It’s now 5 months since my treatment finished so time for another update.
Christmas went OK. Santa bought a copy of “The Cancer Survivors Companion” which I’m finding a very helpful book. I was a bit sore and stiff from having the feeding tube removed so I had to have a lot of help cooking Christmas dinner. Mine was boil in the bag cod in butter sauce with mashed potato and carrots, followed by Christmas pudding with ice cream. Washed down with 3 glasses of water and half a glass of merlot. I had to have a long nap afterwards, then it was time for Doctor Who which was accompanied by scrambled egg and yogurt. Managed to stay awake for another hour while husband texted friends discussing plot of Doctor Who. Was pleased to discover I wasn’t the only one who didn’t have a clue what was going on.
My ears are definitely nearly recovered. I think the left ear is pretty much back to normal, right ear probably half the usual level. But I can hear fine without my hearing aids in now.
The feeding tube wound has now healed really well, they said it would but I couldn’t believe it was possible so quickly. I think my energy levels are improving a little. Managed to walk round the shops for two hours yesterday, the longest I’ve managed so far. Got a few bargains in the sales.
I’d say the main problems left now are the dry mouth and the lack of energy. I’m told there is still potential for the saliva glands to improve a bit more over time and I’m also going to be having acupuncture soon. I think I just have to be patient about the lack of energy. I’ve been helped by a sports physio who has done wonders for getting my muscle tone back. However she tells me that recovering fitness after a period of inactivity is completely different from getting over chemotherapy. So I think I just have to let my body take all the time it needs.
I think I’m slowly adjusting to the realities of how my life is now. It’s not always easy and I’m on the waiting list for counselling which I think is going to help a lot. I have now accepted that I’m not going to be spending my retirement travelling the world, but it sounds as if a little adventure now and then might be possible and I’m happy with that. A friend has just come back from doing the Route 66 trip. She did it at a nice leisurely pace with plenty of luxury and comfort along the way and I’m very tempted. I did ask my medical team and they said travelling is fine as long as I don’t miss any of my appointments, I eat properly, and I don’t let myself get too tired. I think the only problem would be the insurance premium. I did have a little peep at some quotes and they had lots of zeros at the end.
I’ve been busy negotiating with my Employer and I now have a brand new job to go to on Friday. Just two hours each morning sitting at a desk. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve got myself a good deal and it’s another step towards some sort of normality. Only problem is I haven’t actually told my medical team about this and I’m on sick leave till April. I’m due at the clinic on Thursday evening so I’ll have to hope they are going to share my enthusiasm. Or perhaps I just won’t tell them.
2014 tennis season starts tomorrow so I’m now off to work out the logistics of how to watch 3 different tournaments at the same time.
