"OCF Down Under, Kiwi" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 644 Likes: 1 | Hi, Lorraine. I finished radiotherapy on 19 May, so I'm 4 1/2 weeks out. Like you I have recovered much of my taste but not appetite and enjoyment. I think we just have to take very good care of ourselves and eat out of duty, if not for pleasure. I eat some normal food but the bulk of my calories comes from thickshakes made with formula and enriched with chocolate ice cream and tinned fruit. I DO enjoy these shakes now, drinking them with a straw so minimal sweetness makes contact with my teeth:)
Like you I've lost weight and I was trying hard NOT to! I enjoy the new body shape but I'm scared of getting too thin because my overall health, fitness and strength mean a lot to me. I like to walk vast distances and won't be able to do that if I lose muscle strength.
I kind of expect to return to normal in four months after starting treatment, because that is what the RO said she advises people: take 4 months off work. However, from reading people's accounts here, I know it can take a lot longer.
Hope you feel better soon and please heed Christine's advice: it has helped me:)
1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol. September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision. October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT. February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.
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