12 weeks post treatment - update

Hello - I haven't posted for a while so wanted to give an update on recover. 12 weeks ago today I had my final RT treatment! I'm having my RIG removed on Monday!!

I've experienced the common ups and downs of recovery and some days /weeks seemed like I wasn't moving forward, but I just wanted to share that things do improve and much progress has been made!

RIG: I haven't used my RIG tube for 6 weeks, but I relied on it for 4 weeks in total. I've been signed off by speech & language, and my dietician and nutrition teams and oncologist have approved the RIG being removed. I could've done it weeks ago, but I'd already received an appointment at the hospital for a tube "change" so this was just converted to a removal!

EATING: Slowly added foods and while taste is still hit and miss I just forged ahead and ate regardless to keep my weight stable.

• I started with the reliable poached eggs, soups, smoothies, pasta dishes, stews, buttered, crumpets, smoked salmon.
• By wk8 recovery I was eating rare filet steak, seafood, roast dinners 
• I've had Indian and Chinese takeaways - curry is mild (masala, passanda, korma).
• As others have found, fatty meat is easier (lamb and pork). 
• I was a chocoholic but now I can taste the first 2 bites then it's bland so i stop after 2 (I see this as a bonus!)
• I drank lots of tea previously, but now I prefer coffee
• I've enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine and Champagne 

Bottom line is, I try everything and persevere as the more flavours you attempt the more it helps taste buds to return. My oncologist said improvements can continue for a couple of years with taste and saliva issues. Just persevere! I carry water everywhere! I might look into acupuncture in future as I know it's helped many people on here...

PAIN: I took morphine for about 5 weeks, now just alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen. I'll admit, I didn't see me being able to just manage on those during the 'darker' times of recovery - but it does get better!

I'm planning a very slow, phased return to work later this month - just 2 half days per week up to Christmas and will review regularly and add more hours as I'm able to. Fatigue management is crucial. I've been speaking to an occupational therapist through work, who has been excellent in sharing tips around pacing yourself. I also have CBT counselling booked in to discuss how the last 6 months has affected me emotionally. This is all through my company, so I feel very lucky to work for such a forward-thinking employer.

I've bored you enough now but if anyone is starting this journey or in the middle of recovery I think it's good to know that things get better!! I sometimes have 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Take it a day at a time and slow down!

Helen xx