Ring, ring, ring. On the way from the radiation room to the front door there’s a big brass bell with a sign saying ring three times to announce when you’ve finished your final radiation treatment. Well, it’s not really a big bell, medium-sized maybe, and it might not really be brass. But I like to write it that way because it reminds me of Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay,” bad grammar and all.
Ten minutes earlier I had joked with the nurse that some day we’d bump each other and wonder why we look so familiar, She said I had been a real trooper throughout 30 radiation treatments over the past six weeks. Apparently the number of treatments varies depending on where the cancer is and how severe it is. Mine, it seems, was not too awfully severe, but was in a most sensitive place inside the nose and near the eyes. The pain was nothing at fiirst. After about two week my cheeks and nose turned rosy red like a mild sunburn. and then it got worse and worse, with blistering and peeling and dry skin. The last week was sheer torture. But the nurses were very kind. I even wore my pink crocs for them.
They warned me that it would get worse before it got better, but that will only be seven to ten days. I think I can tough it out. Next will come almost a full month with little to do until it’s time for follow-up checkups with the radiology doc and the plastic surgeon. Now I’m going to have a glass of wine and look for something distracting on television.
Good news Alec! So glad that you are indeed a trooper and will pray that the worst is over! We miss you and Gabby at the Y! Hope you will be able to return to join us again soon!
Alec: Congratulations to both you and Gabi for your endurance and perseverance and just plain determination. May the next month be peaceful and renewing for you both.
Carolyn Treadway
I’m so,glad you’ve finished your radiation. Wishing you the very best for the recovery process. Sending you a warm hug. ❤️ Gail.
Congratulations! You made it through a very, very tough patch!
So happy for this bell ringing and your progress toward putting this chapter behind you!
So glad you’re done with the radiation. I hope you enjoyed the wine, you deserve it. Thinking if you over here and wishing for your speedy recovery. XO
CONGRATULATIONS ALEC!
Becky and I are so very happy for you. Nice work!
Ring that bell – ring out the treatment you’ve finished, and ring in a much easier and more pleasant life ahead. So happy to hear your radiation treatments are over.
If you ever find yourself (and Gabi) planning to travel to the Issaquah area, please let me know. We have a very relaxing home surrounded by greenbelt all around, and would love to have you over for a leisurely afternoon on the porch, sipping Arnold Palmers, eating snacks, and catching up.
Yay! Congratulations on completing radiation treatments! Wishing you a speedy recovery!