Been a while

fishmanpa
fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi Folks,

 

It's been a long while since I posted or participated on the forum. I want to extend my apologies for my lack of communication. I participated quite a bit before, during and immediately after my diagnosis and treatment. I recieved a Facebook post asking about myself and Marcia. It basically inquired as to how we were doing and that the lack of a voice via social media etc. indicated we must be doing well.

In fact, we are doing well. Married life with my Chiquita (Marcia) is as good or better than ever and physically, despite the plethora of side effects I'm doing Ok. I won't bore you with the details because many of you experience the same thing but I consider myself blessed to be here. It's sometimes hard to fathom that fact that it's been close to two years since my diagnosis. I'm 18 months post treatment and I have my next "scope, poke and prod" next month on the 18th. Based on the way I feel, I don't anticipate any issues. One becomes quite adept at what is out of the ordinary from the "new normal" after a while. 

Overall, life is good. I was able to return to musical performance this past Spring and while I've lost a step in the vocal department, it's not noticable to the public. It's meant a slight adjustment to the key I sing things and adjusting my repertoire to accomodate my voice and stamina levels. I've gained back some of the weight I lost and I'm at a healthy number. Most wouldn't know I went through cancer and treatment. 

I've stopped in on the boards and kept up with many of you. I celebrate your victories and mourn the losses. Much of the reason I've stayed away is for my own mental health and I hope and know you understand. The mental aspect of healing is equally as difficult as the physical aspect. I struggle at times with GAD (scanxiety) and depression but work hard using CBT and have a "chill pill" when needed.

My very best to all and I'll try not to be such a stranger.

 

Positive thoughts and prayers

 

"T"

 

PS... Our Pixie Bob "Socrates" is doing great. He'll be 4 years old at Thanksgiving and continues to be a constant source of joy, love and laughter in our lives. 

 

 

Comments

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #2
    T, thank you for stopping in,

    T, thank you for stopping in, it is great to hear that you are going on with life and that life is good.  we definitely understand about the mental healing as some of us struggle with it daily.  i sometimes think the mental healing is as tough as the physical.  i hope your depression doesn't get any worse.  its wonderful to hear that you are singing and playing again.  you really have returned to living!  wishing you the best with the scope, but i'm sure all is fine.  glad to hear married life is good for you and Marcia.  good to hear you have gained some weight and are now at a healthy weight.  continue living and if you can, just stop by every couple of months to say hi.  live on, friend.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #3
    Thank you "T"

    Yes we do understand. It is so good that you did pop in just to say Hi and life, "new Normal" is good as well. You may never really know just how many people you have help with your posts and support, as one you did help I say thank you for being there.

    Bill

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #4
    nice

    “T”

    It is nice to hear from you, I am very glad you are doing well. 

    We could have used your expertise last week when someone asked about their singing voice, hopefully they are tuned in to this thread.

    Very happy for you.

    Matt

  • Anonymous7/6/2023
    Anonymous7/6/2023 Member Posts: 176
    #5
    I wish you improving health

    I wish you improving health and strength, brave friend. 

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #6
    :D

    Thanks for stopping by.  It's good to hear from you.

    Deb

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #7
    wmc said:

    Thank you "T"

    Yes we do understand. It is so good that you did pop in just to say Hi and life, "new Normal" is good as well. You may never really know just how many people you have help with your posts and support, as one you did help I say thank you for being there.

    Bill

    :)

    Thanks Bill,

    I'll try to pop in and post a few words here and there. Likewise, you and everyone on the boards were a source of encouragement and support. I truly don't know how I would have made it through without you. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

    Positive thoughts and prayers

     

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #8
    CivilMatt said:

    nice

    “T”

    It is nice to hear from you, I am very glad you are doing well. 

    We could have used your expertise last week when someone asked about their singing voice, hopefully they are tuned in to this thread.

    Very happy for you.

    Matt

    Singing?

    Post the thread link and I'll take a look Matt... Good to see you here and still kickin'! :)

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

     

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #9
    So happy to hear from you. I

    So happy to hear from you. I cry tears of joy whenever I think of you because your wedding and return to singing are inspirations to so many people. I am off and on the board, since Jim's lost battle, but still come by regular but not often to help where I can and pray for those new members and old who are still fighting or depressed.

    I also want to thank you for all you have done for me when I was struggling as a caretaker. I pray for Peace as you await your scan and blessings to you and Marcia for many years.

    Debbie 

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #10
    Hi T

    Glad to hear you are back in the swing of thing and back to your musical life. Your new normal will take getting uses too and like you said most people will never know. I am just happy to see and hear that both you and your wife are enjoying life once again.

    Tim Hondo

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #11
    fishmanpa said:

    Singing?

    Post the thread link and I'll take a look Matt... Good to see you here and still kickin'! :)

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

     

    Singing

    You said exactly what I said a few months ago.  It is hard to read about those whose treatment doesn't end up as good as ours did.  That, plus the reading of posts where we lost a member to this disease.  It just hits too close to home so we tend to stay away.  Like you, I am trying to stop in more often now that I have over 2 years behind me.

    Lucky for you, your singing voice didn't take too much of a hit that others notice.  One of my favorite past times is to sing to songs while I'm driving.  I've always taken pride that I could hit all those high notes even being over 50.  Now my voice cracks or just doesn't work at all.  And I feel guilty even complaining about it when you compare me to what others lost.  It's a small price to pay for my life.

     

    Glad to see you posting again, like me!

     

    Tom

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
    #12
    Hondo said:

    Hi T

    Glad to hear you are back in the swing of thing and back to your musical life. Your new normal will take getting uses too and like you said most people will never know. I am just happy to see and hear that both you and your wife are enjoying life once again.

    Tim Hondo

    sounds

    T, listened to some of your stuff online. Your voice sounds sweet to me kidder - and I'm from the world capitol of music. Cheers T.

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #13
    Hi there!

    Hi "T",

    Glad you are doing well. Even though I was a caregiver, and not the patient, I have not been posting as much as I once did either. I do read the posts daily and comment when I have the time or if I can help. I can see where you're coming from with the mental aspect of healing, this forum can be a tough place to be at times. For that reason, I guess I'm thankful that I'm here on the forum instead of my loved one who is doing remarkably well at almost two years out next week. He will have his full checkup next week and we are praying all is good! Will be posting....

    Thanks for checking in with some of us oldies that miss you....and glad you're doing okay. Laughing

    ~"C" 

  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #14
    Good to hear from you

    glad to hear things are headed in the right direction. I'm not on as much either, but when I was going through many of my setbacks, you were there to kick me in my **** and keep me moving forward.

    stay strong brother!!

    Mike

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