Hello friends
I have good news. My chin has finally stopped leaking after almost a year of painstaking agony and frustration.
We are so happy and I will see the doctor on Friday to tell him the good news.
I hope this is it for doctors appointments, surgeries and therapy and I can get on with my life.
All I need now is to get a job.
I haven't worked in a while and am anxious to start in the rat race again!

Take care everyone and we will talk soon

Bye

Bob

Hi Bob,
Great news, good for you. I too had trouble with leaking after replacement jaw with bone from my leg (three operations) The RT people here would not start treatment until the wound was completely healed and dry.It was extemely frustrating having a river run down my face and a permantly wet dressing. Thanlfully it eventually healed and I had my first zap of RT today, 29 to go.
Good luck with finding a job, I hope you find something you enjoy doing, you deserve it afer such a long battle.
Regards
SusieR

Hello Susie

Thanks for replying so soon and your comforting words.
I am happy that you can go ahead with the RT treatments and you have successfully done one. I have been through the same process back in 2003 and survived the ordeal. If you have any questions, concerns or problems, please let me know and I will try yo help you if I can. I had 39 rads along with 4 doses of Cisplatin for chemotherapy at the same time.
Do you have to wear a mask in the treatment rooms? I did and I looked like Hannibal Lechter from the Silence of the Lambs movie!!
Anyway let me know how you get on

BFN

Bob

Dear Mr. Hughman,
I am on this site bevause my brother has newly discovered cheek and tongue cancer. When I read your story and the story of other sufferers I am so blown away by the degree of discomfort and pain that some of you have gone through. What impresses me the most as a writer is the amount of bravery I detect. The lack of self-pity and the attitude that it is just important to take one day at a time and most importantly. be gratefull that you are still here on earth to be alive even when the going is tough. Ironically, before my brother was disgnosed with his cancer he was bitter about the fact he didn't make it as an artist and he only owned a mobile home instead of a house and various complaints about his lot in life. Now he has said he is grateful for every day he spends with my wonderful sister-in-law and he has even made ammends with our nintey year old mother he wasn't speaking to. I guess some of us don't appreciate life until we see the possiblity that we will not be enjoying life unless we make the sacrifice and effort to stay as healthy as possible. I believe having a strong support system is crucial. You are fortunate to have your wife's support as is my brother.
I would like to do a documentary of people who are fighting this disease. My brother is now starting his second round of chemo and they are talking of combining it with radiation this time. He didn't go to the doctor when he first felt his nodules on his tongue and cheek so he is lucky it hasn't spread to his lympth glands he says the doctors tell him.
I am very sorry your boss let you go from your job. I think it was unfortunate and he should be ashamed for doing so. I know you will get a better job in the future because someone will see your post and know you are willing to work despite the physical setbacks you are enduring. This means you 'have guts' and that is the type of person anybody wants on their team to work for them. I know you hear this all the time but I have found it to be true, "when one door closes another one opens' and sometimes it reveals something better ahead. I am going to follow your progress because I am sending your posts to my brother to share with him your bravery for an example. He doesn't want to join this type of web-site but I think he is missing out. Forgive any spelling mistakes, as I don't have Spell-check on here and my eye-sight is bad. Good luck. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Diana Campbell

Hi Bob
I've just been reading through these posts and following your journey. And what a journey it has been for you and your wife! Congratulations on making it to the end.
I was noticing the dates of different things you had etc and your op (on May 22) was the day my husband Trevor was diagnosed. What an emotional day that was ~ and likewise for you and your wife on the other side of the world. You also had something the day Trevor had his tonsil out. Quite bizarre when you relate back to it all.
Anyway, just wanted to show my admiration for your courage and fortitude along this rough road. I hope times get easier and that life brightens for you and yours.
Cheers from Downunder
Deborah

Wow, I am so glad I found this forum. My mom was just diagnosed mouth cancer and she's in the middle of r/t no chemo. Just want to say you guys lifted me up a lil, thanks to all, especially bob, you have been through so much and stayed upbeat, here's a (((hug))) for you
hope you find employment soon
Toni_A

hey there, Thanks for responding to my story. I get a lot of support from here and I thank you for yours.
Yes it has been a long road for me and i hope this is the end of it for a while. I have been through so much and can still tell the story.
I have found gainful employment driving limousines for cproporate executives here in New Jersey.
AS you know I survived the 39 rad treatments with chemo back in 2003 and if you have any questions or problems please let me know.
Anyway tahnks again for thinking of me and God Bless

Bye for now

Bob

Thanks for writing to me.
I appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
I am sorry to hear of your situation and hope everything goes well and of course if there is anything I can do to help you or answer any questions, please dont hesitate to ask me and I will do my upmost to reply to you.
Good Luck and keep the faith

BYe
Bob