Hi all
An update for those of you who held my hand through this journey and hopefully a message to say hang in there to everyone going through diagnosis and treatment.
4 years on and the anniversaries go by. I had my 6 month check up and all is fine. There are some lingering niggles, like the stomach issues earlier this month. My jaw gets stiff if I don't do my exercises, I never thought I'd still have to do them. But....we have just enjoyed a lovely Christmas with family and i haven't stressed about what I can eat or drink or thought much about that awful Christmas 4 years ago. A huge improvement since 100% reliance on my PEG and the 90 minute Weetabix!
It was quite ironic and pure accident that i gave a talk about my cancer treatment to our 6th form aspiring medical students 4 years to the day since i had my first appointment at New Cross.
I always take Ronnie to the talks, who usually lives in our training ward for health students. The ward was locked, so I had to put her in 'the cupboard' where I got the call saying I had suspected cancer. So, here's a picture of my lifesaver in the place it started.
I'll end with a picture from my Christmas morning walk. Since going through treatment I've learned to pause more, look for the beauty in life and appreciate the small things. I'm truly grateful for every day I get to do this. Pip (my lab) and i watched the stars and the sunrise.
If you are going through treatment you will doubt this, but the sun will rise after the darkest of days and the people on here will guide you there. Forever thankful to you all!
Take care folks.
Gill
If you look in the blogs for 'Not this time' you can read about my journey.
Good to hear from you, Gill
You are right....from the depths of fear and despair you do find the sun.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thanks for this positive update Gill. I am 3 months post RT and have just cooked a Christmas meal for my family although I had my usual liquid food through my rig. I really thought I’d be able to eat by now but my tongue and mouth are too uncomfortable with food. Your message has given me hope for next year! Thanks and happy new year x
Hi Gill
So true. ..l
Onwards and upwards I’m off to the sun once again in March lost track of the numbers if times we’ve been away since treatment finished.Onwards and upwards
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hi,
I ate all through treatment and suddenly stopped being able to swallow the day after. I think I went about 6 weeks unable to eat a thing, and barely able to swallow water for a couple of weeks. Mouth ulcers were an issue for me. I struggled with soup because it stung the ulcers. I was better with jelly and set custard as it was soft but I could direct it to my better side.
Take advantage of the good days and just keep trying when you feel up to it. Sometimes it's one step forward and two back, but you get there.
All the best x
Hi Gill we will do. Yes am great thank you still spreading awareness of head and neck cancers.
enjoy your walks with Pip.
Hufs
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hope you are well! X
Yes always.
Just been looking back at the first pop festival I was ever at. Bath 1970. Zeppelin Pink Floyd Jefferson Airplane Donovan Byrds (Moody Blues didn’t play because of the rain) Life was simple and we were immortal.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Love it we we’re immortal and now we are legends!!
I’m reading that T Rex( obviously the music ) are the next revival group the 70 s had some great music certainly stands the test of time.
H x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Love it we we’re immortal and now we are legends!!
Oh for heavens sake ….. forgot that. Happy New Year.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
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