Five-sixths of the way thru radiation therapy.
I don’t have the vocabulary to describe what’s going on in my mouth and down my throat. It hurts… kind of. But it’s not ouchy. It’s sore… kind of. But it doesn’t ache. Mainly I don’t want to talk much.
And I don’t have the vocabulary to describe what food tastes like, mainly because my taste buds have ceased all functioning and food is now just a necessary evil to keep the hunger pangs at bay. There is really no joy in it, which is rather disconcerting for my Houston and Austin family who are working overtime to prepare meals.
Mind you, this isn’t complaining, regardless of what the artwork might suggest. The doctors are impressed that I haven’t started the narcotic pain meds, seeing as how Advil and Tylenol work fine. And the nurses are happy to see a little hop in my step, although truth be told that was just once, otherwise I walk very slowly.
Five-sixths of the way, then. One week to go. Even though they say that the side effects will continue to build for two or three weeks after the treatment, I look forward to week nights in my own bed. I look forward to taking out the garbage. To burying the compost. To both dogs barking at the front door. I even look forward to rush hour traffic!
Yes, one more week and all these things will be mine.