To all,

While in my seventh recovery month, and I think, doing well, I find my energy level disappointing. I am taking no medication only fortified drinks to supplement my eating which is gaining me, with a struggle, about one x lb/week.

I attend the gym most days for a light workout for an hour plus sauna, jacuzzi and swim but still, before and after, feel 'one degree under'. Does anyone suffer similarly and, more importantly, know of an effective remedy?

Recent fright: Recently my nasal congestion rapidly increased and I developed a distinct vocal croak with the voice almost disappearing. This gave me a fright until I indentified a head cold which appears to be disappearing as rapidly as it came. How sensitive we become to the happenings in our head and neck area.

Where oh where is my normal self?
Regards, Fridge

Good Afternoon Fridge,
In March of last year I had most of my lower jaw removed and a new one built out of a metal plate and bits and pieces from my left arm and a jolly fine job they did too.In July I had a second tumour removed, but this was dealt with without any delay so was a minor affair. Like you I had very little energy which I found rather distressing,20 minutes easing a few weeds from the garden left me exhausted and I needed to sit down for a couple of hours.My wife was not slow in reminding me that I am 68 and had had a couple of recent medical encounters.I mastered the art of eating with the modified equipment quite quickly and now I have to keep an eye on my weight.Towards the end of the year I found I could do more and this position continues to improve,albeit rather slowly.I think it just takes time.Don't let it get you down,Fridge, take your inspiration from the eastern proverb which appears at the end of Dr. Joshi's posts.
Keep Smiling
John

Good morning John Spenser (from Carmel Valley, CA),

I do feel humbled by your reply although I feel sure that there was no such intention on your part to convey this. My smallish (T1) tumor on the base of tongue was lasered out and followed by 6 weeks radiotherapy. All very well done and relatively simple when compared to yourself.

Your upbeat attitude has impressed me and it is good to hear of such a marked recovery from such complicated surgery at age 67.I note your address, are you a born Yorkshireman? If so, all is explained!

Regards, Fridge

Dear Fridge & John, this morning my Hubby asked me if anyone on the Forum had complained about tiredness 6mths down the line. He is at that stage following Neck disection & chemo/Radiotherapy.At the age of 69, I think he is doing well, but he wants to be out in the
garden,planting spuds , mending fences,ie; all the things he would normally be doing at this time of year.
I've just read your letters out to him. They came just at the right time.
Take it easy Fridge, dont be doing too much at the gym.

Fridge you could try some good ginseng for some extra energy. I had been prescribed some by a Chinese doctor and Chinese medicine practitioner during radiotherapy when I was unable to take a liquid herbal drink anymore. I had some ginseng tablets left over because there came a point in rads that I just could not swallow the tablets. It was about 9 months later when I found them in a drawer and took them when at last I could swallow them. Result I decorated the whole house over 3 months. I'm sure it was as a result of taking them, I felt so energised.

Dear Fran and PaulineT,

Many thanks for the information and advice. Ginseng on the shopping list. PaulineT it was through somehow finding and reading your 'story' that I discovered this forum. So another thank you!

Regards, Fridge