It’s been 2 years since my chemo-radiation treatment for head & neck cancer started. And while I’ve dealt with the immediate effects of treatment I am struggling to integrate the after effects into my life.
Aged 50 at the time I had a chemo-induced menopause, well, at least I got it out of the way quickly. And cancer spurned me on to do stuff, like go back to work after raising my kids - although my contract sadly ends next month - so I am grateful to it for that, in some crazy way.
But, and here’s the but, my surgery & radiotherapy has had a lasting impact on my speech & ability to eat. I can no longer drink wine or spicy food, both of which I used to love. My speech, people tell me, is not that much different, but to me it is & I used to be a broadcaster so my voice was my trade. Talking is hard work now and I can no longer do what I used to do. I have retrained, I am now an online journalist aged 52, cool huh, but I am by no means a digital native! Yesterday I had a big ‘wah’ at home in front of everyone, the first in ages, I just got overwhelmed.
Any advice, suggested reading? I feel I haven’t incorporated my new life into my old one…
Jemma
Hi Jemma Bodicea and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your journey.
I have no experience to bring to the table to help you as my journey was rather diffrent but I do see you have also joined our supportive Head and neck cancer support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
Why not copy and paste this into the group and see who you can connect with ((hugs))
