Daniel,

Welcome to the OCF forum. I am so sorry for all you are going through. My oral cancer was on my tongue and in one lymph node. I went through surgery and RT in 2020 when I was 52. Your procedures are quite different but I can relate to losing lots of weight, the confusion of how did this happen (not a smoker or much of a drinker), etc. They removed half my tongue and I had a feeding tube through my nose for weeks. I had to learn how to drink, eat, and speak all over.

Upshot, I totally agree with your motivation. I kept a pic of my wife and kids with me at all times in the hospital. My surgery was right after they shut down California for Covid so I was in the hospital without loved ones the entire time. In those darker moments, I would pull on them and God. We got through it. It took many months for me to find my new normal but slowly all things got better. My recovery from surgery improved by the day but from RT I had to be much more patient. Some flavors took years to fully come back and some spicy stuff I still can not eat. I can still recall the first time I spoke to a stranger, ate food in public, etc.

Today, I am stronger for it. I am more present with loved ones, more patient in life, and my relationship with God is deeper. Please keep us up to date as you go through your CT and RT. Your story will certainly help others plus I found journaling to be helpful for me in general.

Stay safe and keep the faith,
Nels

5 years completed since my last radiation, I want to thank all the members who contributed to this group that helped me a lot.I am really so thankful to this forum for all the info and support I got f r om all the members 🙏🏼