Hi everyone,
It is with my most heartfelt thanks that I post today. You have all been the greatest support group anyone in this predicament could ask for. The info shared by everyone helped me through the most difficult time in my life. Richard sends his thanks to all of you.
After 7 weeks of healing, our lives are settling into the "new normal." Richard is eating and will get the Peg tube out next week. The mouth sores are finally gone and he is maintaining his weight. We are back to our 3 mile walks and a regular routine. He still needs to rest and take it easy, but I feel his recovery has been remarkable.
This week was his follow-up with the Head&Neck surgeon and the RO. They are both very pleased with his progress. He sees the H&N doc in 6 weeks for a check-up and the RO in July, when she will schedule a PET. There is still a small amount of residual tissue where the node was, but neither one of them seemed concerned. We're hoping it will continue to shrink and the body will take care of it.
Whatever happens in the future, we will deal with at the time. For now, we are very optimistic and grateful. We will take each day of life with prayer and gratitude. David, if you read this post, thanks again for your initial advice to gain as much weight as possible. Richard gained 10lbs and that is what he lost. I do believe that's one of the reasons he tolerated the treatment so well. He continued to eat and drink through-out this ordeal, even though it was almost unbearable at times. Everyone's advice about swallowing made a huge impression on him and he can be very stubborn about doing what needs to be done.
I have brochures from Susan and I will be distributing them in our area. If one person derives knowledge and support from OCF it will be worth it. That' about it for now. I will continue to check in to see how everyone is doing....Geri