Hi Tim,
Welcome to OCF and I am so sorry to hear of your cancer surgery and related challenges. There is hope.
I went through similar surgery and radiation about 5 years ago. It took many months, but, yes, I have nearly all my previous life back. I was back to full time work about 3-4 months after, was surfing and jogging about 2-3 months after. Food took months and years. Some flavors still escape me and spices have to be kept on the low end. My speech is still slightly slurred but not too bad. Strangers understand me well. I noticed recovery from surgery improved on a daily/weekly schedule where radiation was a much slower recovery more weekly and monthly.
Some of my life is better than before. I don't sweat the small stuff as much. I am more present with the people in my life. My faith life took a huge step forward and changed, or maybe you could say revealed, my purpose at this stage of life.
Keep a journal, written and video, so you can reference improvement. When I took the time to look back, I would see I had come further than I thought. Plus, it helped me clear my thoughts and share them.
I am in Huntington Beach. Are you also in Southern Cal?
Stay safe and keep the faith,
Nels
