Tomorrow morning (Valentine's Day) at 1145 I'll begin rads. I figure the last day will be April 5, each day at the same time. I know tomorrow won't be bad and that Friday won't be either and probably all of next week...and then it'll be all downhill. I've read where a few of you or your loved ones displayed minor side effects for a few weeks and then it all hit at once. I think I'm a tough old broad (still a cute one though) but I've only needed that strength for short periods of time: child birth, a kidney stone more than twenty years ago, gall stones, even chemo for breast cancer. Once these occurrences were over, they were over, nothing lingered.

It's so heartening to read the positive survivor stories, including the new one from the guy in France, giving me some hope. I met two women at the cancer center; one with 12 rads left, the other with 16. They managed to laugh (well, chuckle a little) in the waiting room and who were still able to drive themselves to their appointments. One said, "How you doin'?" The reply, "Still hangin' in there." I hope to be able to say the same.

I sign on to this board frequently and because of our different time zones, sometimes I'm the only member here. Then I look at the number of lurkers - sometimes 60, sometimes 80, sometimes over 100. I think you 'old timers' have done something for lots of someones and may never hear from them or know who they are. You've certainly helped me so I'm sure you're helping them.

I'm just rambling like a fool - I guess that if anyone understands, you guys do. Wish me luck. I hope I can sleep tonight. As we (maybe you too?) say, I'm scared sh**less.

Mimi

you'll do fine Mimi..... go to bed early and get a good night's sleep....

you'll get into the routine and get to make new acquaintances with similar problems..... but, i'll be the first to agree that it's one heck of a way to meet new people.... ROFL

strange, but it just occurred to me that most of the folks appointments around the same time as myself were all men.....

and by the way, i kind of miss the techs.... one gets kind of attached to them and once your treatment is over, you only see them by chance when you are in for a check-up with the doc....

again, good luck and wish you well on your journey and look forward to you posting on the survior story thread in a few months.....

later, pete

Hi Mimi
all the best for today(5.20am uk time).I remember the day we started,and looking at the schedule the hospital printed out for all Robs appointments.At the time it looked overwhelming,but it was over in the blink of an eye.

I am not gonna tell you it was a walk in the park,but one day it was April 13th and it was finished.

good luck babe.

liz

Good Luck Mimi, I hope your first day goes well and I know after the first day things will just fall into place for you. Meeting new people on the same journey helps what you are facing also although I didn't have that journey my husband did and we ment some wonderful people along the way. Some were staff at the hospital and others were patients also. Take each day one at a time, and tick it off in your head as another day is over. You have a right to be scared but as I said the first day is always the hardest for anything.
WE will be thinking of you.
Tracey

Hi Mimi
Good luck on day one,I aswell as others in here know exactly how you are feeling, not knowing what to expect. Everyones experiences are different,I sailed through the first 4 weeks, with a bit redness and tiredness. The MCF was my diary, I posted after every day, remember you have your friends here, and as your treatment continues you will meet new friends in the waiting room! I found my team at the hospital became like friends too.
Good Luck and keep us posted
Best wishes
Tracey

Just brace yourself and try to do everything that's recommended to you, i.e. mousturising cream, stuff to protect your teeth, mouth washes, etc. etc.

My mum got sick and tired of "messing around with herself" as she put it, but she did what she could and I'm sure it minimised the effects.

Don't be afraid to ask questions of the people you see - ask, ask and ask again.

Only once has my mum said "I wish I'd have known that ages ago".

Good luck and you are in our thoughts

Hi! Mimi,
As Winnie said "Brace Yourself" Yes it will be easy for a couple of weeks and then the RADS catch up and Strange things happen (Taste starts to disappear, Saliva slows down, everything goes Metalic, Your sense of smell hightens, Lethatgy starts to take over your body), this can come on at different times for different people and maybe some of them wont occur at all, BUT be aware there will be changes and it is best to be forwarned and even though it seems like bad news believe me it would have been appreciated for me if someone had forwarned me of the effects of the RT treatment.
After all that drama though I have got past it and have learned to accept the little problems that still exsist. I saw my Oncologist Specialist and was informed that the Taste Buds, Lethargy, Stumbling problems will be with me for up to 2 years, My Saliva may improve BUT maybe not by much, My throat has colapsed and that is to be expanded this Month (however this will have to be done at other times). Some of the problems are because my Thyroid Gland has shit its self because of the Chemo/RT treatment and I will be on medication to rectify the problem.
Tracey said that you will meet new friends ,thats right it is amazing how many people ar in the treatment room when you are there and they all have a similsr story to tell, I met heaps and kept in touch after my treatment finnished, BUT the best contacts are here on the Forum, so best of luck with your treatment and keep in touch withus.
"Stay Strong"
LOVE Trev

Hi! Mimi,
I forgot to remind you "MAKE SURE YOU ARE APPLYING SORBOLENE CREAM BEFORE AND AFTER R/T TREATMENT"
love trev

Hi Mimi
Thinking of you today. Not too sure whether it's still to come for you, or over and done with. If it's the latter, you'll be wondering why on earth you were fretting.
Go with the flow, plaster on the creams ~ three times a day, keep smiling and take each day as it comes.
We're all here for you
Love
Deborah

Hi Mimi, I did ok right the way through but I know everyone is different so keeping my fingers crossed for you. The worst I had was feeling sick but they gave me pills for that and I managed to eat. I hope it goes well and you never know, you might not suffer too much. Hagg.

So you'd have had your first radio therapy treatment by now... & it will bean anti-climax to your build up!
At least you're prepared for any eventuality Mimi... You say you don't know if you can endure it - but we al know you will. You will because you have to. you'll laugh and cry... & that will keep you sane (almost!).

Well done you!

Dearest Mimi,
I know I am as they call in India a "late latif" -a person who is always late and truly apologise for the delay in welcoming you to our nice cozy forum which consist of the best people you will ever get to know. I can say this with conviction as I cannot imagine my life without them.
As I write this you must have already begun on your radiations and are still more of less not feeling the soreness which honestly speaking you will discover will happen with time. However, there is medication to make things better and to feel better. Dont ever be scared as its not worth getting scared over something that you "expect" to happen and it never does. There is no point in worrying about tomorrow when today is still around and hence called the present. Its a gift so accept it with you arms wide open.

I am really sorry if I have ever hurt you in any way, as I truly am not the kind and besides I just love women. So Mimi - do not fet and stand strong as you have done all along and sail through the radiation process with as much ease as possible.

With lots and lots of love, great hugs and a plenty of kisses (I distribute them to all as I have a lot in stock).
Ananth

Hi Mimi, I am so sad you like us have to go through the Radio but its vital as you know.
I strated mine on 2nd Jan 02 and al I could think was "happy new year to me"
It was hard specially trying to peg feed when I got home hurt and tired, But please hang on in there it gets better.

good luck

Paul

ps please let us know how your doing