Today I had my last radiation treatment. Since June 25, when I got the horrible diagnosis of uterine papillary serous carcinoma, my life has not been my own. I started chemo in August - so long ago.There is no side effect from chemo or radiation that I have not had (and some I still have). I have been one sick, unhappy, exhausted patient. I am hopeful that in time these side effects will go away or at least diminish.
I am happy about the treatments being over, but nervous, because nothing is now stopping the spread of this awful disease. I will have a CT scan in six weeks to see if anything suspicious is going on. After that, I will have a scan every three months. I am working hard to accept the fact that this IS my life from now on, and just hope that I can make the most of every day.
Thanks so much to everyone who has supported me through all of this, either in person, in comments, on the phone, or in e-mail. My family and friends have been just amazing. Hugs and love to all of you.
Good Morning - I decided to drop in at your blog, even before my first cup of coffee, and I am so glad I did. Bravo to you for finishing the treatments! If I was there I would pin a medal on you, along with a hug.
Rest in the knowledge that you have done serious battle, and believe that it has flattened the enemy. Your family and friends will continue to support you and the prayers will keep going up.
Posted by: Susan | February 15, 2011 at 12:48 AM
Yay! So glad the treatments are over. May the side effects dissipate soon.
Posted by: Cindy | February 15, 2011 at 01:28 AM
I'm so glad the treatments are over. I know how hard it was for you and your family. Here's to a happy and healthy future with many, many good books and hugs from Charley.
Posted by: Linda | February 15, 2011 at 02:48 AM
JoAnn, I have been thinking about you, so was happy to read this post. You have been through so much, I am happy your treatments are now over, and hopefully life will soon become more normal.
Posted by: Diane@BibliophileBytheSea | February 15, 2011 at 07:06 AM
Congratulations on finishing this phase. It's never over, I've come to believe, but at least this big hurdle is! Hope you can get some rest and at least have more control over your day again. I was surprised by the fact I wasn't overjoyed when treatment was over; great as it was, not having that cushion of actively fighting the cancer was a strange feeling to adjust to. I hope you can do that better than I did. Sending lots of hugs to you...
Posted by: Lisa Adams | February 15, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Hooray - congratulations on finishing up the treatments. You made it and now you get your life back and can do something absolutely fabulous! Enjoy.
Posted by: Joanne | February 15, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Congratulations on fighting the good fight. Hope all the symptoms go away with everything else. Now it's on to Eric Ripert's - LOL
Posted by: Margaret | February 15, 2011 at 03:56 PM
Hi Miss JoAnn! Just checking in on your blog and I'm so glad to hear that you are finished with your radiation treatments. I hope that you will be feeling like your old self before you know it!
Posted by: Carolyn | February 15, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Congratulations, JoAnn! Wishing you continued health and happiness.
Posted by: Barb | February 15, 2011 at 07:15 PM
So glad that this is over for you. It is early enough in the year to have a new start! I have started yoga and am amazed after three classes the difference in my stress level. This may be a good way to celebrate!
Posted by: Karen | February 16, 2011 at 04:52 PM
So happy to hear that the treatments are over. You've done a heck of a job by telling your story here.
Rest and heal.
Posted by: knitmary | February 16, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Hip, hip hooray! SO GLAD your treatments are done! Hope life can begin anew for you now. Big hugs to you.
Posted by: Eloise | February 16, 2011 at 10:32 PM
JoAnn, I'm so happy to hear that your treatments are over! What a relief this must be for you. And what joy at getting back to your normal life - the one that you control! Hopefully, all side effects will soon be gone too! Lots of hugs!
Posted by: Sarah | February 17, 2011 at 09:18 AM
So glad to hear that your treatments are over. I hope this means onwards and upwards for you. I'm crossing my fingers that your next scan is totally perfect!
Posted by: Brooke | February 17, 2011 at 10:48 PM
So happy to hear that the treatments are over. Hooray!!!
Posted by: elizabeth | February 18, 2011 at 01:47 AM
Such good news! I'm happy that this phase is finished.
Posted by: Kathy | February 19, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Clapping and cheering here for the end of this difficult time in your life!
Posted by: Sherry | February 19, 2011 at 05:50 PM
thanks, Susan!
Posted by: JoAnn Kirk | February 20, 2011 at 11:14 AM
JoAnn, I hope you are getting all the well-deserved rest your body is craving right now. Spring is around the corner (hopefully) and perhaps with a new season, a new spurt of energy will come along with it. Til then, you keep taking good care of yourself, and rest and enjoy the good things of life, such as books :-) and especially your darling grandson.
Posted by: Susan | February 21, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Congrats on wrapping this up!! Stay strong JoAnn!
Posted by: Andrea | February 22, 2011 at 01:17 PM