Last day of 30 radiotherapy sessions 7/3/25 tonsil cancer T2m0n0 HPv unknown - here’s where I am

You have done really well and thanks for the update.

Some work begins now and it will be slow but you will get there. Your RT effects are cumulative and haven't peaked yet for another two to three weeks. I agree you will have to forego that musical. Your friend means well and it's lovely to have such a kind one but nobody who isn't a fellow sufferer knows what we go through and how long it takes to recover.

I had friends and family who thought I was cured and ready to rock and roll the minute I fell off the treatment table....oh dear!

Print a few copies of Peter Harvey's essay on recovering from cancer. Dish them out to a few people. I did; didn't't have to keep apologising and explaining  and it took a huge weight off my mind

After Treatment

Hi Lorr O,well done finishing your treatment. You have done really well, and this will inspire others who are having or about to start their treatment.  Friends and family do tend to think after treatment that you're back to 100%, so although your friend, no doubt had all good intentions, you would probably be best to decline her kind thought. 

Ray.

Well done Dani’s said it all so hunker down watch some box sets then look forward to summer. Your friend meant well but as we know treatment continues. 
ring the bell then come home make sure you’ve pain killers 

hugs Hazel x

Well done on completing your treatment! 

I am echoing what others have said....our friends and family tend to think that because we have finished our treatment we are back to "normal". Of course they all mean well but in reality, our reality is different.. first of all our body needs a lot more time to recover and mentally we need to process what has happened to us. As Beesuit suggested, it is a good idea to read and give a copy of Peter Harvey's essay to the people close to you maybe? When I read it, I cried....what he described was exactly how I felt. 

Take each day a time at your own pace. Treat yourself to food you fancy... my guilty pleasure was chocolate mousse..., rest plenty and listen to your body...if you fancy a nap in the afternoon...go for it! Chill out in front of your favourite series. Be kind to yourself. You are doing amazingly well! 

Sending you loads of love and sunshine.

Fab1

Congrats for getting this far and sounds like you've done brilliantly, a really inspiring post.

Don't ring that bell half-heartedly though, ring it with vigour as you deserve to do. It's hard to explain to people just how brutal our treatment is and coming to the end of it does deserve celebration (I had to make do with a phone app for a bell as they don't have one at the Western at Edinburgh - but I did ring it just about all the way home on my last day )

As others have alluded to the hard work really does start now and that's what a lot of people don't understand. However, it really does sound like you've got yourself into a really good place both mentally and physically.

Plenty of rest now, and you'll actually be surprised how quick those 3-4 months go before the scan comes round.

Well done again ! x

FifeFlyer75 said:

Don't ring that bell half-heartedly though, ring it with vigour as you deserve to do.

Singleton doesn’t have a bell. I was offered one at The Morriston when I was finally discharged. Couldn’t do it. All I could do was point out to my oncologist that there was a grammatical error in the inscription 

Thanks everyone - I did ring it and everyone in the waiting room cheered and clapped and I’ve been emotional all day. My sister came with me (I’ve done all the rest alone) and she was emotional too. It was lovely seeing my favourite receptionist stood there clapping. She made my day every time she remembered my name (it really is the little things). 

the purpose of my post was to tell people to listen to the advice as much as you can manage. And that you might not get all of the side effects… if you are lucky.  

This update is very encouraging as my husband is on day 15 of radiation treatment for hpv tonsil cancer.  He tried the magic mouthwash for the first time today and he is learning day by day what he can and cannot eat.  

Congratulations on completing your treatment and you should ring that bell as loudly as possible.  We will be at this stage in 3 weeks. 

All my best to you!!

Very well done. It's a great milestone. I had a bit of a dip after this point but it looks like you are already expecting that. Skin care is important so keep that up and also use sunblock if you go outside. Mucus can be an issue. Drinking helps a little but wasn't a fix for me. I hope that improves quickly for you. Time has been the thing that improved everything for me from this point onwards. 

Thank you - I’ve upped the nebuliser and am having gagging which leads to vomiting with the mucus. 

I feels so lethargic and have no interest in eating. I have to force myself x