Hi all,

I am into my 6th month since completing radiotherapy and, on 1st March, had my 4th 'follow up' check. The symptoms I reported at this meeting were: dryness of mouth; still no full taste and sensitive to spicy flavours; slight effort to swallow solids; lack of saliva. But otherwise eating solids and feeling generally OK.

My specialists: (surgeon, radiotherapist plus trainee, I believe) said these were consistant with making good progress which was confirmed by them all looking down throat (endoscope thru nose).

So, emboldened by this and already having been given clearance to miss an earlier 'follow up' check to enable me to visit the USA for two months (22 Dec 04/21 Feb 05), I asked that following my next 'follow up' on 29th March that I be able to visit the USA for 3 months. Subject, of course, to a satisfactory 'follow up' meet on 29th March. This visit 31 Mar 05/30 Jun 05).

In subsequent conversation, largely positive, it was pointed out that recurrences are most likely within the first year. Thereafter confidence rises year by year. But also pointed out was that I would likely be the one to first notice any adverse change to which I said I would return immediately to the UK. The cruncher for me though was their agreement that, capricious disease it may be, one must above all attempt to lead as normal life as possible.

I therefor will probably stay for 3 months ...all being well!

Regards, Fridge

PS. Whatever happens in my case I know that to date I have been extraordinarily lucky with my surgery and subsequent treatment and that my postings have been almost too positive. However, this is how I genuinely feel about my progress and situation. F

Hi Fridge

I hope you get the green light to have a great holiday in the USA. Where are you planning to go? Do keep us informed - us armchair travellers!

Best wishes
Vinod

Hi All,

I too have just seen my consultant (this a.m.) - been scoped and generally given a thorough examination. General concensus seems to be all is well at present. I am 3 months post radiation now 6 months post op. Apart from a slightly dry mouth and recurring ulcers to my tongue and gums I have little in the way of side effects. I eat virtually what I want - really crunchy is still a problem - not enough teeth and a sensitive mouth but otherwise o.k.
Returned to work 21/2 weeks ago (full-time) and after a week of being wiped out have now adjusted quite well.

I too am aware that my posting tends to be very positive (I have actually shied away from posting sometimes when I read what a hard time some of you are having. I do feel very very lucky.

NormS.

Dr Joshi,

Carmel Valley, California. Heavan!

Regards, Fridge

Hello Norm - crunchy will be along time away.....

Looks good.

quote:

Carmel Valley, California

Hello all. Ishbel here. I know it is in the wrong place but I just wanted to say hi on my first day home after a total laryngectomy which has left me feeling more than a little sad and sorry fro myself. Hopeflly that will pass. It has been lets say a grown-up experience with stomach pull-ups and learning to eat at a different pace, terribly underweight, but I am alive and look forward to being back in touch.
Right now I am too tired to even read any e-mails but will catch up tomorrow.
I missed you all and thank God for the internet say I.
Love from bloody but unbowed Ishbel!

Hi Ishbell,good to have you back, Ive been thinking about you & wondering how you were.
You have a perfect right to feel sorry for youself, but now its upwards & onwards to the future. Take time out, relax & recover, Our thoughts are with you.

Hi Ishbel, its great to have you back. I've been thinking of you every day and wondering how u are doing. Can't wait for you to feel well enough to join in the chat again.
My mum is in ITU at the moment, on a ventilator - not cancer related - but it reminds me just how fragile our little worlds areand reminds me what a lot you've been thro.
Take care and rest lots. Hope you didn't get the bed jacket I've been worried sick about that!
Love Sue x

Welcome back Ishbel, it's great to see your posting. We have all been wondering how you were getting on. It's marvellous that you can be bothered to even log on on your first day home - that in itself has to be a good sign. Be kind to yourself, take it slow and, when you feel like it, let us know how you are doing. Love Brenda

Ishbel,,,,,HELLO TO YOU!!!! We have all been praying and thinking about you so so much. How are you doing? Please tell us all about your operation. GOD BLESS YOU. It is SO GREAT to hear from you...Pity Bucket,,,,Well I am sure that you have a HUGE one right now. That is what we are here for. We are your support center...There is not a soul on here that would not do their level best to help you with what ever you may need. I know that I would do anything and everything that I can to be there for you....That is what FRIENDS are for...I am honored to be able to call you a very dear friend to me.....Now to get you back on the road to recovery,,,in spirit that is......This is a start......I for one have MISSED you terribly,,,,,,,,Always Vicki Lynn