Well, it’s been a week now since Rick’s last treatments. We were told going into this that the 2 weeks afterwards were the worst, and the first week was pretty miserable for my honey.
He was able to get a few days in at work, but by he end of the week his body was in pretty bad shape. Most of his time over the weekend was spent taking pain pills, getting his required “nourishment in a can”, pushing water into his system and sleeping.
He voice is still on hiatus, so most of our communication is through hand signals and texting. I miss talking to him so much! (Thor’s a great conversationalist, but it’s just not the same.)
I was hoping that our Monday jaunts to Rice Lake were over, but that doesn’t look to be the case right now. We had a follow-up appointment yesterday with his Radiation Oncologist, and it looks like we will be doing those for the next couple weeks.
The Doctor’s main concern at this point is Rick coming down with a fever, because in his words “That would be an emergency.” All that radiation and poison that was put into him for 7 weeks is finally coming to a peak, so his body is really vulnerable right now.
:::
And speaking of his treatments, Rick was able to get a picture of what he looked like in the Radiation room. The mask over his face and shoulders helped them to pinpoint the area they needed to concentrate on, and it also kept him immobile by attaching to the table.
On his last day they gave him the mask to take home with him. I think it will be used next Halloween in some fashion.
:::
Another new tidbit of information was that he will need to go through a type of physical therapy to help him swallow and talk, two things that are the most painful to him right now.
So even though we thought that getting through the radiation and chemo was the hardest part, it was just part one of his battle. Now he starts part two which will in all likelihood will take another 2 months.
This is very frustrating and depressing to Rick, but as the Doctor told him, “Each week you will feel a little better… a little less pain than the week before.”
He’s been right about everything else up until this point, I gotta believe him on that one too.
12 Responses to “The Aftermath”
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blessings, hugs and tons of love flooding you always take care both of you hang tough
Sandy, your updates on what you and Rick are going through have been heart wrenching, to say the least. I am so happy for both of you that the radiation and chemo are done. The picture of Rick immobilized with the mask speaks volumes. I hope the next phase is a little easier to cope with. I am thinking of both of you and sending hugs!
My heart goes out to both of you. I hope the next month goes by quickly so he can feel better really soon!
Hi Sandy! Both you and Rick have been in my thoughts quite often. Let Rick know our family is thinking of him. Take care and much strength sent your way!
All those blessing, hugs and love help us every day Mona! *hugs*
Yes, it is not a pleasant experience for Rick to go through, but the overwhelming support and love that comes from everyone helps him every day.
We are hoping so too Judy 🙂
Thank you Lori! We need that strength every day and knowing that we have more coming makes it a little easier. Much love to you and your family!
Rick and Sandy I am glad that you are on this side of all the treatments. Just pray that from now on it will be an up hill climb. I think of you daily and pray that God would see fit to heal and to bless you with His love. Glad for the weekly updates.
Erik and I both wish we could have seen you both this past weekend, but we totally understand. Let me know when it is safe for us to visit. Me working retail, Erik at a mall, just means too many germs. Love and miss you three (including Thor!). Ttys! Love from me, Erik, Brayden and Jude!
I’m glad to be able to share the updates, and I’ll be very happy when he is well there won’t be anymore! Thank you for the prayers, we are grateful for all of them.
Yep, germs very bad right now 😉 I’ll let you know when he’s better and up for company. Lots of love to all of you!