Friday, April 30, 2010 - Radiation Completed!

Joe completed his last session of radiation today. We feel like this is another hurdle that is now complete and that Joe is one step closer to being cancer free. He was awarded a certificate for "Finishing Radiation" by "The Gang" in the radiation oncology department. Below is a picture of Joe with his certificate standing with Dr. Nielson and Nurse Caralyn. Joe continues to have a great attitude which makes the treatments go smoothly. Now that radiation is over and we can wash all the Sharpie marks that were made on his abdomen, he will finally get a shower. He has been having sponge baths for a few weeks while his scar healed and to avoid washing off the markings needed for radiation. I am sure a good shower will make him feel better, too. He has been a little more tired today, but he also was able to eat the Mama's Blueberry pancakes at Cracker Barrel with lots of butter and blueberry syrup. We are learning ways to add calories to Joe's diet without adding a lot more food to his plate...like lots of butter. Joe is still feeling well from the chemotherapy yesterday, but he does have some mild side effects which includes tingling in his fingers. He seems to be handling this chemo drug much better than last week. From now on we should only have one appointment a week for 26 more weeks unless there are additional scans or tests necessary. We are looking forward to an uneventful and relaxing weekend.