11 months on

Hi everyone.  Just wanted to update you all on hubby's progress. It is a yr in Jan since he got his cancer (tonsil with lymph node, p16 positive) 

How terrified we were in this minefield of info and schedules. But THIS site without question helped us deal with every stage as we read blogs and the stages of treatment, side effects and help line for remedies to ease our walk.  Incredible. 

so after a peg fitted 2 teeth put (feb 23)  6 wks of Radiotherapy and 5 of chemo. (Ending end April 23)  He is slowly returning to his former self. 

We are now 7 months post treatment and he is eating everything, chocolate  still craggy and red wine is tasting of chemicals.  However most food is tasting ok and less water is required to swallow.  He has had 2 check ups with his consultant with a scope up the nose.  Everything is clear and looking good.  

This process has taken months, at times seeming very slow.. but thanks to reading posts on here you realise this is normal. We were told that 12 months post treatment we will know more of the recovery of the palette etc. 

Since the peg was removed at 6 months post (he hadnt used his peg (only for flushing) since 6 wks post.   Unfortunately miscommunication led to it taking 6 months to remove. However since the peg removal my hubby looks himself, no heart burn (this was prevalent whilst peg was inserted) and his colour looks better.  Weight is good he hasnt regained his pre treatment weight but he said he had half a stone to loose. 

By hubbies own admission and my acknowledgment his mental processing seems alittle slower, however at 60 that could definately be an age thing.

So onward we go, we've bought a place in the Lake District and both fully retired now.  cancer makes you do things you once put on the shelf...So we can enjoy relaxing walking and finding a new pub to enjoy some lovely Wainwright's beer.  

Ijust  want to say to everyone currentlygoing  through treatment or recovery. You will get there, rely and trust  your team they are to help, no question is silly only necessary to you..   and share your journey on here,  it helps you off load and also helps those around you realise that what they are experiencing is normal.  Knowing what is coming is incredibly helpful and reassuring.  

Thank you to everyone on this incredible site..   I will continue to pop in every few months..  wishing everyone on here strength to face treatment both physically and mentally. Full recovery and a healthy future.   Hope everyone regardless of their state in this process has a peaceful Christmas.  Xx