just need to talk

In fact, I think I might have started my radiation a year ago Tuesday.  Funny how time passes and dates that I swore I would never forget fade...  I have had scares and concerns...and days where i felt "weird" and wondered if something was up...  I've cried and stressed and been blessed to have a great family to pick me up on those days.

You should be able to vent when you need to...  If you don't feel like you can do that with your inner circle then find someone who you can do that with.  I'm sure your local cancer center can put you in touch with someone who has been in your shoes who will be able to relate to what you've been through.  Otherwise I'm sure people on here would be happy to communicate via email or phone if that's what you are looking for...

Brandon

It was 6 years ago this past Friday (3/16) that my tumor was discovered and I can easily relate in having to be strong.  I came home to a teary eyed wife who'd spoken with my ENT and was told how serious my situation was.  She floored me when she said that she didn't think she was going to be strong enough to see me through this.

I adopted a protective role towards her, limiting what I shared with her and as a result I too had no one to really lean on, no one to be able to let go of fears.  Fears of treatment, fears for my life, challenges and needs to just be able to relax, be folded into her arms and feel simple comfort.

It does get better over time. It was more than a year before I was back to what I felt was a normal (or as Matt describes it "abi-normal" in terms of activities. 

I was helped by an organization called SPOHNC - Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancer.

Try a web search in your area or as Don suggested, see what support is available through your treatment center.

I have found that there is a lot of help out there, as well as this site.  I would not have made it through without the people on this site,

I'm 6 years out from discovery, I'm doing well and have adapted to the permanent side effects that are part and parcel of surviving the beast. 

Give yourself the time you will need to heal both physically and emotionally.  It will get better!

Peter

Then went in my bedroom, head under pillow, bawled my eyes out.

Still have moments, not so bad now.

Now that one made me laugh!  I have used it often.  Some days all I seem to get done is feeding the cats!  I am so glad spring has arrived.  I noted seeing my first pair of robins and waking up to the singing cardinal this past week.

Glad you are feeling better,

Crystal

I am 2 yrs out from treatment.   Many side effects.  Very Dry mouth with Sodium problems.  Thank you Chemo.  But otherwise aoK. Just get frustrated when it’s late, I’m hungry, but can’t eat any snacks.  Been one of My hardest things to get over.  A Pretzel, chip & dip would be wonderful but No can’t eat that any more.  Just get frustrated when that is all I want.  Hate theses side effects as I take 2 more salt “horse” tabs.   I realize. I am abi-normal now but tired of it.   Hate this Cancer.   Others I know with a different type eat whatever they want & do whatever......don’t realizehow lucky they are & What We go thru.   Just say to Me that sucks.   But really don’t understand. MJust frustrated......I would like to be somewhat normal tho I deal with the demon.   Not even My Family understands.