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How do I go through 6 weeks radiation and chemotherapy, alone?
I am a 72 year old widow in good health. I had a complete thyroidectomy. There is some inoperable cancer left on my trachea and tiny bit on neck lymph nodes.
I am trying to understand the "how to" of 6 weeks radiation.
Can I live alone?
Will I get so tired that I can't care for myself?
Will I get so tired I can't take the train to my treatment?
I don't know what to expect.
Thanks
Kathleen
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I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through this, but I am equally inspired by your focus and tenacity.
I am a bit curious about the use of chemotherapy and radiation treatment as opposed to radioactive iodine. Thyroid tissue (and as I understand it, thyroid cancer cells) absorb iodine which makes thyroid cancer treatable using radioactive iodine which ablates the cancerous cells and is much less impactful to your body than chemo or radiation.
I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer back in 2008 and had a full thyroidectomy followed by two rounds of radioactive iodine. I take a slightly higher dose of levothyroxine to keep my TSH levels down and have been free of thyroid cancer since.
Good luck and Godspeed!!!
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1 ReactionThank you for all the hopeful, positive responses. I am a strong person. I am a faithful person.
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1 ReactionI had Tongue and Neck Lymph node SCC HPV cancer. 58 years old. I had TORS surgery and then 6 weeks of radiation to clean up any cancer. I drove myself to all 30 appointments an hour away. In all honesty, it was not that bad. A little tiring but I managed OK. You will be surprised what you can do if you have to do it yourself like someone mentioned before. Worrying solves absolutely nothing. FIGHT and trust in your faith that all will be well. After about 3 months from completing the radiation I was about 70% back to normal. 16 months as of today I am about 90% back. You CAN do this!
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2 ReactionsThank you so much just knowing someone has gone through and experience what I’m about to experience makes a world of difference..
I want to be able to pass along the few words of encouragement and support and tell them how and what to expect in their journey as you have done for me.. thank so much God bless you for being there for me and everyone else in my situation
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1 ReactionThank you Josk
Full support from here ... I went through all 35 radiation sessions on my own - i.e. either getting support drivers from the Cancer Society which the hospital referred me to, and days when I was not able to have volunteer drivers, I have to arrange for cabs (Uber was not around those days/years!).
Good that you have roommates to reach out to, and at same time - perhaps the hospital that you are getting treatments from may be able to assist and refer you to a program.
All the best - take care !!
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2 ReactionsI’m hopeful that I will be able to get myself to and back from my treatments
If not I’m sure my roommates will be able to help me out until the time comes I’ll be praying that I’ll love able to do it I have nothing else family here in San Antonio just my two roommates
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1 ReactionThere is someone in this group who drove to all his treatments. I am expecting to be very tired. Exhaustion is the #1 side effect. I have found a chauffeur service that will drive my car and wait. I have friends who offered to drive. I am guessing I will need help starting week 3 or 4. I will put together a driving team.
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2 ReactionsI have the same concerns I am about to start radiation for Chondrosarcoma on my head and neck.
would I be able to drive after my radiation treatment?
Amen.
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