May 09 - Awoke with slight headache and nausea, also still taking arthotec for the gout in left toe
In hindsight , the very first symptom I ever had of gout was in February 07, in my own non medical rationale, I think that was my first warning sign that my body was in a fight
2nd radiation 0800 - 0815, again uneventful….
May 10-12
A quiet relaxing weekend, speaking to sister by phone, and mother for mothers day, had visitors one afternoon, went for a drive close to Brussels for lunch
Monday, the 12th was Pentacost holiday here, so there were no radiation treatments today
May 13, 14, 15
0800-0830 3rd - 5th radiation treatment
Read and learned more about radiation long term and late term side effects
May 16
0900 -0915 6th radiation treatment
0915 - 0945 Met with dietician for information, and learned a little more about the possibility of inflamed esophagus side effects, that usually take place about a week after radiation starts, and lasts 2 -3 weeks
May 17 - 18
A quiet weekend of computer work, and a visit to the Canadian war cemetery in Bergen Op Zoon, followed by a visit to Yvonne’s, Theresia’s daughter….
May 19 - 21
0800-0830 7th - 9th radiation treatment
About 1700 on May 21 the esophagus was becoming more annoying, and morning headaches were returning
May 22
0950 - appointment with my original lung doctor, Dr Kessels where he explained my results were quite good overall, and the 1st followup was scheduled for July 03.…a period of recuperation to see effects of radiation, and overall results….still non-committal but positive
There seemed to be differing interpretations of success by all three doctors involved, oncologist seemed to say chemo was 90% effective, radiologist was saying 3 of 7 scans may still show some remaining signs of tumor or scar tissue, Dr Kessels is saying we got the best possible results, now we must wait until July 03 for blood test, and x-ray
1340 - 1400 10th radiation treatment
1400 2nd appointment with Dr de Brouwer…Was interested in what tests he would conduct to see radiation results…surprisingly discovered there were none, until my lung doctor did an xray before the July 03 appointment
I was agitated, because so much attention, and testing was done prior to and during chemotherapy……it almost felt like “we done what we could”, and cannot see inside for the results……and now his job was done…….only future symptoms would be investigated….in spite of the scans done during radiation treatments
It all seemed rather anti-climatic at this point……sounded good but….
Any discussions of side effects always came back to …deal with as it happens…not much real information, other than what I learned online myself……
May 23 - 25
The esophagus pain was becoming more annoying, fatigue was setting in each afternoon….
I struggled though a family dinner outing Sunday afternoon……difficulty swallowing
May 26
0800-0830 12th radiation treatment
May 27 - Final Radiation Treatment
1350-1415 13th radiation treatment
Finally the last treatment…….such a relief…….so far the results are good
I am taking a suspension of sucralfaat to eases the esophagus pain 3 times a day now….it does offer relief
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