New here

Hi Marka, well done on finishing your radiotherapy.

In response to your questions, as best I can!

Do not park in a disabled space without a blue badge as you risk getting fined, speak to your GP if you feel you need one though only really get them for long term issues I believe.

Could you not just go on holiday in the UK for now, less travel hassle and stress, some beautiful places to visit!

Can't help with taste too much as only lost mine a bit.  I think the hair took a few months, the bit that I lost at the back is now curly which is quite funny!!

Give yourself some time, it really is baby steps at the moment (and plenty of rest x)

Hi Marka.
Your RT still has a residual effect for another fortnight so don’t expect much improvement to start with

Taste if you lose it can take months to improve.  If you can swallow try starting with soft foods like poached eggs, tinned macaroni cheese and rice pudding. Soups with added cream and butter  with soft white bread dunked in. Tinned fruit slips down easily too. Dip biscuits in warm tea. 
Your hair will grow back. 
Once RT has finished your neck will improve very quickly. If it’s still painful and burned ask for Flamazine. It works wonders. 

Hi Marka

You need to have some pretty serious issues to get a blue badge nowadays.  If your GP can support your application that would be good.  You need to apply through the Government website that will probably direct you to your Council application site as it is them that decide on and issue the Blue Badge.

As to holiday insurance, it really depends on how much risk you are willing to take.  That risk will be determined by where you are with your health problems and how much of an issue they may present to stop going on holiday or  having to return home early/be treated whilst away.  I have decided to take insurance that does not cover my cancer.  The insurance I have through my bank covers every other eventuality, but not this particular cancer related issue.  I am happy with that as I book last minute (minimises the risk of having to cancel due to cancer treatment being needed once again) and I know that, where I am with my cancer at this moment, I could complete my holiday and safely return to the UK for treatment.  Not everyone will be in this position.

Whatever you decide you must speak to your insurance company and get written assurance of your cover; ensuring it covers the risks you want it to cover.

Hope that helps.

Hi Marka Travel insurance I use staysure. I do declare my tonsil cancer has when we go away 8 weeks at a time. I find them very fair. Wr get a joint yearly policy europe for under £250 we are  both over 60 . 
I flew away 8 weeks after treatment but I did have oncologist permission. I wouldn’t have gone without it. 
Hazel

Thank you

Thank you. I have the flamazine , great stuff too.

Thank you. It would seem we maybe in similar circumstances as regards our recovery. Had two surgeries first removed layer off the back of the tongue and tonsils out. Then wax offered a place on the ' pathos study' involved a second surgery removing a gland and small section of tongue. Then just radiotherapy no chemo. Saw doctor today ghe happy with everything and did say should have no problems with holidays after a few months recovery from radiotherapy.  The wife will make sure the correct insurance is ready. We do love our holidays have not hat a proper one since 2019. And we usually travel quite well. Indian, Thailand, Philippines and now roatan,  part of Honduras, we have a wish list of places to go still.. Next up nashville and memphis   new Orleans to follow. Getting older so need get things done. 

Thank you. We would do nothing without the correct permissions or advice, met my oncologist  today as it happens , he said asvlong as I take the time to recover/ heal properly from the radiotherapy he seès no problems with us travelling . 8 weeks is a nice time to go away for . We normally go for around 4 weeks . Pick a major city to stay over in for a night then finish journey to final destination.  Ie when we went to the Philippines,  boracay Island, we either stayed in manilla or Kuala lumpa or manilla . Been going to roatan past couple of years so used Toronto first. Then on way back home we have a city break in said city of around 5 days .

Don’t blame you onwards and upwards. 
Hazel x

Hi Marka

You've received some great responses so far.

I was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer in May 2018 and had a neck dissection plus robotic surgery to remove the tumour followed 6 weeks later with radiotherapy.

My hospital had a reduced parking rate for those undergoing radiotherapy which worked out much cheaper than paying the daily rate.  Have you enquired at the car park office whether there is any assistance for you?

My sense of taste was massively affected by my treatment.  At 4 months I started to get an improvement and it continued to improve after that.  I wouldn't say it's back to where it was pre-treatment but it is so much better than it was!  It seems most people begin to regain their taste sonner than I did so hopefully you'll be one of them.

All the best.