Well, the box is empty. . .

I didn't tell anyone here, but when I started my CyberKnife treatments, I found a unique way to visually track my progress. Granted, there were only 5 treatments, but my treatment schedule was irregular due to the Thanksgiving holiday, so I needed a way to see each day where I was. My treatments were scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday of week 1, then Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday of week 2.

At my particular CyberKnife center (and probably many others) the standard treatment prep protocol calls for self-administration of a Fleet's enema 2 hours prior to each treatment. In advance, I purchased two 4-packs of the bottled enemas. I then took one bottle out of the first box and stored it elsewhere. Then each treatment day, as I used one of the bottles, I could easily see how many I had left.

Well, today I used that last bottle! This morning was my final CyberKnife treatment. I've graduated! I have to admit, though, that it was a bit anticlimactic. No fanfare. No graduation ceremony like I had from my 12-weeks of cardiac rehab some years ago. Just a round of hugs and thank-you's for each of the staff members who made my experience so special.

I'm going to give myself some time to absorb it all, then I promised that I would chronicle the treatments much as I did with all of my specialist and test appointments. I just need some time to process it all (and to consume celebratory beverages. . . ).

Also, In the spirit of the season, I just want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the folks here who have helped me so tremendously as I have started my journey. Completion of my treatment is a milestone, not an endpoint. I'll be around here for a long time.

Many high 5s to you.You done your due diligence and its over.We all know that feeling of being on the other side.Congrats and you really deserve a great holiday. Best of Luck

Mr. Pax, I was curious how you were doing a few days out from your final treatment...hope all is well.

I can't say that my side effects were delayed. I actually had some mild difficulty urinating during the weeks of treatment, but not bad. A couple of days after my last treatment, I started having more trouble starting a stream, and right along with that I had (have) some "rectal dysfunction." Tenesmus, if I've spelled it correctly. It feels like I have to have a bowel movement, but often don't. Now I know why you all told me "Never trust a fart." Some are spectacularly messy. . .

The worst part is when I try to urinate, but in order to relax the sphincter muscles to start urination, I also have to relax the rectal sphincter as well. Better believe that it hurts when there's nothing to expel. It is like your rectum has the dry heaves! Doc prescribed Flomax for the urinary reluctance, and told me to take Immodium for the bowel discomfort.

I'll have to report back on those, as I just started them today.

Moving right along. . .

Congratulations on finishing that.

That's one box you wanted to be empty.

Andrew