Current Update on my Great Recovery

Remington25
Remington25 Member Posts: 93 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

In light of Mattie65's update, I wanted to share some hope on my end as well.  When I was diagnosed and early in my treatment this forum was great HOWEVER, the negative stories stuck out more than the positive ones so I really want others to see it can be OK.  I had neck dissection on 11/18 and began chemo/radiation on 12/28. At this point,  I have probablty 80-85% of my taste back and around 40-50% of my saliva.  My neck is still slightly stiff from time to time.  My neck scar has minimized so much it is amazing to me.  I basically feel normal all the time except when eating as the saliva just isn't strong enough on its own for certain foods so I need to sip on water.  I drink fluids often, but that hasn't been much of a detriment.  I really hope saliva improves more, but if it doesn't, I really feel like I have gotten through this remarkably well.  It was hard but doable!  Keep you head up as you go through this process! 

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,465 Member
    edited May 2021 #2

    On getting through treatment and coming out on the other side now in pretty good shape. Sounds like everything's back to close to normal except for a bit of taste and of course saliva as that always seems to take a hit in this treatment. You are still early in the recovery process and there is still time for things to come back. I know from reading on here that folks have had improvements for up to 2 years or more. I continually think treatment is improving and folks are getting through this kind of treatment without being hammered so bad with as severe after-effects as in the past. Wishing you continued improvements and clear scans ahead-Take Care-God Bless-Russ

     

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    edited May 2021 #3
    Long Wait

    It does seem like it takes forever for the mouth to heal enough to eat with satisfaction.  My father in law had lost his taste buds and saliva for 2 years then it came back.  His only complaint was that his beer didn't taste good.  It had no taste at all.  So try to be patient and hope that it comes back a little faster than my FIL.

  • RodgerM
    RodgerM Member Posts: 63 Member
    edited May 2021 #4
    Good to hear a positive story

    Good to hear a positive story.  Seems where on about the same timeline..   We do need positive uplifting stories , treatments are horrible, but we are strong and find a way to get thru them.  Then recovery is we're the real story is... For me it has been the harder part of this journey getting back to some new normal.  Since it's so different for everyone , the one common thread is time..  Funny about  the beer I used to enjoy the red wine and now I prefer the beer. 

    continued success on your recovery! 

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