Better Days

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akbear49
akbear49 Member Posts: 51
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi All

Its been a while since I've made any contribution. I felt kind of bad that I'm doing so well and others are having such a tough time but

I want to let you all know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and hang in there

Its been 200 days today since I was first diagnosed, 124 days since my last radiation and 131 days since my last round of chemo.

My taste buds are still iffy at best but at least everything doesn't taste like olive brine anymore. Saliva is coming back slowly and I have to sip water with every bite I take but the docs are all positive about that recovering as well

Stamina wise: I went to Disney World a couple of weeks ago and spent the entire day there, from opening to the final fireworks - I was a little tired but then again so was everyone else. We even went zip lining - I was a little anxious at first but I made it. I had to wear this huge wide brimmed hat because I had to avoid extended sun exposure - I did what the docs told me and am still as white as I was when we left Alaska

I'm still losing weight as a matter of fact I've lost more weight since I finished therapy than I did during therapy. the good news there is that I'm within my "healthy" BMI for the first time in decades

The bottom line folks - you will get better hang in there

Alaska Ed

Comments

  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #2
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    :)
    Thanks for the excellent report, Ed! Congrats on your cvurrent status and let's hope that ii remains the same.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • nwasen
    nwasen Member Posts: 235 Member
    #3
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    Better days
    Ed,
    what a nice post. It is great to see someone else doing so well. I am coming up to a year being done with treatments (Dec.the week before Xmas last year). I finally am putting on some weight and my taste buds work wonderful. Still some issues with some foods and may always have them, but all in all I can't or won't complain.
    We are the lucky ones and I think seeing the right docs, going to the right place for treatment and having a positive and fighting attitude make a big difference. I was stage 4 and I am doing so well. Sometimes I almost feel a tad guilty to feel so good and have such energy when I see some who struggle so hard. I am sure you understand.
    Congrats to you!
    Nancy
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #4
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    Thanks for sharing the good news.
    I especially liked your reference to things tasting like 'olive brine'. I remember those days. They went away for me too. Good thing. I am NOT an olive fan.

    Continue to enjoy life!

    Deb
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
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    Hi Ed
    Great to see you back and hear that you are doing so well. Keeping positive is one of the many keys to staying healthy, as time goes on a lot of your strength should return. Keep motivated and finding things to do that you enjoy and love.

    PS: Also keep posting here on CSN. lol :+})
    Hondo
  • NJR
    NJR Member Posts: 82
    #6
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    Please
    Don't feel bad for those of us with a less optimistic prognosis. You provide a goal and a little hope that some can and do survive. One of my biggest gripes with medicine is their definition of success, survival and the widespread use of median lifespans. I understand why they do it, but with a cancer that has seen virtually no change in prognosis or treatment in 30 years it sends a mixed message that is really on the border of misleading. When I hear stories from those who beat the odds it gives hope where little may have been a few minutes before. Your news is good news!
  • Patti678
    Patti678 Member Posts: 55
    #7
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    Congrats
    Congrats! That's such good news. Here's to the full recovery of your taste buds and to not having to have a glass of water right next to you when eating. (I freak out in a restaurant if mine gets below half full).

    It's so awesome you went zip lining!

    Take care-Patti
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #8
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    Patti678 said:

    Congrats
    Congrats! That's such good news. Here's to the full recovery of your taste buds and to not having to have a glass of water right next to you when eating. (I freak out in a restaurant if mine gets below half full).

    It's so awesome you went zip lining!

    Take care-Patti

    Patti

    I need to show your post to my Wife so she can see I am not the only one who starts to freak out when the glass of water runs low.

    I bring my back-up bottle with me now when eating out.

    Hondo

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