masspa Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Mom's finished with her 30 radiation treatments and 3 of 4 cycles of chemo. I have to say I was worried about an 83 year old going through concurrent radiation and chemo, but she's been handling it remarkably well. THe plan is to hold off on her final round of chemo until 3/2 because she's starting to experience the radiation associated symptoms (esophagitis and fatigue) and since those symptoms may increase over the next 3-4 weeks, she didn't want to hit her with another round of chemo next week. Mom's psyched about that!!! SHe's really been a trooper!! She had been a bit tired, but is still getting out with friends and enjoying life. I think not having to make the drive into Boston (45-60 min each way) daily will feel like vacation. ALthough others do the actual driving, it's still tiring. THe current plan is to have a chest CT 3/2, meet with her medical onc and NP and start her final round of chemo for this cycle. I know she's excited for the scan to see how she's responding to treatment. As so many others have said - that's the really scarey time. I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst - I think she'll be so disappointed if there hasn't been improvement. SHe's been working so hard at all of this, it would be a horrible blow for her not to see some result from that. she's been so positive throughout her treatment, and so sure that she'll come out of this OK, I just hope we haven't lulled ourselves into a false sense of security. Oh well, I guess there's nothing that can be done about that execpt to continue to hope for the best - what will be, will be. SOrry, I've babbled for awhile - I do have one more question Regarding the radiation symptoms - now that she's finished - I know the symptoms will persist, but do they get worse after radiation is complete?? I share all your stories and insight with Mom, and she really appreciates all your help. So, from both of us, thanks for all the support and help Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Ferguson Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Wow, I'm impressed! Your Mother certainly is a warrior and sounds like her onc is thinking ahead on this one. Radiation can hit weeks later. The blood counts will be key here... Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible. Sounds as if she has the fighting spirit...Looking for positive results! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Good for Mom! What a fighter she is! Radiation keeps working for about 2 weeks after the last treatment. After that, she should see steady improvement day by day. It's important to keep her hydrated and to make sure she keeps getting nourishment. Sleeping is really good, too. I'll be praying for only the best scan results. Good luck to the 2 of you. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Jen..........I am so hoping that mom gets good news that keeps her spirits and fighting attitude up. She HAS done remarkably well............let her know how proud we are of her. I'll get started on the prayer wheel with regards to the upcoming scans. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Jen, Your Mom has done great. Her side effects should begin to lessen after a few weeks, except, the fatigue can last a few months. It can be gone and then return in a few months. Just make sure she gets plenty of rest and she should be fine. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennaG Posted February 13, 2007 Share Posted February 13, 2007 I have no insight but just wanted to say hooray for your mom! Give her an extra hug from us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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