Hello all,

Well, after a good 'follow up' visit to my oncologist on 21 December the next day I travelled to Carmel Valley, CA USA for a two month visit. The surgeon, who was present at the 'follow up' was totally entranced by how well his laser op to remove my tumor had healed. While happy to hear this I wanted also to hear 'follow up' on the radiotherapy.

My current situation is that at the 3.5 months point after cessation of rad treatment my sweats, stomach pains and generally sickly feeling abated and shortly thereafter disappeared. At that time I also stopped using small intakes of Oramorph solution. Which incidentally, I believe certainly helped me through some pain periods. The radiologist said my progress was very satisfactory. Hurrah!

I now take no medication. Present symptoms are dry mouth (always carry water) and difficulty intaking daily food consumption. This food problem is not due to any pain, just the fact that I have lost a number of taste buds which I hope will return in time as I miss good foods. My swallowing, while in the past this was an unconcious act, I now have to make a small positive act to assist the process. I have no swallow pains.

While at my 'follow up' I also mentioned the swelled up crop that had developed under my chin. I was advised that this was lymph node drainage for which, would you believe, he apologised! Why, I do not know.

Because of my good recovery to date and comparatively mild (mild?) reaction to my treatment my next 'follow up' appointment has put back a month in order to allow this two month visit to the USA. I am enjoying it greatly.

I am keenly aware of how incredibly lucky to date I have been with my treatment and recovery (long may it last!!) and feel guilty at times when I read of some of the harrowing experiences of others on this site. However, I do feel that by relating my case shows that with treatment there can exist a positive side.

My good wishes to all for the New Year and for a better 2005. Regards, Fridge

Hi Fridge
I was pleased to read your post, and glad to hear you are enjoying your break away.
The great thing about this site for me is that as I am about to go through radiotherapy I find reading this site is very helpful, as any questions I have can be answered here.

Last Thursday I went for my mould appointment, but as I had discovered another lump on the opposite side of my neck, they decided this should be removed as soon as possible This will be carried out on Jan 6th, I just wonder when this is all going to stop, this will be my 3rd surgery in 6 months.
As yet I do not know if the radio. will be on the full neck we will have to wait till biopsy results.

I have my final gig tomorrow night,this will be a very emotional night, as yet we don't know if my voice will return after treatment, we will have to wait and see. But fingers crossed

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TRACEY

Tracey - Have a great time tomorrow night - I'll be thinking about you. It's not your final gig - it's just the last one before your treatment etc. Sing the New Year in for a better one for all of us. I tell myself that I am going to have a fantastic voice when all this is "better" - and I didn't have a singing voice to start with!! This will be the first new year's eve in many years that I haven't had a party in the house - don't have the energy for it just yet. Hopefully next year! All good wishes for the 6th and a happy and healthy 2005 to you and everyone on this site. Cheers Brenda x

Tracey, You mean your final gig for 2004!

I am rooting for you and hoping that all goes well for you in 2005. The world needs singers to brighten our lives. So, get well soon.
Regards and a joyful New Year. Fridge

Hi Tracey

Hope the singing went well for new years eve. Now that's over, let's pray for a good treatment outcome - your getting well again.

Best wishes for the new year.
Vinod