Christmas update

1 minute read time.

Well it's been about 14  months since this journey began, and 7 months since diagnosis and the big operation, 2014 has been quite a year. 

I'm still signed up for monthly check ups with the radio therapy team, although I think they will sign me back over to my consultant after this months visit. I started back with the consultant in November and am on monthly check ups there too .

im seeing a lymphoedema nurse this week for an assessment on the swelling in my face neck area which is much worse in the mornings . Other people say that it's not too bad but it feels tight and solid . I hope to find out how to massage it. The neck scar is doing well, that Ada just looks a little lumpy but most people don't notice it until I point it out. 

Im eating a wider range of foods but foods with sauces go down much better and I'm trying to get use to puttng smaller amounts in my mouth and chewing more as I tend to find Im swallowing stuff befores it's chewed properly. I'm much slower than any one else at meal times and I also get fuller much quicker because of this, which is a good thing I guess because less calories!

My speech is worse and gets better the more I talk through the day. The sounds tha are hardest are a had 'g' and 'k'  one side of my tongue is still very swollen compared to other, apparently part of the underside was removed which I hadn't realised. The consultants say my speech is good, and I can be understood on the phone.

i still get quite tired after the RT, but I pretty much was back at work for most of the time before Christmas. I think  need to start doing gentle excercises to build back up as I don't seem to have energy for anything physical.

Thats my update for now, I will post again, but as time goes on there's not so much to say.

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello DLC ... yes it certainly has been quite a year but you are getting there ! Once the RT team are happy with you then they will hand over to the Consultant for the follow-up checks. In time, even these will be spread out more and the hospital won't seem so much like your second home : )

    Glad that your eating is coming on, too ... keep trying some different foods and see how you get on.

    Speech ... mine is a bit of a problem now that my lower teeth have gone, but I was told to keep practising by reading aloud. I remember when the 'g' sounds were difficult, too ... especially as my neighbour's name was 'Gloria' ! Again, it will improve in time.

    The tiredness can last for ages, so just pace yourself and rest when you need as there's no point in overdoing things and feeling shattered.

    So take care, wishing you a good New Year x

    Joycee x