Week 5 thankfully is coming to a close. I had several follow up appointments this week starting on Monday with Labs, Speech, Dietician and Dr. Maura Gillison's nursing staff. Labs came back normal noting that electrolytes were normal and liver kidney functions normal. Speech and Diet released me and said my progress dictated the release. Nursing looked at burn area that hit me last week and took pictures calling me later that day to explain this was radiation recall. Rare but happens. Body for whatever reason thinks it is getting burned or delays reacting like it would during treatment. They made an appointment with Dermatology. That was the next appointment Wednesday and the radiation recall was confirmed. They wanted to do a biopsy to confirm but I had no peace about getting cut again. They prescribed corticosteroid creme and today the area is showing improvement and not as painful. Thursday was laser treatment for ulcer on tongue. This was number 4 and the Doctor was very happy with the progress. This is still the one area that has prevented me from eating full meals. He believes this treatment should take care of it and scheduled a 2 week follow up. He was honest and said he did not think we would be where we are today because of the severity and size of the ulcer. I am so thankful for him and procedure because I would still be suffering horribly without it. By Monday the pain should subside and I will see progress through the week.

Final appointment was a follow up with my original cancer surgeon who did the biopsy confirming HPV +. He was pleased with the progress, checked my throat and tongue and confirmed the tumor is gone. I will now see Dr. Old every 2 months and he will be my primary care MD at the James Cancer Center at OSU. So I have been eating small portions all week and picking at my wife's food. PEG is still the source of the majority of my nutrition. Weight is stable, energy abundant and attitude 180 degrees from the last update. We are pressing on.