HI Lisa,
I was wondering how your children coped with seeing their mum unwell? Did they come to see you in hospital? I don't want my daughter to feel excluded from things but equally don't want to scare or worry her if she sees me in hospital.

I'm trying to plan for my surgery so that my husband has everything he needs for him and my daughter, and also trying to be organised now for christmas - there's so much to think about! Let me know if you have any tips.

S

Hi Gordon

The difference in my last Christmas before Flappy and my first one with "him" (don't ask me why, I've always referred to my tongue flap as a male) was like night and day. Christmas '04 was flat out miserable. Not only was I in a steaming boatload of pain, and scared, um, witless, but I couldn't eat any of the traditional goodies my mom makes (fudge, crunchy snack mix, pecan pie, et c; I couldn't even handle turkey). My entire Christmas dinner consisted of mashed potatoes, stuffing (dressing?) and gravy. By Christmas '05 was WONDERFUL! Not only had I made it to the other side, but I was back on solids--Flappy was 10 months old. When I shoveled in that first forkful of pecan pie, I told my mom "you can't know how good this tastes."

Hi S,
I had surgery on the Wednesday and my sons came to visit me on the Saturday. I didn't want them to see me at my worst straight after the op. I spent the first night sedated in intensive care. This is a standard procedure but I was back on the ward by mid day on the Thursday. I had prepared my sons well for what they might see when they visited me. I know it sounds silly but I made it fun by saying that I will probably look like Frankenstein and be talking like Darth Vader. I think if they can see that you are fine with your treatment then they generally are happy. I think it best to prepare them, so they won't be too apprehensive about what to expect! They came to visit me several times during my stay and I think it was comforting for them to actually see me (staples and all!) instead of wondering if I was OK. I hope this helps but I know everyone feels different about this.
And as far as organisation goes, I wrote in a little book before I went into hospital, which I give to my husband explaining how to work certain appliances, what the boys like in their sandwich boxes,what kits they need each day for school etc My husband found this invaluable. I normally deal with everything to do with the house and school. My husband was run off his feet but he did an excellent job!
Best wishes,
Lisa

Hi Gordon,
Glad to hear that you are eating fairly well. I am also looking forward to Christmas with my family. Last year's Christmas was rather spoilt as I was waiting for my results. This year is going to be extra special! I am eating well at the moment but I am eating really small portions, which isn't a bad thing! My weight has been pretty stable for the last few weeks. I, like you was on a mushy diet but lately I am eating most things as long as I have a sauce with it. My favourite food is sticky toffee pudding with custard! I also drink lots of water with meals in order to wash the food down. I used to love my food but now it is more of a chore. However, I am getting better and when I look back to when I finished radiotherapy I have come a long way! It is a slow process but it keeps improving day by day.
I'm really pleased that it is not getting you down.
Best wishes,
Lisa

hi lisa

yeah im quite a positive sort, but like you say after the depths of RT every day is an improvement and a blessing. so im quite happy with my current weight and although i still major on ensure im not too depressed about my diet. I do keep trying some more normal things but like you end up washing it down with water which spoils the enjoyment a bit.

Good to see that you are coping so well, although your tongue operation was differnt to mine and the treatment slightly different , its nice to see someone a couple of months ahead of me who seems to be doing great.

all the best

gordon