The final zapping session is history. Hallelujah!

It’s important to me to recognize the staff of the UCSD Health Radiation Oncology – Chula Vista clinic. They turned what was initially a scary experience (for me) into something that was much more pleasant and positive. They radiation therapists were great coaches, provided compassionate care, and endured my stupid puns and jokes. The nurses were equally compassionate, thoroughly answered all of my questions, and helped assuage my fears in the process. To all of them: Thank you!

I went out for a celebratory brunch with my friend who was there for the first session and listened to me whine throughout the process.

Now it’s time to let my body recover from seven weeks of being stuck in a giant microwave oven. Hopefully, it recovers quickly and I get back to a more normal routine. Of course, we may not know for another year whether it was truly effective. Fingers crossed.

The effects from the hormone therapy will cloud the results of the radiation for quite a while. The six month dose will last into October (and beyond) and, if my PSA has, in fact, dropped, we won’t know whether it’s the ADT or the radiation (or both) that caused it. Realistically, we probably won’t know whether the radiation was successful until late next spring or even summer.

Enjoy your weekend! I know I will.

This post originally appeared on Dan’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer on August 26, 2022. It is republished with permission.