Isn't it awful when a member is silent for an extended period and we are left to ponder their condition.

The number of 'where are you?' posts indicate that members are thinking of and concerned about other members. I suppose regular checking in is the answer.

Regards, Fridge

I'm quite well, in case anyone noticed I disappeared for a while. Just got bored with the forum and stopped checking in. I've started eating pasta with creamy sauces.

I just observed my one-year survival anniversary. I assume its from time of diagnosis. Decided to approximate the date as February 3 and have it coincide with the feast day for St. Blaise. He is the patron for those with throat problems, and I found a church that had a ceremony where you can get your throat blessed and invoke his intercession to heal and ward off diseases of the throat.

Hope everyone is doing as well as possible.

Hello Ron in LA, It has already been a year?! Me too. My the time has flown by has it not. I Have come a long way from then. Not much has changed as far as looks goes, however I can talk, I can smile, I don't have that awful trech. I still have a LONG way to go. I would LOVE to be able to EAT something, anything. I try but not much luck. I agree with you FRIDGE people just stop, they quit, talking. Which for those of us who really do care, we are in fear that they have lost their battle. I know also that it does get boring on here sometimes. Esp. when there is no learning about anything. I want to learn all that I can about all of this. I am praying that someone can help anyone of us with a new way to do this or that. I feel that this site has helped me so many ways. Always, Vicki Lynn

Ron,

Delighted to hear you are doing well. I am about 4 months behind you and also doing well....I think! I certainly feel so but this wretched event shocked me deeply, brought home the frailty of ones lifespan and shattered my confidence. I believe the confidence is slowly returning.

My current symptoms appear to be similar to yours I think: dryness of mouth/lacking apetite/prefer liquid or semi, semi solids. I do not sleep as well as before the event and, although I am able to carry out daily chores, I find I tire early. Even with these limitations I consider myself comparatively very fortunate.

I was interested in 'Ultracal', is this a brand name and can it be bought OTC? My main daily nutritional intake is 'Ensure plus' but I supplement this with fortified power choc bars and semi solids as much as I can. My taste buds are returning but not strong enough to give me an apetite. I do wish I could feel hungry from time to time.

I am delighted to hear that Vicki is doing so well also. Maintain the momentum!

Regards, Fridge

Still trying to catch up on postings I've missed.

Noted the comments from Fridge and Ron. Must admit I've been guilty of neglecting the site. But unlike Ron it's not that I'd got bored with it, just that I've been feeling totally washed out. I'll blame the painkillers. Strange that with my tongue cancer I had relatively little pain. But with the lung, God the pain was with me in about 2 weeks following diagnosis.

Plus my feed formulation has been changed - much richer now. Trouble is I have to spend 6 hours feeding. Wish I could feed overnight. Still can't take anything approaching solid food even after 3+ years, and I've still only got vestigal taste.

Great to see Vikki still giving so much support to so many people. Where would we be without you Vikki.

God bless all

Don't think Ultracal is available OTC here in the United States. It was real expensive, but my insurance company paid and they shipped it to me.

I don't think there's enough difference between Ultracal and Ensure Plus to worry about. I'm really grateful not to be taking either one.

Don't know what to tell you guys who are just behind my one year. The more you can eat, the better you tend to feel. Easier said than done. But liquid supplements make me loopy.

Ron,

Thanks for information re ultracal. Eating as much as I can and yes, feeling better week by week. Long may it continue.

Returning UK 21st February for next follow up check on 1st March and requesting of doc that I be able to return USA for next visit in April for 3 months!

Fingers crossed. regards, Fridge

Hi Fridge, I noticed the same thing I thought it was me. I noticed that sometimes noone answers me. I figure everyone is busy or bored with the site so I go somewhere eles. Glad you are doing good you too Ron Keep it up. Vicky I miss our chats. Hope to hear from you soon? Also Fridge I put in some private chats and no one answers them at all. Life.
Cathy

Hello Cathy, I guess I have just been missing you. Although I was moving there for about a week or so. I tell you the things we keep. LORD!! I must have everything anyone has ever given to me. LOL. So yes, as you can guess, packing all this up was quite a chore. But we got it all done and the "NEW" house is almost done. I have been working around the clock to get it all done. I just cannot stand to have things out of place. Plus I have Paul coming next Sunday to visit Ric and I for 2 weeks. We are so so excited to FINALLY get to meet this wonderful man. I don't know how much we will get done while he is here but I am sure we will have a GREAT time whatever we do. We both tire so fast this should be something to see...LOL.. It is so great to hear from everyone and to see that all is okay on the site. Well as best that it can be. Sometimes that is all we can hope for..I will take it, you won't hear me complain. Love to all,,,,,Vicki Lynn