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The Cancer Strikes Back

Radiation is a couch potato's dream! Lie there, don't move, let us move you. Those are the instructions one hears when undergoing radiation. For one year I have written many articles about this battle, awaiting it's end with anticipation. My hopes that this nightmare was finally finished were dashed in November of last year. Radiation & Chemotherapy together. That's the solution to the reoccurrence of my cancer.

After my final chemotherapy in October of last year the medical tests are not finished far from it. With blood work, a physical and a CT Scan it unfortunately became evident that the cancer was still present in my body. The aggressive approach, as it is called, requires a five-week daily dose of radiation coupled with 7-day a week chemotherapy.

Three weeks into radiation, thankfully, the side affects are non-existent. What works is a proactive approach prior to the treatment. Alcohol in all forms is to be avoided. Cutting out an occasional drink is easy it's the hidden sources that must be watched such as mouthwash, cough syrup, certain food products, etc.

Drink lots of water, get a little exercise every day and most of all keep a positive attitude. To be honest in many ways, it is easier the second time around. It's not good the disease is back but the mystery is gone.

Radiation is painless and quick. That makes it easier than chemotherapy, but being at a hospital every week day requires a great deal of scheduling to live as full and productive a life as possible.