Starting the final week of radiation - 3 sessions left

Well it is Sunday and Dave has 30 sessions under his belt - 3 to go. Dave has been trying to do stuff around the house when he has the energy. Since Wednesday, we have had a local company out putting in a sprinkler system in our yard. Dave has been very diligent about watching them work and keeping himself out of the sun. The contractor is almost done - they'll be out on Monday to finish up, but our driveway was covered with dirt. So after they stopped yesterday, Dave and I got the power washer out and washed the back patio, front porch, walk, and driveway. We would alternate with the power washer and I had fun moving our sun umbrella around the driveway to keep Dave out of the sun while he washed.

The unfortunate side is that the side affects are getting worse by the day. His neck is extremely red, sore, and 1st and 2nd degree burns which makes it difficult for him to move his neck. For the most part his neck is a deep brown red (looks like a deep tan with a sun burn), there are numerous areas that are starting to blister up. And the back of his neck has peeled as well. We are being very diligent about putting the cream on it. Dave is using the Biofine as it goes on easier than the XClair. We are also putting aloe on his neck as well. He has also switched to wearing tank tops to ensure nothing rubs on his neck.

His throat continues to be extremely sore, and he has been having a really hard time swallowing. Up until yesterday evening Dave has been able to swallow his Salagen pill. This morning it seemed to get caught 1/2 way down and his body decided to try to bring it back up and he spent a few minutes dry heaving with nothing coming up. He was extremely spent after the ordeal. So we switched to crushing it up as well and sending it through the tube.

His spit continues to be thick, and varies in color from clear/white to yellow and occasionally will be tinged with blood. I am trying not to cringe when he hacks and gags trying to get the spit out of the back of his throat. The strain is taking it's toll on Dave. He has pretty much spent the day on the couch - with not much energy or desire to do anything. We maybe went overboard yesterday with the power washer.

Overall - we'll be glad when this is done, and of course the sooner the better. All the comments, cards, emails, prayers and wishes are greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the support - we will be through this soon.