I am so glad to have found this forum. I have been browsing through the posts, and so many of my questions and concerns have been addressed by others. It is reassuring to know that others have experienced the same things I have.

Last summer I found a lump on the right side of my neck, just below the angle of my jaw. It was a busy summer, so I just waited for it to go away. Eventually I got to my regular doctor, who immediately sent me to an ENT. On exam the ENT found a large tumor on the base of my tongue. Biopsy of both masses was positive for squamous cell carcinoma. This was a tremendous shock to me, as my health has never been an issue. I was very health conscious, exercised regularly, and careful about my diet. I don't smoke and scarcely drink alcohol. I've since learned, of course, that clean living is no guarantee of continued health.

My treatment started in late December: 33 sessions of IMRT and 3 chemo treatments (carboplatin). My last treatment was Feb. 23, '07. The time on the radiation table was terrifying; I don't know how I managed to do it 33 times. Since the treatment ended I have experienced dry mouth, loss of taste, and throat pain, but I am getting better week by week. My PEG is out, and I am eating a part-liquid, part-solid diet.

I am looking forward to participating in this forum. Thanks for being here when I needed you.

Popster,

Welcome -- I'm glad you were able to find this site. It sounds as though you're doing reasonably well at this point, given the treatment you've had. Post-radiation healing can seem slow at times, but you'll probably start to see some gradual improvement in taste sensations, saliva, and lessening of the throat pain.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing as you continue to recover.

Cathy

Hello Popster
I, too, am so glad to have found this site. As you will soon find out, you are never alone here.
So many of my questions also have been answered by "surfing" and "posting" this forum. All the people are wonderful,and helpful.
Now we have another new guy like me. With experiance, I like that
PeteyB

Popster,

We sound identical except for the side of the neck, mine was on the left.

If you have any questions about what lies in the future re recovery just post and I as well as many others will share our recovery month by slow month.

Popster,

Another BOT participant here as well. Mine on same right side as yours. Things do get better following TX and I suspect you are improving somewhat at this point. The worst usually peaks out about the 2nd week following Tx.

Another rule of thumb I learned through this forum which is a good rule of thumb is that it takes about 1 month for each week of Tx to get somewhat back to "normal". That was real close for me with the exception of taste buds. My buds are still skewed after 8 months now post Tx. Taste is improving but still not what it ever used to be and I have had to get used to the fact that complete taste for all foods may never return. A couple of months ago I read where the taking of 2 to 3 220 mg tablets of Zinc Sulfate daily helped with restoration of taste buds from radiation damage. I figured I had nothing to lose and started taking them. My taste has improved somewhat lately but cannot say if due to the Zinc or just coincidence.

It also sounds like you didn't discover this forum until after you completed treatment which is the way it was with me.

Good luck.

Bill D.

Hi, Popster, here's to another long term poster. Keep on going! Amy in the Oz