I will begin treatments within 2-4 weeks. I will have daily treatments Monday thru Friday for six weeks. I have applied for housing at the Mayo Clinic Campus in the American Cancer Society facilities. These facilities often have a waiting list during this time of year, but I am ever optimistic.
Potential side effects of the proposed radiation include: the likelyhood that I will need daily fluoride treatments for my teeth, subdued saliva gland production, potential swallowing issues, and radiation burns to my neck area.
The good news, last year I would have been subjected to treatment to both sides of my neck area, this time just one side. Also the expectation is that with the radiation treatment, I should be “cured” of this cancer.
Like most illnesses, the timing on this is really inconvenient. However we will forge ahead and get this period behind us and beat this cancer.
Well wishes, thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Financially and physically we are in good condition to weather this storm. During the treatment period, we may need some assistance with driving and/or minding my dog.
Being the new kid on the (cancer) block, I am ever optimistic that I can beat this. I know many of you have been through a similar trying time and have won the battle. I find the travel, appointments, and waiting to be more difficult than the treatments and surgery to date. That said, I am not looking forward to the radiation treatment.
More news as it happens.
