Hey Pam,

In the UK, it's common practice for the National Health Service (NHS) to set up speech and language therapy team, dietician, physiotherapy etc for cancer patients (depending on their type of cancer and wat their needs are). We're very lucky. The clinical trial team add extra blood tests and scans if my health declines, and I'm more likely to be admitted should anything not look as good as they want it to be.

I Googled 'Tongue Twisters' to help with my speech. I said them out loud. I also said the alphabet and then I would name all the things in the room I'm in. I still do this every so often just to keep my speech up. I also try to sing to songs. It's terrible and a lot harder than I'd like, but it's also fun.

My radiotherapy team prescribed me this cream Super Defense Cream. It's amazing! It's really eased my sore neck and face. They said to keep it in the fridge as it cools the aloe vera in there which works better to cool the skin. My hands and nails are in great condition since using it as I massage the excess into them

They did cut my abdomen. They did a radical free flap reconstruction (RFFR) after removing most of my tongue. This where they take muscle and blood vessels from my left arm to replace my tongue. It's sewn onto the remaining sliver of tongue, into the floor of my mouth and into my left cheek. They then took some flesh from my abdomen to fill the hole they left on my arm. My abdomen was then glued closed, but unfortunately I split part of the wound.

I can feel that I am starting to need to rest more, which is frustrating. I may be a larger lady (altough 30kg smaller than before) but I am active. I carry a collapsable walking stick with me in case I need to slow down/rest when I'm out.

Of course I'll keep you update, it's my pleasure to do so. I love our community/family here. Please keep us updated with Scott's progress. Also look after yourself too.

Have a fab day