Just when I was getting the hang of cancer treatment, it’s over. (And I always whisper to myself “yeah, for now” but you can’t hear me say that.)
I had my last carboplatin/paclitaxel ritual poisoning two weeks ago.
Thirty radiation treatments, five rounds of chemo, a clinical trial I got kicked off of because I was in the hospital with pneumonia and missed a chemo session, radiation pneumonitis, rashes, dry skin, runny nose, cough, supplemental oxygen and other various and sundry irritations and annoyances, and it’s over.
Now what?
I’ve read about this part of the cancer experience. The waiting. The wondering. Is it gone? I won’t know for 8 weeks when I’m scheduled for a PET scan.
I finally got caught up on reading all your blogs. You make me laugh, cry and think. Thank you.
So, I got nuthin’ except to say I’m doing well for now and I love not having hair. Really.
So, so happy for you. I remember that waiting and it doesn’t go away. Every year (six months for the first five years) when I got a checkup I held my breath. I never had chemo though. I was grateful although I wondered if not having hair would mean no fussing or if I would be so upset by it that I wouldn’t enjoy the low maintenance factor. Hope I never know. Hugs to you!
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Thanks Kate. I try to keep busy so I won’t think about it. You get in such a routine when you’re going through treatment. It’s hard to adjust your mindset.
And thanks for keeping me entertained with your blog. I especially love the Random 5. And I like the plaid wallpaper!
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I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. Having made it through all the radiation and other invasions, I’d like to believe that everyone else can, too. Waiting sucks! Oops is that too strong a word? Well it does, but read good books, force yourself to take longer walks each day, go shopping at the mall for the sheer joy of looking through the windows, begin a journal, just keep doing.
Best to you
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Thanks! Good advice.
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I have been wondering how you are doing. Glad to get an update. I hope it’s a time of good rest for you now after all of this.
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Been enjoying your writing, too.
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For somebody with “nuthin'” to say, you certainly said a lot, and said it well.
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Aw, so sweet you are, my friend.
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I was thrilled to return from a three-week technology-free break to discover a post from you with the good news that you have finished your treatment. My thoughts will be with you as you wait. Thank you for updating your reader-fans; we care about you.
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Thank you! How kind of you to take the time to say that.
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My goodness!! You describe a rough, tough treatment regimen. The many “irritations and annoyances” of side effects can leave a person knee-walking tired.. Since your post I hope you’ve gained strength, some of your old life back, and are writing drafts for us/we readers as you wait through the 8 weeks. Positive thoughts and wishes are sent your way.
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Thank you so much. I have gained strength and feeling better every day. Writing, not so much, but it’s on my list!
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