little better the second week, and has progressed. Like Ken, coughing up the mucus really bothers my husband too. I can tell he's getting better because we aren't having to buy so many tissue boxes anymore. For Ron the mornings are the worst, it seems he's in the most pain then (I think because he tends to sleep with his mouth open, and his throat is so raw in the morning). How are you doing?? I hope you both have a wonderful holiday, we have a lot to be thankful for this year!

Shelley

Sherry,
Be prepared for the fact that following the end of radiation treatments, things get a little worse before they get better. As much a pain as it is to go to the daily and twice a day treatments, at least it feels like you are being pro-acitve in your battle to get well. Once I got home and found myself sitting around with nothing to look forward to but the next tube feeding, I got depressed to go along with the not feeling well.

The good news is that things slowly began to improve, gradually got better and better, and before I knew it, I felt like a person again. Now I am approaching two and one half years since treatment ended and I feel so good that I don't visit this site daily like I used to. In fact I am getting married on Dec. 26th!

Best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season!

Danny G.

Hi Sherry, again congrats to Ken on finishing the treatment. I remmember what a relief it was to finish, and the hope that I would feel better soon, but wondering if I really would. Next couple of weeks will be one of the tougher times, but with perseverance and work he will get better. Thing to remember is that even though the actual treatment is done, the radiation is still working on the body, much like something taken out of the microwave will still cook for a while after the oven is turned off. Rule of thumb we use around here is one month for every week of radiation.

As Ken, (and Ron also, Shelley) progress through this stage you'll have all sorts of questions, and please feel free to ask here, we're here to help.
Bob

Sherry,

Congrats to you and Ken. Great to hear another one of us made it through. Happy holidays to you guys.
-rh

Hi Sherry

Congratulations to you both. It is a high mountain on day one so feel proud of yourselves. Yes, the mucous is annoying and I thought I would never stop but one day it did! Then I had a very dry mouth which also annoyed me - I've got used to that now and am happy to live with it.

Best wishes for the festive season from Helen