Transitioning into Recovery

On Monday, October 20th, I completed my final radiation treatment, marking the beginning of what I call the “recovery phase.” In this period, Darcy and I have chosen to keep a very low profile for a couple of weeks. This decision is primarily due to my compromised immunity, being at the lowest point in my chemotherapy cycle, and the increasing difficulty I’m experiencing with speaking.

What to Expect in the First Two Weeks

We were advised that the first two weeks after finishing treatment can remain quite challenging, as my body continues to process the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Some people have described this phase as being in the “Eye of the Storm,” while others report fewer difficulties. I am open to experiencing my own reality, and here is what my first week of recovery has looked like.

Positive Developments

Ø Overall, I am feeling okay.

Ø We have improved our approach to feeding with the tube, which has been a significant help.

Ø I have managed to go outside for a walk every day, and sometimes even twice daily.

Ø My Radiation burns on my neck are healing nicely

Ø Darcy continues to be a constant support, handling everything around the house and taking care of me.

Current Challenges

Ø Significant throat pain persists, making swallowing difficult.

Ø Phlegm and mucus production continues to be an issue, with some days better than others.

Ø The ongoing phlegm and mucus make it hard to get quality sleep, leading to exhaustion and compounding other challenges.

Ø I am continuing to lose weight.

Strategies for Coping

Ø Keeping the big picture in mind:

Ø I remind myself that improvement is only a matter of days away. Remaining calm and envisioning what I might be doing a year from now helps me maintain perspective.

Ø Staying busy with hobbies and tasks:

Ø I keep myself occupied with activities like knitting, reading—even though brain fog has made this challenging—solving puzzles, playing cards, and playing the piano. I am also using this time to catch up on tasks I’ve put off, such as organizing and filing in my office. I even began rewatching Pride and Prejudice from some old VHS tapes!

Ø Addressing brain fog:

Ø I am enrolled in a Brain Fog course through Wellsprings, a charity that provides support programs for cancer patients and their families. My own experience with brain fog has been clear, as I was late to one session and missed another entirely, only realizing after a faculty member called me. Brain fog is characterized by challenges with memory, verbal skills, concentration, and executive function. Although chemotherapy is commonly cited as a cause, my instructor emphasized that it is not the only one, and cancer is not the sole condition associated with it.

Daily Adaptations

No matter where I am in the house, you will find me with my Trusty Red Folgers containers, which serve as my spittoons. I always keep them nearby