radiation starts monday....

Well, I got through the two chemos, but Monday i begin radiation. The last few days I've felt so well, I hate the idea of starting something new that will eventually make me feel run-down but know its got to be done. Then, after two months of radiation (5 weeks external, and 2 weeks internal), I get a month break before four more chemos.

Anyway, I'll get through it. I went for my "markup" for radiation and then friday, I had films taken. Sat in the waiting area with two women, one who was 3 weeks in and looked like she could run a marathon and the second woman, my age, who had to have her mother drive and was falling asleep in the chair. I know radiation affects people differently, but I'm hoping to work 6 hour days through this. I hope I can.

The one thing I am dreading is because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I will have 9 out of the next 10 days with a radiation appointment, and then a break...oh boy.

Well I just wanted to tell everyone I'm hanging in there. The last chemo was bad, had side effects for over a week. Radiation hopefully will be easier.

Will to Win,

I'm sorry to hear that you had to do chemo. I would think that if you survived that, the radiation should be easier. I'll be starting radiation on November 28 (but no chemo, hopefully). I'm worried about the possible side effect of diarrhea but I'll be going on an anti-diarrhea diet to try and avoid that. At least it's one way to get through the holidays without gaining weight from all those goodies!

I hope you can still have an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Good luck and I'll be very interested to hear how you are doing.

Louise

chemo can be very hard...
radiation is short and painless...the diarrhea comes in spells and i had some sunburnt skin but i had meds and lotions to handle all of that...
i've been out for so long that sometimes it's hard to remember exactly how i felt during that time...i know i was just so tired...i had a family to take care of along with running our ranch...i know the work and the constant on the go probably took alot of stress off my mind...sitting around worrying doesn't get you anywhere...if you can continue to work just a little, i know that will help alot...and i hope you're able to do it...
good luck in your further treatments...i pray all goes well...

s willtowin

Congrats on getting that first round of chemo done. Now, on to the radiation. I'm sure you are somewhat apprehensive, but I'm betting you are going to do just great. Attitude is so important. And you have it!

Keep us posted. I will be hoping and praying for minimal sideffects.

When I had my rad. tmts., I carried Imodium tablets in my purse. You will know when to use it. I also carried a small can of room spray from Bath and Body Works. They have lots of scents. If you'll be on chemo, you may not like scents, but it was a lifesaver in public restrooms (which I had to visit a lot) so I wouldn't be embarrassed.

I got skin burn too, but you heal up afterward. I did not/do not work, and I took naps and slept alot. I also have connective tissue diorder and rheum. arthritis which make you very tired, anyway. I used to be as energetic as a freight train. Oh for the good old days. I'm over the cancer. It's the old RA and connect. tiss. thing that keep me slowed down. You will get through this and heal up too. Don't allow yourself to get run down, and take care of y our diet.

Will,
Congrats on the first chemos. Radiation isn't as bad as you think. As long as I rested in the evenings, I was fine. If you get diarhhea, immodium or lomotil will control it. I had no other problems, none with my skin.

I think everyone ends up having breaks in radiation. There's always a holiday or something. I had Memorial Day off and then one day both radiation machines were being cleaned and serviced.

What kind of chemo are getting? I had cisplatin and it had few side effects.

Why is your ovarian not staged? As I recall, you have two different primaries. Am I remembering that correctly?

Hang in there, it will all be over in a couple of months!

Hugs,
Janie

Hi WillToWin,
Yeah, you got through the chemo first round and you will get through this radiation. As with most treatments, radiation affects people differently. Your treatments hold the promise of a healthy future, so pls listen to your body and rest when needed, etc.; assume your employee will again be flexible should you find 6hr days were too ambitious.
I will be keeping you in prayer and hope, if any side effct, they will be minimal.
s and blessings, peggiesue