Took everyone's advice and rescheduled our meeting with our ENT doctor which we had today.
The waiting is always the hard part (2 hour + wait..) but the check-up was thorough and well worth the wait.

Also got a copy of our entire collection of scans on CD and also the entire history of Jen's records from initial biopsy to details around the IMRT treatment which ended a few weeks back which was a pretty interesting read! It is amazing how detailed their comments & notes actually are, and I was very impressed with how everything was recorded - and I mean EVERYTHING.

Here are a few comments based on our discussion with our ENT doctor today which hopefully helps others out who may experience similar symptoms post-tx:

• Jen was experiencing 'tingling' in her arms & hands on and off which they told us it was most likely Peripheral neuropathy which is caused by the cisplatin. Unfortunately, this is probably a permanent ongoing side effect and there is really no treatment for this.
• Swelling and stiffness around her jaw & neck was most likely due to the lymphodema and hard scar tissue forming where the neck dissection took place. Doctor recommended massage to drain fluids so will find someone who can help asap.
• Taste will improve over time as taste buds start to reform (usually around 3 months post-tx) but will never reach 100% as a big portion of her tongue was removed.
• Tongue mobility & speech was excellent considering the extent of her surgery and ongoing therapy should help improve this function.
• Post-tx scans will be determined based on the next follow-up check up on the 26th of February. If required, the initial PET/CT scan on the 19th of March may be brought forward with an MRI scan as well
• Blood tests have been ordered to see if there are any issues with Jen's immune system & also more importantly, her thyroid functions.
• Body aches & pains were probably due to Jen's menopause starting again (hooray!) & taking care of a 6 month old baby full time rather than anything else.
• Physiotherapy was arranged to regain some strength back in her shoulders & neck and will commence shortly.
• Follow-up meeting with the dental oncologist was booked for the 28th of February to see how Jen's teeth & gums are doing post-rad.
• ENT doctor was adamant weight loss due to lack of nutrition was a recovering patients worst enemy and told Jen on multiple occasions to keep up with her diet.

An exhausting day but was well worth getting some clarity around what was in store for Jen to manage on-going issues. I guess we are now in the next phase of recovery.

Will let you all know how we go after our next meeting with our ENT & DO but until then, God bless and our thoughts are with you all.

Jen, Jay & Hunter