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1-16-97
Last Tuesday, 1-15-97, was my last radiation treatment. The crew
at
the radiation clinic gave me a certificate of graduation. And did it
ever
feel good. I go back in to the radiation clinic for a check up and
to set
up a time for a cat scan in 2 weeks. I will see my oncologist and Ear,
Nose and Throat Doctors next week. I think I am all cured, but time
will
tell of course. My last check up showed no sign of any abnormality.
I lost another 2 or three pounds in the last week, however since I
quit treatment I have started to eat more and I am gaining weight now.
When the whole thing started in August I weighed 155lbs and Tuesday
I was
down to 133. My normal weight is 145, so I would like to put on
about 10-12
pounds.
I am hoping to be back at work in about 3 weeks, but of course
that
is up to the doctors. However, my main care giver thinks it is a great
idea. I get tired fairly easy but am feeling better everyday.
I am on an emotional high, I just hope it doesn't end too soon.
It has been a long and tough battle. There were times when I
just felt
like I wanted it all to end. Day after day of nausea, a sore and dry
mouth,
unable to eat and feeling very weak just seemed like it was too much
too
take at times. I would tell myself to hang in for a few days more
and it
would all be over. I remember once looking at the pump with my chemo
and
feeling nauseaous I just wanted to yank it out and quit. But I managed
to hang in and finish. If I could keep going back for more
treatments I
think that just about anybody could do it. But I sure have a much
greater
understanding of what people are going through. And I wish to offer
all
my support to those of you who are going through it, or about to
start.
The lingering side effects of my radiation are starting to go away. My
dry and leathery skin is starting to peel off and should be gone in
another
couple of weeks. My taste buds should be back in 3 months and some
of my
saliva may return then. Although most people who get radiaton
treatments
where I did usually never get them back.
I will update this page when I get the results back from the cat
scan.
Dick.
dickcr@yahoo.com