The second appointment with the consultant was last Friday. He feels a bit like an old friend now, and I recognise the nurse too, so it's a comfortable experience now. Explained to him the results of everything that's happened since I last saw him and the dates for RT starting next week.
He gave everything a check and was very pleased with the way it was all progressing. he looked at the 2 stiches in my side that are still quite visible and explained that these are deep stitches that will be absorbed eventually but my body seems to be pushing these ones out. He said if the were still giving me problems in a few weeks time someone could try and pop them out, but it's best not to dig around as this can introduce infection ( I might be already slightly guilty of this!)
I told him about the denplan insurance and that I discovered earlier in the week that there was cover for mouth cancer. My nurse had suggested I took the form with me and he spent some time completing that for me with all the details I wasn't sure of. I posted that off after the appointment.
We talked about whose care I am under now, and I will be seen by the Oncologist at the RB hospital I'm receiving the RT at during the 6 weeks of treatment, and then I probably alternate between her and my consultant for the next year.
I also received a phone call from the dietician at NWP hospital, who wanted to check up on what I was eating and sign me off. I explained that I was eating everything, although salad took a bit of chewing. She said that it was likely that my eating would deteriorate as the RT progressed and had I had a feeding tube fitted. The impression I have been given is that this would be a last resort as the area I am having treated is a very specific small area, and they are hoping that I won't need the FT. She advised in the mean time to stock up on high calorie food before treatment started! I did explain that since diagnosis I'd pigged out somewhat, and during the time in hospital I lost some of the "crazy eating weight" but I've put all that back since I discovered I can still eat again now so I'm sitting about 10lb over my ideal weight. Hopefully it won't come to a point where I need that and once it's all over and I'm back to some normality then I'll worry about slimming again!
Today I received a follow up call from Denplan, to a query I submitted to their website last week. I had in the meantime found the claim form and as mentioned above sent it off. The lady was very helpful and informed me the expert lady for my claim was on holiday and would be in touch next week to discuss my options further. Fingers crossed on that front.
I've been doing the excercises mentioned in an earlier post for my neck and for the trismus and I have now increased my mouth opening from 1 finger to 2 with some wiggle room. My neck is also turning much more, and I have been driving the last couple of days as I feel confident enough to have a good view of whats going on in all directions.
My NHS free prescription card also arrived today - just in time for my neck dermatix prescription. That seems to have taken it's time but it definitely seems to be doing a good job on the wrist scar at the moment .
RT starts 1 week today.......
