Hi all
Looks like there are still folks on here who may remember me. Just passed 3 years since my diagnosis was confirmed and next week marks 2 years 8 months since treatment finished.
I haven't been on here for a few months, Dad dying of pancreatic cancer in May has knocked me far more than I realised,.
My cancer is still in remission, I mostly eat 'normally' now, or at least we have a routine. I'm fine eating out but really anxious when other people cook for me, textures and acidity are my fussy aspects. I can manage a good few drinks too, just not as much red wine and no neat spirits. In fact for first time in 3 years i am having to watch what i eat to avoid the old weight gain. Saliva ok, I can manage to pop out for a couple of hours without the ever present water, so long as I don't talk too much. Check up in December was all good, if same in April moving me to 6 months. I still massage my neck a couple of times a week and stretch jaw and vocal chords most days.
So, my 50th was a bit messed up, I spent it speeding up to Leeds to say goodbye to Dad. We eventually had the party I'd planned during treatment in September. I regularly play my birthday playlist i started compiling back in 2021. Friends and family mostly respected my wish for no presents, we raised a respectable sum. I spent the evening dancing (managed to get a steroid injection the week before for my rheumatism!).
Our grandson arrived in July, along with 2 great-nephews and another 10 babies born to friends. So, 2023 has very much been about the circle of life. It is a real pleasure watching them grow up. Pops started school in September, which makes me wonder where that time has gone!
My dog walks and time in the open air and trees remain invaluable. Pip has been amazing company, the gentlest of souls and the daily greeting when I get home is enough to live for in itself!
No matter where you are in your treatment, hang in there. The fear is real, but not insurmountable, especially not with the support available here. Treatment is brutal, but fairly short and highly effective. Recovery can be slow, but use the time to re-set yourself, then live your life to the fullest. Small things become immensely beautiful once you've walked the path we have.
Warmest wishes to you all for 2024. X
Gill
Party with my grandchildren.
Pip walks through the seasons
Warmest wishes to you all for 2024
Same to you Gill. So sorry about your dad
Gill’s blog is here
it’s really worth a read
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
Great to hear from you Gill and delighted you're doing so well! There's a lot of life to be had after treatment for the vast majority of us fortunately, glad you're spending the time well
xx
My grandchildren (ten, count 'em) Christmas was postponed due to number three daughter being poorly, now happening Sunday 7th; going to be manic!
Metastatic SCC diagnosed 8th October 2013. Modified radical neck dissection November, thirty-five radiotherapy fractions with 2xCisplatin chemo Jan/Feb 2014. Recurrence on larynx diagnosed July 2020 so salvage laryngectomy in September 2020.
