Popping in to say hello

One of the reasons I haven't been by  because I forgot my password, and sometimes have problems logging in. Then I get distracted and go on to something else.

Maybe some of you will remember me. A year ago I was in Houston around this time undergoing radiation. I finished on July 12th.  Had 35 rads plus 6 boosters.  

On the 17th of this month I will be going back to MDA to have my 4th checkup.  So far, the other 3 were NED.  I was under the impression that the first year was every 3 months? Or perhaps I'm wrong.  I see they're setting up appts for October and January already!

I have been busy and happy.  In April I began working out with weights.  Had gone back to the gym 3 weeks after rads. Did very easy exercises, but needed to feel normal.  I would go 3 x week. Worked up to 5 days, then 7. I really think it's helped with the fatigue. 

Been to Europe twice!  December and last month. I have gone to about 5-6 concerts. Never too old for rock music !  Went to 3 musicals, and couple out of town trips. I also finished two semesters of German. 

I am noticing some memory loss that is different from regular forgetfulness.

I choke occasionally on my food.  Sometimes I wake and have coughing fits before I can swallow freely.

If I go out in the sun for a couple minutes, my neck that was treated tends to feel like it's on fire, and this is with 50 spf sunscreen. 

My taste has changed. Some things I just can't taste...like steak, but burger meat has a flavor. 

Chicken breast is hard to swallow so I grind the Breast and make chicken patties. I add lots of finely chopped

veggies and herbs. Comes out juicy and easy to swallow!

I crave cucumbers, parsnip, turnips and rutabaga. Never ate the last 3 before in my life. Now I eat them daily with my meals. They all have a strong flavor and perhaps that's why. 

My smile is still lopsided, and I do feel self conscious when someone tells me to smile for photos. I have some dizzy spells off and on. My doc said it's from the radiation.

otherwise, I have no serious complaints. Glad it's over, and that I am alive. Hope all the members who were here helping me, are still around, and doing well. 

Steven? Or was it Stephen? He had to go through the process just months after doing it the first time. I always think of him.