Hi,
Well, it's been a long time between posts and much has happened. Richard is doing great and we are back to all our normal activities again with still much rest in-between. He stopped the patch over a month ago and at first felt really strange without the drug. I expected the physical discomfort to be worse, but the effect was more of a mental let- down and a feeling of not being himself. Within in a few days, he started to come back to himself and within a week was feeling better. I was so concerned with the physical withdrawal, that the mental aspect of it never occurred to me.
His taste is still not normal and the saliva is greatly reduced, but he makes himself eat and eats pretty much everything he wants. So, here we are, so lucky and thankful for each day. We see the H&N surgeon next week and the RO in July. I don't think they will do any testing until July, but we will find out what the schedule is next week. Both Drs were very pleased with his progress when they saw him in April.
Kind of a funny story... At the beginning of this ordeal in Jan, American Idol had just started. I remember how we watched it each week while going through this treatment. All the ups and downs and American Idol progressing along with us. Each week something new to deal with popped up, but there was always AI to watch. In Jan, I told Richard that in May when the finale came around we would be through the tunnel and into the light. Our interest in the show has waned a bit, but we will be watching the finale for sure. I know this sounds trivial, but we counted off the weeks with Simon, Paula, Cara and Randy! Talk to you all later....Geri

Geri,

Just let him know that it may take all of 2 years for his recovery and just don't get TOOOO frustrated. My taste and saliva didn't really make a strong comeback until my 15th month post Tx.

Hi Geri. Thank you so much for the update. I was wondering how your husband was coming along. John's treatments ended 5 weeks ago today. John's recovery has been pretty rough. He just started talking last week. He was so gaggy and filled with mucus that everytime he would try to talk he would vomit. Thank God the mucus issue has gotten a lot better. He is still on Zofran for the nausea. He still isn't drinking of swallowing. Thank God he had the PEG put in. Even with that he lost 30 lbs. I keep wondering when he will be able to eat again. I know everyone recovers differently. John makes himself swallow a little water every day but it still in a fair amount of pain and discomfort. I'm glad to hear everything so far is going well. Take care. Wanda

I would like to post for him but I never seemed to have many problems but I do have some. All I really can say is good luck and for himt to be glad he has you to take care of and look out for him. It sure as heck is hard to everything for yourself..