Tomorrow will be a year since my PEG was removed, there's just a silver dimple where the stoma was now. Psychologically a big milestone as all the 'firsts' are done. It really feels like I can just get on with life.
17 months post treatment and life is pretty good. I haven't woken with my tongue stuck dried to my mouth for a couple of weeks and have managed to finally start enjoying Belgian ales again, just the spicy food still evading me and some foods I just don't like anymore.
OK, so I don't go anywhere without water (I can manage an hour early morning dog walk without it), but I always drank lots of water. I gurn in the car to keep away the trismus, but love the strange looks I get. I carry factor 50 when the sun shines, much to my friends delight. Otherwise I'd say life is normal.
Diagnosis scared the **** out if me, so much information to take in. Treatment taught me new depths of despair and my own strength. Recovery has been frustrating. I have gained new friends, greater appreciation of life and stress washes off me, so there are some things I am thankful to this for.
No matter where you are on this wobble of a path, hang in there and shout out for help. Sending love to those of you starting through diagnosis, treatment or recovery. Very special thanks and hugs to those of you who went through hell at the same time and to those who guided us through with your wisdom of experience, you all know who you are. Forever greatful!
Take care all, Gill x
I gutted that cupboard where I had 'the call' before we broke up this summer, very cathartic!!
Yep chocolate is good, no dunking required and no nasty lingering taste 
No matter where you are on this wobble of a path, hang in there and shout out for help. Sending love to those of you starting through diagnosis, treatment or recovery. Very special thanks and hugs to those of you who went through hell at the same time and to those who guided us through with your wisdom of experience, you all know who you are. Forever greatful!
Excellent advice Gill.
The psychological aspect of all this was the hardest for me, the physical assault is temporary and manageable...the fear at the start less so.
I, too, wouldn't have coped as well as I did without the people here who helped me.
