Gina,

Welcome to this site. I'm glad you're at the point where you can see some physical improvement -- sometimes it seems as though the recovery takes forever, but I think you'll continue to notice that it gets better over time.

I recall feeling something like what you describe when I was dealing with many of my colleagues at work after I finished treatment -- it felt like being "on the outside looking in" and wondering whether anything would ever feel "normal" again. For me, it took some time to sort out what seemed really important, but after reconsidering where my priorities ought to be, I ended up with a much better balance in th way I spend my time -- an unexpected positive side effect of the cancer experience.

Are you doing anything for the ongoing dry mouth problems? What type of radiation did you have? Do you have any medication to help with saliva? One of the things I've found helpful is Biotene mouthwash, gel and oral spray -- they're available at Wal-Mart and many of the major drug store chains.

Feel free to post with any questions you have. There are plenty of survivors here who want to help and have probably been through experiences similar to yours.

Cathy