Just out of hospital after about 3 weeks. First two in ITU which was very scary, not helped by morphine hallucinations and coping with trachy. Whilst I day dreamt of drinking a glass of water, once I got it I found it took me a couple of days to learn to drink again without major coughing fit. Every step hard work but little successes and the reassurence that I was doing great really helped. Now back home and somewhat weak and shaky. I have a horrible flappy bit of skin in my mouth which makes swallowing, eating uncomfortable and am struggling with anything other than wet food. MY whole face swollen to double its normal size and weeping neck wounds. But early days and each day I am managing a new milestone. Its daunting and stressful to be so vunerable but what is the choice? At least I seem to be headed in the right direction. I was dreading trachy and feeding tube beforehand but really there is very little pain once they have give you medication and you just have to trust them. And yes it is worse beforehand waiting and imagining than when you start dealing with it.
Hi Posi. It’s good that you’re home. In familiar surroundings you’ll do better. I have a friend who doesn’t post here but I’ve seen her after surgery photos which look how you describe. A few months later the difference was astounding. The body has immense capacity for healing. You sound like your mind is in as good a place as it can be which will help immensely. Don’t be frustrated by any lack of progress. Take each day at a time and you’ll soon be through.
Stay with us so that we can lend a hand.
Well done.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
