Chrys,
I visited the oncologist yesterday and he does not want to do the radiation since I have had radiation before and my margins were clear after surgery, except for some peripheral sensory neurons, (I think that is what they called it). But radiation is just to risky for me. Is that good news, I am not sure. But I did want to ask if you mom is eating soups now. If she is I would encourage her to eat as much as she can even during radiation. I know there will be sores and swelling, but they can give medication for that. One medication I used before was Magic Mouthwash, it is an old medicine that works sort of like niastatin, for ulcers and sores in the mouth. It tasted awful but worked great.
The reason I mentioned soup is that I lived off of potato soup the first time I had radiation therapy. It did not burn my mouth and I could make it as smooth as I needed to get it down. I think the potato soup coats you mouth enough to soothe it while eating. Please keep me posted and I will try to think of other things that she might be able to eat. Does she see a swallowing therapist? I am see a great one here in Augusta at MCG. She has worked wonders with me.
Good Luck and God Bless,
LeAnn

LeAnn,
Thanks for your reply.
My pathalogical results came back clear after the surgery, so I didn't have any chemo or radio. My Doc, whom I admire terribly may I add, told me no alcohol for 3 years, no children for at least 2 preferably 3 years..when I tried to interject a bit of humour and said how sometimes 'accidents' can happen he quickly informed me of a 75-80 percent chance of reoccurence of the cancer and therefore I would be advised, but not made, to have a termination, "should one of those wee accidents happen." It was at this stage, last October, that the whole Cancer thing really hit me and I went pretty low for a short time.
I've always been very go-gettish and thankfully still am, but with that personality trait comes impatience. I'm really interested to hear that you had your first son very shortly after your initial battle.
I was once told that God only gives the more difficult lessons of life to those with enough strength to cope with them...this is very true and I'm able to say that there have been so many positives to come from last year and what my family and I had to get through, but every now and again we can all get a wee stone in our shoe that makes us limp for a wee while!!!
My speech therapist told me last Novemeber, when I was amazingly impatient and self-critical of my speech, that we should remember that the heart has the strongest and truest voice of all.
Thanks again for your response.
Warmest Wishes and Prayers from the Emerald Isle
Lindsay

quote:

Originally posted by goingagain:
Chrys,
I visited the oncologist yesterday and he does not want to do the radiation since I have had radiation before and my margins were clear after surgery, except for some peripheral sensory neurons, (I think that is what they called it). But radiation is just to risky for me. Is that good news, I am not sure. But I did want to ask if you mom is eating soups now. If she is I would encourage her to eat as much as she can even during radiation. I know there will be sores and swelling, but they can give medication for that. One medication I used before was Magic Mouthwash, it is an old medicine that works sort of like niastatin, for ulcers and sores in the mouth. It tasted awful but worked great.
The reason I mentioned soup is that I lived off of potato soup the first time I had radiation therapy. It did not burn my mouth and I could make it as smooth as I needed to get it down. I think the potato soup coats you mouth enough to soothe it while eating. Please keep me posted and I will try to think of other things that she might be able to eat. Does she see a swallowing therapist? I am see a great one here in Augusta at MCG. She has worked wonders with me.
Good Luck and God Bless,
LeAnn

LeAnn,
Mom was told monday (10-9-06) that she could eat soft foods now, but she's having problems swallowing. Ice cream / milk shakes she can handle, scramble eggs - not good, instant grits - ok but slow. Her Dr. said she'll see a swallowing therpist after radiation treatment is complete. Also a physical therpist "after".
Where did you get the Magic Mouthwash???
I've ordered the other 2 things I heard would be good to use during radiation, and I'll get the magic mouthwash for her too. She goes the 17th to the radiologist for them to set markers, make her mask, and tell her the exact date radiation starts. I'll be sure to tell her about the potatoe soup "she likes potatoes" mashed is her favorite.
The not doing radiation for you I'm sure is a good thing because I heard once you radiate the neck area it can't be done a second time because it will kill all the living tissue. Since surgery showed all margins clear, you just think positive, keep fighting, your on the road to recovery. We'll be praying for you through all of this, and you be sure to keep in touch. If you want to e-mail me my e-mail address is chrysoverstreet@yahoo.com. The lord is in this battle with all of us.
Chrys

Lindsay,
I was told that I should abort the pregnancy, but I refused. I see now that God must have been with me then because I saw that pregnancy as a reaffirmation of life, that I would survive. I was very lucky. I also have to say that although the cancer has resurfaced 18 yrs. later, it is not the same cancer as before and it is believed that it could possibly be radiation induced. Now doesn't that scare you? But really that is very rare that the radiation induces another cancer.
It is good that you wait for a while after treatment. It takes so long for you to heal completely. I was so tired throughout my pregnancy that I slept on average 12 to 16 hours a day, he was worth it, but waiting is better. As far as the alcohol goes I had not heard that, but you are right my mouth has never cared for the feel of it. Did your taste in food change, I know mine has? I always loved spicy food, but now I cannot tolerate it at all, and some things like soda really taste bad now. I am like you with the lack of patience, I am ready to be able to talk. Right now would not be soon enough.
Thanks for the reply, look forward to hearing from you.
LeAnn

LeAnn,
Hoping that today is making you feel better and allowin gyou to recognise the good job you're doing...
You mention loving spicy food prior to your surgery and now you can't stand it....it's still the same for me and also I've got such an intolerance for salt...my gosh but it hurts my flap!! Even hot and cold drinks can sometimes be a pain, literally!, especially if it hit s the wee bit of skin attached onto the inside of my gum at the very back of my mouth.
It must be wonderful encouragement for you to re-read your initial postings and see just how far you've come aleady...hope your family remind you constantly how fab you are!
Keep Healing.
Prayer and positive thoughts are still coming your way from The Emerald Isle.
Chat soon x

Lindsay,
I am healing well it is hard sometimes because I never imagined it would be such a slow process. But hearing from people like you sure makes it easier.
By the way my problem with hot food is I have so little feeling in the front of my mouth that by the time I realize the food is too hot I have already pushed it to the back and almost have it swallowed. Now I test everything before I put it in my mouth. Cold food is not a problem. I often use really thick milkshakes as a therapy for my cheeks and lips, working on the suction in my mouth.
I wish you the best and am hoping you are keeping up your spirits.
LeAnn