Boland

Happy to offer my perspective. I do get regular check-ups. At this point, a couple years out from surgery and radiation, I get scans of my chest, scopes down the throat, and oral exams about every 3-6 months from both my head and neck doc and my oncologist. I used to get them more frequently.

BTW, Brian has been through many surgeries, many treatment procedures, helped so many here for decades, and as you can tell from his response, he knows his stuff. I like your idea to "bring him" to your next appointment. Print his notes and literally bring them!

On the topic of coping, my wife and I were slammed by my cancer diagnosis. Our four boys were ages 17-23 at the time we found out. We are both active, healthy eaters, etc. It was so hard to think about the pain and fear cancer caused in all our lives. Sometimes, I felt like I was causing it. I knew that was irrational but it still crept in there. Some ideas that helped. Keep a journal. Sometimes I would wake up at 2 am and write for hours. It was therapeutic and I go back and read it occasionally to remind myself how far we have come. Connect with loved ones. In my most trying treatments and days, I had a goal to connect with a close friend or family, or old college buddies, or old high school buddies, etc once per day. It forced me to talk it out. I kept up my daily exercise routine even when in the hospital. Sometimes that simply meant dancing in place, a short walk around the hospital, or stretching my legs. As I got better, I increased it. Faith. Everyone's faith is different. But, I can share with you that when I needed it, I got the love and support I needed. And, through this experience, I was able to find a deeper faith than I ever thought possible. I think our hearts and minds open up more through these vulnerable experiences. At least mine did.

Sending you positive thoughts. Keep us updated.

Stay safe and keep the faith,
Nels