| | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Each of us can respond differently to the same basic Tx and for most of us our recovery can last every bit of 2 years with the first being worse than the second. Taste and saliva will return but be patient as this also can take all of 2 years to get to the point where no further improvment happens.
Watch out for Thyroid issues in the next 5 moths or so. Some of us end up with permanent damage resulting in a small pill a day. Check out Hypothyrodism on the net.
Also watch for hearing issues as Cisplatin, especially given in the 3 Big Bag method, has a nasty rep of causing permanent loss.
Again not all of us suffer the same damage but do be on the lookout just in case.
Also calories and hydration are just as important during recovery as they were in Tx. I consumed over 3000 cals a DAY during my first year post Tx and I didn't gain a pound so that should tell you something of the bodies recovery process.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 29 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 29 | Scotty, you are one brave caregiver. I bet your husband was mad a t the Cowboys huh?
I really saw a lot if similarities in your 'saga'.
Almost 20 years ago, my father in law went trough what your husband is experiencing and I was the caregiver. He had 50% glossectomy and about 4 inches on titanium replacing part of his jaw. It was a tough job. The fun (not) part was the traveling time to see him- 2.5 hours each way. My husband took care of handyman and yard chores, and I did chores you described, plus clean house and do laundry. Little by little he 'injected' ensure on the PEG himself ( he sprayed the syringe with Pam) and before you knew it, he was so happy to be well again.
My husband got stage 1 SCC (read my signature). His operation was on Dec 2 with no dissection at a CCC here in San Antonio. I was preparing for the worst. This time around though, my caregiving role was at a minimum. It feels like a bad dream. A month before surgery was the scariest for me. My husband just didn't want to talk about it, or worry anyone.
I hope that before you know it, this experience will be behind you.
The vodka cocktail sounds good to me, but I prefer wine.... And whine too...with cheese!!!!
Best wishes this year with great health and a positive attitude to go with it.
Happy New Year,
Patty
Patty / husband Dx with Stage 1 SCC
November '12, BOT ulcer
June '13, first biopsy-negative.
October '13, second biopsy-positive
November '13, second opinion at CCC, T1
December '13, partial glossectomy.
September '14, biopsy on lymph nodes, 1 tested positive.
October '14, right side neck dissection. 14 nods out, with only one affected.
November '14, T1N1M0 radiation in the recommended by oncologist
December '14, radiation treatment
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