Wow! It's been a year since my last radiation treatment. I guess I'm a 1 year survivor. I'm feeling good these days and have hardly any issues with side effects from the chemotherapy or the radiation. I still have some issues with thick mucus/spit that forms in my mouth during the night, but I've found that keeping a water bottle on the nightstand and waking up a few times at night for a drink helps immensely.
I'm back to work now and have discovered that chewing sugarless gum during the day keeps my mouth moist and I don't need to carry the water bottle with me 24/7. Other than those issues, I'm good to go.
Taste buds are back 100% and I have no problems with any food. Things that I liked to eat before cancer...I still like. Things I didn't like to eat before cancer....I still don't.
I weigh between 148-151lbs, which is about 25 pounds lighter that I was before cancer. I go to the gym at least 3 times a week and workout hard!
So, Life is good....so far.
I've been seeing Dr. Debo, my ENT doc every month for the last year and appointments have now shifted to every two months. I have an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr. Atienza next week. Haven't seen him for about 4-5 months, so it will be good to chat with him and address concerns I have about what if????
I'm worried that the cancer might have spread. Could it show up in my lungs next? How will I know? Are they looking for that or do I have to wait till shit hits the fan? What are the warning signs? Am I scheduled for anymore CT scans or PET scans????
Questions, questions!!!
Right now I'm living one day at a time! I guess that's all you can do. If I find out that I have cancer again, I'll just have to deal with it.
2 years ago I couldn't even spell cancer yet alone knew anyone with it. Now, I don't go a week without running into someone who's life has been or is directly affected by Cancer.
Thanks for everyones prayers out there.....Support Cancer research when asked to donate money....and LIVESTRONG!!!
Marjie and I will be walking in the Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society this year. I guess the first lap is only done by Cancer Survivors and it's supposed to be a pretty emotional event. It's coming up in a few months. I'll let everyone know and post pics.
The picture of me was taken this past October 31st. I think I still had somewhat of a mustache, but have since shaved it off. Too much radiation. Whiskers don't grow at all on my neck and it's spotty on my lip..Oh Well!
I'll have to get some more up to date pics posted.
2 comments:
Delta Victor,
It's been a while since I posted on here as we talk on the phone often and it seems as we are back to business as usual pre-cancer. Talking fishing and good times!! I am really looking forward to August, the Timbucktwo Southworth Salmon Derby and the trip to Sitka will be a blast.
I have to tell you, it was tough for us back here seeing you go through what you endured and being 3,000 miles away and unable to lend any support other than a phone call or a blog post. We all wish we could have done more to help out you and Marjie during that time, even if it was just mowing your lawn, or bringing over a dinner for Marjie, just so there was a few less things for you guys to worry about. But know this, you guys didn't escape our thoughts and prayers for one second! Be proud of what you accomplished in beating this disease and what you all pullled together and did as a family.
We all miss you guys back here and we are really looking forward to August.
FISH ON my Timbucktwo Brother!!
Keep on keeping the faith!
Juliet Romeo sends...
I am a survior too - tonsil cancer. My last radiation treatment was Sept 12, 2007. I've been waiting to see if you would update again. Was wondering how you were doing. I'm going to be 46 this month - female, never smoked... not sure how I ended up with tonsil cancer but that's life. I have a 9 yr old daughter. Even though I didn't find your blog until AFTER all my treatments, it was awesome to read it. So much of it could have been written by me! I thought the spit cup was my idea! :)
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