Healed from BOT excission/tonsillectomy

jeepman
jeepman Member Posts: 109
Two weeks today since BOT excission/tonsillectomy and I am eating normal again and swallowing well. I start chemo/rads on Monday, 13 June. I am really not all that worried, most folks agree that a tonsillectomy is more painful than treatment. I can just say that I hope that holds true, as it was pretty tough. I am just ready to start treatment. Can't get to the good stuff until we go through the bad stuff, huh?
Thanks to all you guys for the support so far I am ready to do battle: 35 rads and 7 chemos to go until I start recovery.

Any of you guys recommend a really good/efficient juicer?

God speed,

Mike
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Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Enjoy
    Congrats Mike.....

    Best thing I can tell you at the moment (and not to be negative), eat and drink everything you really enjoy. Because it's more than likely going to be a few months after you start the rads befoe you'll have that pleasure.

    You can do it and I agree, I think the tonsils coming out was more short term intense. Its just the rads while being lower in pain and longer in time has a few different obstacles to get through.

    Thoughts & Prayers,
    John
  • Goalie
    Goalie Member Posts: 184
    Skiffin16 said:

    Enjoy
    Congrats Mike.....

    Best thing I can tell you at the moment (and not to be negative), eat and drink everything you really enjoy. Because it's more than likely going to be a few months after you start the rads befoe you'll have that pleasure.

    You can do it and I agree, I think the tonsils coming out was more short term intense. Its just the rads while being lower in pain and longer in time has a few different obstacles to get through.

    Thoughts & Prayers,
    John

    Enjoy
    Now.

    I completely agree with Skiffin (not for the first time). A few weeks after the tonsillectomy was the best time for about six months. They gave me a few weeks to heal before the tanning sessions began (and I took an extra week to play in the Senior Olympics hockey tourney) and I was just about 90+% in terms of being able to just eat and drink as I wanted.

    And then the rads and chemo started and after a week or two came all of the nausea and the sore throat and loss of appetite. This wasn't (yet) really painful or debilitating but really disheartening. Then, by a few weeks later began all of the other problems (blood clots, low wbc, dehydration, ...) and your body just starts to feel sick (I even had to stop playing hockey). Then, a few weeks later still your throat is really sore and you don't want to eat and you may be having trouble concentrating (I couldn't read technical materials any more). Rads are like going down stairs a step at a time and chemo is like jumping down a whole flight at once.

    If you are lucky, at that point it will not get any worse and you will start to get better once the treatment stops. If you are not lucky, it will progress to where you need the hospital and much greater intervention.

    I hope that I am not sounding too scary. The really good thing is that you will survive this and your cancer will be cured which is sufficient recompense for all your suffering. Within a couple of months (at least some of) your taste and saliva are likely to be returning and your energy will come back. People will remark on how much better you look every time they see you.

    Last week marked six months out of treatment and four from neck dissection for me and practically no one can tell that I was sick. I play three days a week and travel overseas for work. The docs say that my suffering while being treated was among the worst they ever saw but that my recovery since is among the best they ever saw. May yours be only the latter.

    So, enjoy your time now. Go eat again at that restaurant and hug your wife because you will need to store up these good times for a few months. Let us know. Doug

    I'll ask my wife about the juicer.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Goalie said:

    Enjoy
    Now.

    I completely agree with Skiffin (not for the first time). A few weeks after the tonsillectomy was the best time for about six months. They gave me a few weeks to heal before the tanning sessions began (and I took an extra week to play in the Senior Olympics hockey tourney) and I was just about 90+% in terms of being able to just eat and drink as I wanted.

    And then the rads and chemo started and after a week or two came all of the nausea and the sore throat and loss of appetite. This wasn't (yet) really painful or debilitating but really disheartening. Then, by a few weeks later began all of the other problems (blood clots, low wbc, dehydration, ...) and your body just starts to feel sick (I even had to stop playing hockey). Then, a few weeks later still your throat is really sore and you don't want to eat and you may be having trouble concentrating (I couldn't read technical materials any more). Rads are like going down stairs a step at a time and chemo is like jumping down a whole flight at once.

    If you are lucky, at that point it will not get any worse and you will start to get better once the treatment stops. If you are not lucky, it will progress to where you need the hospital and much greater intervention.

    I hope that I am not sounding too scary. The really good thing is that you will survive this and your cancer will be cured which is sufficient recompense for all your suffering. Within a couple of months (at least some of) your taste and saliva are likely to be returning and your energy will come back. People will remark on how much better you look every time they see you.

    Last week marked six months out of treatment and four from neck dissection for me and practically no one can tell that I was sick. I play three days a week and travel overseas for work. The docs say that my suffering while being treated was among the worst they ever saw but that my recovery since is among the best they ever saw. May yours be only the latter.

    So, enjoy your time now. Go eat again at that restaurant and hug your wife because you will need to store up these good times for a few months. Let us know. Doug

    I'll ask my wife about the juicer.

    LOL, you scared me...and I've been done for two years.
    Jeepman, I think that Goalie here was probably an exception with all of those side effects. I think when you read all of the possible side effects, his picture was next to it...LOL, just teasing.

    Of course you have potential of experiencing any of those and more. I actually had very few problems. Minimal nausea, thopat was sore, but not unbearable, just dry mainly. It did hurt of course when trying to swallow...even water hurt actually. But I had a routine, and it worked well enough for me.

    Taste and saliva will deminish more than likely and stay that way for several months. But it is what it is, that's the way it goes. We've all been there and done that, so will you.

    Just know that is the price you pay during treatment, it won't last forever, and is definitely worth sticking around for.

    If you are like me and others, you'll start recording and watching all of those food channel shows, LOL....

    Just hang tough, do your time and move on.

    Best,
    John
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    Skiffin16 said:

    LOL, you scared me...and I've been done for two years.
    Jeepman, I think that Goalie here was probably an exception with all of those side effects. I think when you read all of the possible side effects, his picture was next to it...LOL, just teasing.

    Of course you have potential of experiencing any of those and more. I actually had very few problems. Minimal nausea, thopat was sore, but not unbearable, just dry mainly. It did hurt of course when trying to swallow...even water hurt actually. But I had a routine, and it worked well enough for me.

    Taste and saliva will deminish more than likely and stay that way for several months. But it is what it is, that's the way it goes. We've all been there and done that, so will you.

    Just know that is the price you pay during treatment, it won't last forever, and is definitely worth sticking around for.

    If you are like me and others, you'll start recording and watching all of those food channel shows, LOL....

    Just hang tough, do your time and move on.

    Best,
    John

    Congrats
    That tonsillectomy really did suck. I remember feeling a little better after 6 days and then day 7 the pain was worse than ever.
    Two weeks to the day I went to a burger joint with my nephew and had the bacon cheeseburger I had been dreaming about!
    Congratulations on getting through that stage and I wish you the best as you go through this next round.

    God bless,

    Joel
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Mike

    Glad to hear you are doing well, keep up the positive attitude my friend, we are all pulling for you.

    Hondo
  • Goalie
    Goalie Member Posts: 184
    Skiffin16 said:

    LOL, you scared me...and I've been done for two years.
    Jeepman, I think that Goalie here was probably an exception with all of those side effects. I think when you read all of the possible side effects, his picture was next to it...LOL, just teasing.

    Of course you have potential of experiencing any of those and more. I actually had very few problems. Minimal nausea, thopat was sore, but not unbearable, just dry mainly. It did hurt of course when trying to swallow...even water hurt actually. But I had a routine, and it worked well enough for me.

    Taste and saliva will deminish more than likely and stay that way for several months. But it is what it is, that's the way it goes. We've all been there and done that, so will you.

    Just know that is the price you pay during treatment, it won't last forever, and is definitely worth sticking around for.

    If you are like me and others, you'll start recording and watching all of those food channel shows, LOL....

    Just hang tough, do your time and move on.

    Best,
    John

    Didn't mean to try to scare you
    (I didn't even describe it all!)

    In fact, you may well get by with just feeling lousy and sore throated for a couple of months. And everything may come back quickly: weight, saliva, and taste. I've gained back 25 pounds and have most of my saliva and nearly all the taste. I eat full meals with the family and supplement in between though I have to foobricate, of course. Things aren't perfect but they're very good. I hope you can bring our recovery rate average up! Doug
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    Juicers. I have some info
    Juicers. I have some info on juicers and juicing on the HNC super thread. Here's some links:

    MY FRIEND HAS THIS JUICEMAN


    JUICER REVIEWS


    I HAVE A HAMILTON BEACH WIDE MOUTH JUICER
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    Go get it
    Hey Mike,

    You'll do just fine. Just stick to the program and don't let anything get away from you for more than a couple hours without doing something about it. I'd have to agree with John (might be a first) about the eating. If there's something you really like to eat; now would be the time to enjoy it cause you won't taste it again for a few months at least. Don't hurt yourself but you know, enjoy. And then the full-time job starts on Monday.
    I own and recommend Vita-mix. There is nothing better. If you call them up and send them a note from your doc they give a really good discount. Mine turned anything into tube food while getting rads and I still use it daily for smoothies.
    Kick **** and let us know how it's going and what we can help with.

    Bob
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    Go get it
    Hey Mike,

    You'll do just fine. Just stick to the program and don't let anything get away from you for more than a couple hours without doing something about it. I'd have to agree with John (might be a first) about the eating. If there's something you really like to eat; now would be the time to enjoy it cause you won't taste it again for a few months at least. Don't hurt yourself but you know, enjoy. And then the full-time job starts on Monday.
    I own and recommend Vita-mix. There is nothing better. If you call them up and send them a note from your doc they give a really good discount. Mine turned anything into tube food while getting rads and I still use it daily for smoothies.
    Kick **** and let us know how it's going and what we can help with.

    Bob

    Awww Come On Bob....
    You know you love me......hehe

    We have a lot in common....

    Let's see, we've both had;

    H&N Cancer...
    Cisplatin
    35 Rads

    I'm sure a lot of similar pain meds...., LOL.

    We're both survivors

    Both have a passion for the forum and people on it.... (at least most of them, LOL)

    I would even be nice if you were on the CSN Google Map and not have an inappropriate symbol for your location....

    LOL, see, I'm a nice guy :)

    Best,
    John
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973

    Juicers. I have some info
    Juicers. I have some info on juicers and juicing on the HNC super thread. Here's some links:

    MY FRIEND HAS THIS JUICEMAN


    JUICER REVIEWS


    I HAVE A HAMILTON BEACH WIDE MOUTH JUICER

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'
    Sweets, you might want to put this one up on your super threads fro anyone about to invest in a juicer. The benefits of juicing with a Cold Press machine are quite substantial so worth serious consideration. They can be more expensive and a little more difficult to clean but the benefits out weigh these points. There is a link here to one brand I know and some info about the difference in what you end up with.

    I notice if you juice apples or carrot with a centrifugal juicer and then refrigerate, the juice turns brown within a short time. THis is dues to oxidation. The same juice made with the Cold Press unit stays bright for many hours or even a day longer.

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'

    http://www.my-greenpower-juicer.com/

    Nutritionists advise plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables as essential to well-being but we only obtain the maximum benefits when the goodness is released from the fibre. Juicing will provide a highly concentrated nutrient drink. For optimum benefits, the juicer must extract the goodness without destroying vital enzymes through heat.

    “The juices extracted from fresh-raw vegetables and fruits are the means by which we can furnish all the cells and tissues of the body with the elements and nutritional enzymes they need in the manner they can be most readily digested and assimilated.” Dr. Norman Walker

    There are many advantages of cold press juicers over centrifugal juice extractors, such as their ability to juice everything including all green vegetables, wheatgrass and herbs such as parsley with minimum waste. The Hippocrates juicer works on a gentle crushing and squeezing principle and the living juice extracted from the Hippocrates at a low temperature holds up to 60% more vitamins, minerals and living enzymes.

    The Centrifugal Juicer

    Centrifugal juicers work by using a flat cutting blade at the base of a rapidly spinning strainer. Heat, static electricity and large amounts of air are drawn in; nutrients are destroyed as oxidation occurs. Essential enzymes in fruit and vegetable juice die at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. Any juice extractor using a high-speed blade or centrifuge creates friction heat and destroys vital nutrients. Juicing machines will allow you to take control of the quality of the produce, but extraction methods can still destroy vital nutrients, vitamins and living enzymes.
  • arndog64
    arndog64 Member Posts: 537
    Skiffin16 said:

    Awww Come On Bob....
    You know you love me......hehe

    We have a lot in common....

    Let's see, we've both had;

    H&N Cancer...
    Cisplatin
    35 Rads

    I'm sure a lot of similar pain meds...., LOL.

    We're both survivors

    Both have a passion for the forum and people on it.... (at least most of them, LOL)

    I would even be nice if you were on the CSN Google Map and not have an inappropriate symbol for your location....

    LOL, see, I'm a nice guy :)

    Best,
    John

    Go kick some cancer a@%!!!!!

    Go kick some cancer a@%!!!!!
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'
    Sweets, you might want to put this one up on your super threads fro anyone about to invest in a juicer. The benefits of juicing with a Cold Press machine are quite substantial so worth serious consideration. They can be more expensive and a little more difficult to clean but the benefits out weigh these points. There is a link here to one brand I know and some info about the difference in what you end up with.

    I notice if you juice apples or carrot with a centrifugal juicer and then refrigerate, the juice turns brown within a short time. THis is dues to oxidation. The same juice made with the Cold Press unit stays bright for many hours or even a day longer.

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'

    http://www.my-greenpower-juicer.com/

    Nutritionists advise plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables as essential to well-being but we only obtain the maximum benefits when the goodness is released from the fibre. Juicing will provide a highly concentrated nutrient drink. For optimum benefits, the juicer must extract the goodness without destroying vital enzymes through heat.

    “The juices extracted from fresh-raw vegetables and fruits are the means by which we can furnish all the cells and tissues of the body with the elements and nutritional enzymes they need in the manner they can be most readily digested and assimilated.” Dr. Norman Walker

    There are many advantages of cold press juicers over centrifugal juice extractors, such as their ability to juice everything including all green vegetables, wheatgrass and herbs such as parsley with minimum waste. The Hippocrates juicer works on a gentle crushing and squeezing principle and the living juice extracted from the Hippocrates at a low temperature holds up to 60% more vitamins, minerals and living enzymes.

    The Centrifugal Juicer

    Centrifugal juicers work by using a flat cutting blade at the base of a rapidly spinning strainer. Heat, static electricity and large amounts of air are drawn in; nutrients are destroyed as oxidation occurs. Essential enzymes in fruit and vegetable juice die at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. Any juice extractor using a high-speed blade or centrifuge creates friction heat and destroys vital nutrients. Juicing machines will allow you to take control of the quality of the produce, but extraction methods can still destroy vital nutrients, vitamins and living enzymes.

    I believe that this info
    I believe that this info (centrifugal vs cold press) is covered in the juicer reviews and links that I provided already. I do understand the difference between the two types of juicers, but I, like others may not have $700 to invest in a juicer. I got mine as a gift from my dad, but I believe he paid about $60. I make sure I drink my juice right after I make it. I never let mine sit around, I always prepare my items then juice them immediately and drink immediately. I just wouldn't want people to think in order to juice you have to invest that much money. Maybe if you just want to start out with an inexpensive juicer, I think it would still improve your health.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228

    Juicers. I have some info
    Juicers. I have some info on juicers and juicing on the HNC super thread. Here's some links:

    MY FRIEND HAS THIS JUICEMAN


    JUICER REVIEWS


    I HAVE A HAMILTON BEACH WIDE MOUTH JUICER

    Link isn't working.
    Ok. It won't let me edit, but for some reason that middle link is not working. Hoping this will work.

    JUICER REVIEWS
  • jeepman
    jeepman Member Posts: 109

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'
    Sweets, you might want to put this one up on your super threads fro anyone about to invest in a juicer. The benefits of juicing with a Cold Press machine are quite substantial so worth serious consideration. They can be more expensive and a little more difficult to clean but the benefits out weigh these points. There is a link here to one brand I know and some info about the difference in what you end up with.

    I notice if you juice apples or carrot with a centrifugal juicer and then refrigerate, the juice turns brown within a short time. THis is dues to oxidation. The same juice made with the Cold Press unit stays bright for many hours or even a day longer.

    'Centrifugal vs the Cold Press Juicer'

    http://www.my-greenpower-juicer.com/

    Nutritionists advise plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables as essential to well-being but we only obtain the maximum benefits when the goodness is released from the fibre. Juicing will provide a highly concentrated nutrient drink. For optimum benefits, the juicer must extract the goodness without destroying vital enzymes through heat.

    “The juices extracted from fresh-raw vegetables and fruits are the means by which we can furnish all the cells and tissues of the body with the elements and nutritional enzymes they need in the manner they can be most readily digested and assimilated.” Dr. Norman Walker

    There are many advantages of cold press juicers over centrifugal juice extractors, such as their ability to juice everything including all green vegetables, wheatgrass and herbs such as parsley with minimum waste. The Hippocrates juicer works on a gentle crushing and squeezing principle and the living juice extracted from the Hippocrates at a low temperature holds up to 60% more vitamins, minerals and living enzymes.

    The Centrifugal Juicer

    Centrifugal juicers work by using a flat cutting blade at the base of a rapidly spinning strainer. Heat, static electricity and large amounts of air are drawn in; nutrients are destroyed as oxidation occurs. Essential enzymes in fruit and vegetable juice die at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. Any juice extractor using a high-speed blade or centrifuge creates friction heat and destroys vital nutrients. Juicing machines will allow you to take control of the quality of the produce, but extraction methods can still destroy vital nutrients, vitamins and living enzymes.

    Thanks for the education
    Scam,

    Thanks as always. What an education on juicing. I went ahead and purchased a Breville from Amazon.com. It has over 500 + reviews and for only $89 on sale, I just couldn't beat it.

    Mike
  • jeepman
    jeepman Member Posts: 109
    You guys all rock.
    I am full speed ahead with life, was able to run a little today without my surgical site throbbing. Will keep you guys posted as treatment progresses.

    Prayers and bleassings to you all.

    Mike
  • jeepman
    jeepman Member Posts: 109
    Goalie said:

    Didn't mean to try to scare you
    (I didn't even describe it all!)

    In fact, you may well get by with just feeling lousy and sore throated for a couple of months. And everything may come back quickly: weight, saliva, and taste. I've gained back 25 pounds and have most of my saliva and nearly all the taste. I eat full meals with the family and supplement in between though I have to foobricate, of course. Things aren't perfect but they're very good. I hope you can bring our recovery rate average up! Doug

    No worries Doug
    Doug,

    I am not scared. Just ready to get this thing started. Thanks for everything so far. I don't play hockey, but I am very active in watersports, hiking, running, etc and I will stop when treatment makes me. I think we have much in common my friend.

    The real irony with this whole cancer thing for me is work. I am a 20 year career Army guy and have elected to compete for Sergeant Major this year which is the highest rank that I can achieve, despite my diagnosis. I am not slowing down, just gotta get through treatment.

    I will keep you posted as things progress. Blessings to you and your wife.

    Mike
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    Skiffin16 said:

    Awww Come On Bob....
    You know you love me......hehe

    We have a lot in common....

    Let's see, we've both had;

    H&N Cancer...
    Cisplatin
    35 Rads

    I'm sure a lot of similar pain meds...., LOL.

    We're both survivors

    Both have a passion for the forum and people on it.... (at least most of them, LOL)

    I would even be nice if you were on the CSN Google Map and not have an inappropriate symbol for your location....

    LOL, see, I'm a nice guy :)

    Best,
    John

    It's true
    I do love you and I do love your fishin pics. Just don't always agree. I was just making a joke as Doug had said that it wasn't the first time he'd agreed with you. What's the deal with the inappropriate symbol? I think I am on your locator post.

    Bob
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    It's true
    I do love you and I do love your fishin pics. Just don't always agree. I was just making a joke as Doug had said that it wasn't the first time he'd agreed with you. What's the deal with the inappropriate symbol? I think I am on your locator post.

    Bob

    LOL
    Just messing with you on the symbol....but I didn't see you, where you located, I'll make sure that yu are added though.

    Jeepman, how does that work (having treatment) and all concerning PT testing and such...do they have you on some kind of temporary duty or light duty exemption during treatment?

    Just curious...I spent six years active Marine Corps and another ten in the Reserve.

    Best,
    John
  • jeepman
    jeepman Member Posts: 109
    Skiffin16 said:

    LOL
    Just messing with you on the symbol....but I didn't see you, where you located, I'll make sure that yu are added though.

    Jeepman, how does that work (having treatment) and all concerning PT testing and such...do they have you on some kind of temporary duty or light duty exemption during treatment?

    Just curious...I spent six years active Marine Corps and another ten in the Reserve.

    Best,
    John

    Permanent profile
    John,

    I have a temporary profile now and it will turn permanent once I know what is affected, post recovery. I am exempt for now, basically. I compete for Sergeant Major this year and really hope to make it. It's kind of like why would you attend medical school and decide not to be a Doctor, at least that is my perspective. Thank you for your service to this great country.

    I am now covered for life with dental and medical insurance and all pharmaceuticals for life with zero deductibles due to my diagnosis occurring on active duty.

    Take care brother,

    Mike
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    jeepman said:

    Thanks for the education
    Scam,

    Thanks as always. What an education on juicing. I went ahead and purchased a Breville from Amazon.com. It has over 500 + reviews and for only $89 on sale, I just couldn't beat it.

    Mike

    Breville Owner
    Mike,

    I bought a Breville about five years ago in hopes that my mother could be coaxed to drink some nutrients (no interest in eating). Only used it a couple of times, then switched to store bought juices. Packed it away til after my tonsillectomy. From what I've read, the centrifuge units like this aren't ideal, but I (like Sweet) find the "best" machines to be out out of my financial reach. I quit juicing when docs told me to give up fresh fruit and veggies during chemo, and am just now getting ready to start up again. It did just fine with apples, carrots, cabbage and cucumbers - not so great on spinach. Like Sweet, I would juice one serving at a time, and down it as soon as it was processed. I figure I am losing out on some nutritional value by using a less expensive juicer, but am convinced that it's better than store bought juices. I would be interested to hear if any folks here have used leftover pulp in recipes (so I could get in the "lost" fiber).

    Word of warning - hope I'm not too late - several fresh juices burn going down when you're dealing with damaged mouth/throat tissue. Good luck with it.