My husband had his last radiation treatment today! His last chemo treatment was last Friday. If he wasn’t so tired this morning ... it might have been “Celebration Time."
The day started a little low. He said the fatigue was pretty awful this morning. Of course, when we got there they were running late because one of their two radiation treatment units was down. They did resolve whatever the problem was, but when you have patient treatments scheduled every 15 minutes it didn’t take long before patients dressed in gowns were backed up in the waiting areas and hallway. They offered the option to reschedule to tomorrow, but we weren’t going anywhere since this was his last treatment. Actually I didn’t notice anyone taking up that offer. I think once you start down this path - the whole focus is to “just get through it.” But everyone was patient. The staff there is exceptional.
After the radiation, we met with the doctor who remarked that my husband handled the treatments better than any other patient in their memory. And it is true. Aside from the late onset fatigue today - he had nothing that was listed in their handouts. He did have a number of small side effects from the chemo but those were very easily handled by medication.
So .... now we wait until December. Between now and then he needs to heal and rest. His PET scan is set for mid-December. There is a lot of “waiting” with this disease. It does teach you patience. No popping a pill and you are better.
Anyway, between now and then I have a bunch of pictures, interests and stories to share. I am so happy to be back blogging again. I did miss it - and missed the community of blog friends I have made over the years. Thank you for coming back. I am a very lucky blogger.
12 comments:
I hope your husband has enough energy soon for a worthy celebration. And a clear scan in December would be the best kind of Christmas present!
Did your husband get to ring the bell after his last treatment? Glad his side effects were few and manageable. Our son said the radiation fatigue was the worse for him. Then they changed his chemo and he would have gladly been back in radiation. He was really sick and fatigued. Will pray your husband's PET scan is good in December.
That is such good news! It's truly a milestone and a great relief. Especially for the two of you. May his recovery be free of incident!
Such great news about the end of treatment. Now time to recover! Welcome back!
That 'Anonymous' is Michelle at Boulderneigh. It SAYS I'm commenting as Michelle, but it lied!
Oh good. That has happened to me before too.
You know, they never mentioned ringing the bell when we were leaving. But my husband really wasn’t in the mood to do anything like that. He is a low key guy normally and would probably be happy to avoid that. And yes, we were warned and prepared for all the side effects - and he was having radiation and chemo together so we really expected it.
Keeping our fingers crossed that this treatment period does what it is supposed to do.
Recovery is now the goal. With each day that passes we get closer to that goal.
So glad that his treatments are done. Now it's time to rest and recoup - probably for BOTH of you :-) Really hoping that nothing lights up on the PET scan in December! And I'm really glad you're blogging again. I missed you when you were gone :-)
Thanks A :-). It has been a challenge but we are on the upward path now.
I'm glad your husband's treatments are done. I didn't have to go through radiation, but I know cancer treatments take it out of a person. Friends and family are happy to hear it is done, but most don't really comprehend that a lot of fatigue and not feeling well are still ahead. Done isn't really done. Hugs to your hubs and you. Hoping to hear good news from the PET scan in December.
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