22 months after radiation treatment, and for the first time in two years I ate an entire chile relleno burrito!

I know you Brits don't know what a chile relleno burrito is. They stuff a chile with cheese and wrap it in an egg batter, heat it to melt the cheese, and wrap it in a flour tortilla (very flat Mexican bread) with refried beans (mashed pinto beans cooked in lard) and rice.

It was my favorite high-calorie breakfast treat back in the days before I had to get the radiation treatments. I couldn't handle them post treatment because of the spiciness and the swallowing difficulty.

It took me three times as long as it used to to eat it, and I could not actually taste anything, and it seemed too dry and pasty, but I still ate it!! My stomach is growling and saying, "hey, this isn't a milk shake". I so want to return to eating more normal food.

To further celebrate my miraculous return toward good health, I even licked an envelope.

Ron,

Congrats on the burrito! Doug too, is finally eating some real food...mostly oatmeal and stew, stuff like that although he got a wild hair and tried to eat a gummi bear...very ill-advised! He can taste everything just fine but it takes him about an hour to eat a bowl of oatmeal. I hope you get to cookies soon!

Hi Ron in LA,

Congratulations on your solid food intake. My progress is similar, for example: with soup, tomato a favourite, I eat a very soft bread sandwich. The sandwich consists of very thin sliced cheese and ham layer with butter and marmite (for a tart taste).

Best of all is that I have some taste returning which I think, and pray, is increasing. I am still 18 lbs lighter than before the 'event' due no doubt to a shrunken stomuch but I remain happy with my present weight. Also due to my smaller stomuch is the fact that I do not feel hungry as often as I used to. Overall, feeling fine and counting my blessings.

Regards

Sqamous cancer tumor on base of tongue.
Diagnosed June, 2004
Radiotherapy August/September 2004 (6 weeks)

Way to go LA Ron!

May your menu continue to expand by leaps and bounds. God bless you.

Fridge...

I hope you don't mind if I ask you this question...

My husband's base of tongue cancer was also diagnosed in '04 (November). I've been trying to get information on recurrence rates lately. I pray your answer is NO... but have you had a recurrence by chance? My husband has not, but I'm very scared about cancer returning.

Just wondering...

Melanie

Melanie,

It is with great delight that (for you, your husband and myself) I am able to say 'NO' to your question. I have had no recurrence of this vile disease since cessation of treatment.

I might add that I clearly note the pain and worry in your posts concerning your husband's condition and I join you in praying for his successful recovery.

I was comforted by Dr Vinod's post on survival rates etc on this topic. Prompt as ever.

Regards,

Sqamous cancer tumor on base of tongue.
Diagnosed June, 2004
Radiotherapy August/September 2004 (6 weeks)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,