Official 2 year checkup

ERomanO
ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Not much to say other than everything looked and felt good, but no scope was done due to COVID-19 precautions.  I have to say that just showing up was a bizarre experiance.  Two years ago as I was traveling up to "the clinic" for radiation and chemo, and at my subsequent chekups, the cancer center was teaming with patients (and accompanying family members/friends), doctors, nurses therapists and other staff.  This visit is was almost empty.  Normally, if I arrive early, I take a quick trip down to the lower level to say hi to the girls at the radiology check-in desk (they refer to me as Mr O), but didn't this time.  I would would think that there is still a steady stream of patients coming in for radiation, but there wasn't really any evidence of that.

I am still NED, but there was no ringing of any bell or a grand announcement that I am "cured", just a confirmation that recurrences after the 2-year mark are somewhat rare.  I was happy to tell the NPs that I have cut way back on my use of Gabapentin, which has had a positive effect on my energy and general well-being.  I also found out that I have what doctors often refer to as a "runners heartbeat" - it averages 50 bpm (ranging from 48-52 bpm) while resting.  This visit it was 49.  I guess the cardio wokouts I've been doing the last year, along with the elimination of alcohol and reduction of carb intake, have paid off.  On April 27 I went on my first bike ride of the year - 39.5 miles.  Granted, we weren't in a big hurry, but I never felt winded and didn't feel tired until about the last 2 miles.  I think cutting back on the Gabapentin made a big difference there.

So all in all I'm happy with how my recovery has progressed.  If I could regain a little more saliva I would be thrilled, but as the old saying goes "I'll take what I can get".

Cheers to all of you! 

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,482 Member
    #2
    Well ERomanO It Seems

    Most everything is going great for you and you are adjusting drugs and other things to make it even better. I'm sure you have to say 2 years out feels pretty good and the time went fast.

     Just a distant memory now is when you were starting treatment and getting into the thick of it. Congrats on your 2-year mark and especially NED and I wish you many more. Yes the treatment centers are surely different now as you described but hopefully be returning to a more normal slowly. I have my first follow up CAT scan on Tuesday since my last bout with cancer and finishing treatment so just wondering what that will be like. My follow up is already scheduled with my rad doc but it will be a video appointment over the phone So Mr. O take care, enjoy and celebrate NED and keep on keepin on-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

  • Logan51
    Logan51 Member Posts: 470 Member
    #3
    Congrats

    on the 2-year mark. Hope you have many more.

    No Pet/CT? I had said scans after 3 months, then 6 months followed by every January for 3 more years. Was supposed to get a 5th year as the final, but cancelled due to Chemo Dr. saying I already have too much radiation in me.

  • ricksmithgolfer
    ricksmithgolfer Member Posts: 88 Member
    edited May 2020 #4
    Congrats

    Nice to hear all is still going well. As I have mentioned before our treatments were pretty much identical as our results were. My 2 years will be in the middle of September. So far all still looks good and I have minimal side effects. The only thing I am noticing is the neck gets a little stiff from some fibrosis. I do neck excercises everyday when I walk my 8 miles and it helps keep the neck looser. Take care and congrats on the big 2 year mark.

    Rick

  • big G
    big G Member Posts: 177 Member
    edited May 2020 #5
    ricksmithgolfer said:

    Congrats

    Nice to hear all is still going well. As I have mentioned before our treatments were pretty much identical as our results were. My 2 years will be in the middle of September. So far all still looks good and I have minimal side effects. The only thing I am noticing is the neck gets a little stiff from some fibrosis. I do neck excercises everyday when I walk my 8 miles and it helps keep the neck looser. Take care and congrats on the big 2 year mark.

    Rick

    2 year mark!

    Great news EromanO! The 2 year is a milestone for sure. Sounds like you are doing well and staying in shape. I am at 17 months and also have not had any pet/ct scans since treatment ended. Doc said no scans unless he saw reason to have them from the 3 month check ups. Thanks for the update.

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #6
    wbcgaruss said:

    Well ERomanO It Seems

    Most everything is going great for you and you are adjusting drugs and other things to make it even better. I'm sure you have to say 2 years out feels pretty good and the time went fast.

     Just a distant memory now is when you were starting treatment and getting into the thick of it. Congrats on your 2-year mark and especially NED and I wish you many more. Yes the treatment centers are surely different now as you described but hopefully be returning to a more normal slowly. I have my first follow up CAT scan on Tuesday since my last bout with cancer and finishing treatment so just wondering what that will be like. My follow up is already scheduled with my rad doc but it will be a video appointment over the phone So Mr. O take care, enjoy and celebrate NED and keep on keepin on-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

    Thanks and do keep us posted

    Thanks and do keep us posted on your scan results.  It will also be intereting to know how things are at you cancer center.  Interesting times we are living in, to say the least.

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #7
    Logan51 said:

    Congrats

    on the 2-year mark. Hope you have many more.

    No Pet/CT? I had said scans after 3 months, then 6 months followed by every January for 3 more years. Was supposed to get a 5th year as the final, but cancelled due to Chemo Dr. saying I already have too much radiation in me.

    Thanks, Dave

    I had PET/CT Scans after 3 months and a chest x-ray last year but can't remember exactly when that was.  Possibly at the one year mark.

    I recall my RO saying that they can radiate again after 6 months if required, but I'm sure that surgery wouldd've been in my cards if I would've I had a recurrence.

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #8
    ricksmithgolfer said:

    Congrats

    Nice to hear all is still going well. As I have mentioned before our treatments were pretty much identical as our results were. My 2 years will be in the middle of September. So far all still looks good and I have minimal side effects. The only thing I am noticing is the neck gets a little stiff from some fibrosis. I do neck excercises everyday when I walk my 8 miles and it helps keep the neck looser. Take care and congrats on the big 2 year mark.

    Rick

    Thanks, Rick

    I too notice a stiff neck at times.  Although I don't have a regular daily routine to stretch my neck muscles, I stretch them everyday, whenever the opportunity presents itself.  So it's usually several times a day.  I recall you being just a few months behind me, and it sounds like you're doing well.  Eight miles is quite a distance to walk everyday.  Good for you!  Four miles is about all I care to do, when I do, because the neurophthy in my feet makes it pretty uncomfortable to walk for long durations. That's why cycling is my preferred way to cover ground when the weather is good.

    Best wishes to you on your upcoming 2 year mark!

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #9
    big G said:

    2 year mark!

    Great news EromanO! The 2 year is a milestone for sure. Sounds like you are doing well and staying in shape. I am at 17 months and also have not had any pet/ct scans since treatment ended. Doc said no scans unless he saw reason to have them from the 3 month check ups. Thanks for the update.

    Thanks, Big G!

    Same here - no more scans unless they see a need.  It took me a while but this last year I put my nose to the grindstone and committed to getting in shape, and that committment has paid off.  Now I have to make sure to stay with it because I know all too well how easy it is to fall off the wagon.

  • debbiel0
    debbiel0 Member Posts: 134 Member
    #10
    Congrats on your 2 yrs!  But

    Congrats on your 2 yrs!  But whoa! 39 mile bike ride! You are doing fantastic! I am coming up 3 yrs out, and am now able to do a 4 - 5 mile walk once  or twice a week. My old self use to do about 10 miles a day. This spring I have a new energy and zest for life.. moving forward all is good!  I will challenge myself, with your energy to get on my bike and ride what I cant  walk! Thank you for the inspiration!  

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #11
    debbiel0 said:

    Congrats on your 2 yrs!  But

    Congrats on your 2 yrs!  But whoa! 39 mile bike ride! You are doing fantastic! I am coming up 3 yrs out, and am now able to do a 4 - 5 mile walk once  or twice a week. My old self use to do about 10 miles a day. This spring I have a new energy and zest for life.. moving forward all is good!  I will challenge myself, with your energy to get on my bike and ride what I cant  walk! Thank you for the inspiration!  

    Thank you, Debbie!

    Riding 39.5 (that extra 0.5 is important! Wink) right out of the starting gate probably wasn't the best idea as I was pretty sore in the saddle afterwards for a few days.  But the fact that I could do it gave me a bit of a sense of accomplishment.  Yes, moving is always good, regardless of distance.  Keep at it and your old self will reemerge.

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 483 Member
    edited May 2020 #12
    Congratulations,

    on hitting the 2-year milestone; this is ALWAYS great news to hear on here!!

    I wish you the best of fortunes, going forward!...

    mg

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #13
    motorcycleguy said:

    Congratulations,

    on hitting the 2-year milestone; this is ALWAYS great news to hear on here!!

    I wish you the best of fortunes, going forward!...

    mg

    Thank you, MG

    Even though there was no fanfare, it's a great milestone to hit.  The extra 3 months between checkups from now on will make a difference too.  It was pretty dramatic going from 7 weeks of daily treatments to seeing my doctors every 3 months.  Six months will seem like an eternity.

  • PipLily
    PipLily Member Posts: 130 Member
    #14
    Hurray for you and your

    Hurray for you and your milestone!! Happy to hear!

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #15
    past the tuff patches

    So glad to hear you are two years post and NED. Nearly all recurrence occurs by this time so stay confident it'll continue to be an unventful ride across the 5 year post.

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    #16
    PipLily said:

    Hurray for you and your

    Hurray for you and your milestone!! Happy to hear!

    Thank you!

    It's a good feeling to have made it to this point and feeling good to boot.

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 323 Member
    edited June 2020 #17
    Thanks!

    Thanks! Here's to continued uneventfulness for all!

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