Well...Here's some facts.

I am in GREAT shape all things considering. However, I am also 60 + pounds overweight again. Looks like that ultimate diet plan I was on, the one with chemo & radiation, it (like all other fad diets), doesn't result in permanent weight loss

Next, I still have EXTREMELY BAD TINNITIS. 75% of the time I don't think about it nor actively "notice" it. Truth is, it is there 100% of the time and sometimes I can ignore it for 1 second, but ignoring it is like telling someone not to think about a blue elephant.

I have been getting (increasingly over the years), muscle spasms in the surgery/radiation areas. Some light twitches. Occasional cramp. But I am dealing with it.

I had ONE physical therapy appt and am told I am stupid for not continuing it. Stupid? Me.

What else, oh yeah, my thyroid was 100% toast!!! Don't forget boys and girls -- HAVE YOU DR CHECK YOUR THYROID.

Mine was virtually non-existent and we didn't find out for 8 months! I could have saved a fortune in triple-espressos.

Several of you on here told me to have it checked, but I think I kept forgetting, or was just too stubborn. Or stupid?

Update on saliva, food, tastes. Wow! I feel lucky. I have I would guesstimate, about 95% full salivary function. 90%+ food taste and all in all feel good.

What else? I can't open my mouth as much as I used to be able to. (Have somehow managed to cram LOTS of food in though)

I seem to have some short term memory issues, but that could even be diet, lifestyle related (did I mention I am turning 40 this March!!?? UUgh!)

I have pretty heavy duty heartburn but take meds for it. This, could also be related to obesity.

Here's a strange one. For over 7 months now. SEVEN MONTHS, I have had a persistent, Dry cough.

Of course I was out of my head crazy after week one. How do you think I felt after week 9???

Here's the deal. It ONLY ever (and always!) happens just as I am drifting off into twilight sleep, at that precipice where one drifts from consciousness into light sleep...

B-A-M !!!!!!

Cough. Cough!

Jerks me into full awaked-ness-ness in a religiously reliable spasm that Seth has grown particularly displeased about.

In general, it is EVERY single night. I have asked my local Onc about and the ENT specialists at UCSF. Their only answer was to get an X-ray to rule out lung cancer, I guess.

Had that about 3 months ago. Radiologist said ALL NORMAL.

Still worried though (do we ever get over the worry??). One of my employees went to the same radiologist for a sprained knee x-ray 6 weeks ago. Turns out he misread her knee film. It was fractured in 3 places! She missed the window of opportunity to get it treated and now will have a limp the rest of her life. Plus, the likely prospect of having metal pins installed in her knee. Yuk. (is it just me, or does anyone else smell the lawsuit?)

Well..I placed a whitty update on the survivor forum in case anyone is wondering how I could possibly have the nerve to post here and not even acknowledge the fact that I have been neglectful here on the boards.

I think that is about it for my list of complaints.

Overall, I feel good. Would I go through all the treatment again to save my life? YES. Would hate every minute of it. But it is worth it.

Congrats and thanks for sharing! Can't wait to share this with my mom, she has some of those same twitches/spasms.

I'll keep your mom in my thoughts. I wouldn't want to wait till December, that's for sure!

Donna

Michael,

Your only one year ahead of me and my diet is still working.

My thyroid crapped out 4 months post Tx and I have regular bloodwork done to track it. I still require a large Cafe con Leche in the morning to rev up my engine.

I also have memory lapses but I'm 20 years older than you so whose to say? I don't have any persistent cough.

I don't have any mouth related problems.

I also have pretty much back to normal taste although it's still not perfect like it was pre Tx.

I didn't require any surgery.

Hey but it's still better than the alternative and I have talked to and met some pretty amassing people on this site in the last 2 years.

You figured one PT treatment was enough? No wonder you have twitches and spasms. I have never had that problem. I even go back for a tuneup every couple of years if my neck starts feeling tight.

Hopefully you are doing religious dental care and see dentist every two months. You don't want your next diet to work because you are toothless.

Time to drop the weight again. Are they checking your TSH level? Your thyroid being out of whack can add pounds.

Glad to hear you are doing well.

Take care,
Eileen

Thanks for the support Eileen.

No, I figured I need need to be on PT for a while, but have been too stubborn (=lazy) to keep going.

I do go for dental cleanings every 2 or 3 months, and have been told I need a couple new filings (any major issue I should warm my cancer ignorant DDS about?)

Being a little nervous (=big chicken) I haven't scheduled the procedures yet.

I do get my TSH levels checked every 2 or 3 months, and have had to make adjustments to the meds as a result.

Has anyone ever heard of "natural" thyroid as a reliable alternative to the synthyroid? A Dr. guest suggested it and not sure if it's some homeopathic thing or what.

As far as the diet, I am very near electing for a surgical solution.

If you are taking meds for hyper-tension, one of them is notorious for producing persistent, dry cough.

My tastes are sparse, esp sweets, and esp since the removal of most of my toasted tongue, so the Cancer Diet is working for me.

Michael,

A word from the local dentist. You can't afford to postpone those fillings. Don't wait till you need a root canal.

No suggestions for any warnings for your dentist.

Jerry

except maybe nothing that disturbs the bone...

Thanks Jerry, that's a good point since I've been warned to avoid oral surgery, and a root canal sounds like something sorta surgical.

He has told me I'm his only patient with cancer, so I am little worried about him not knowing about the circulation, radiation issues.

PS: Pete, not taking ANYTHING except some antacids & synthyroid.