hi there all

Sorry not been around as have just got over two of my worst weeks post treatment ... weeks 7 & 8

i'm now in week 9 and feeling a whole load better ...i guess I am on the mend finally

I have now been able to eat this week which i not been able to do for 4 weeks now, I am also able to drink, which is a God send.

I still have a lot of problems with mucus which keeps making me gag for no reason at all ... nothing comes up i just gag

i think i have some sensation of taste coming back but it's only slight at the moment.

how are you lot getting on

Simon you must be off on holiday by now

Vatch,  no need to be sorry mate. Just glad to hearyou are OK.

Well done! You're on the home straight now! X

Well done, Vatch.

Sounds like you're through the really difficult phase. From memory, things improved very quickly for a few weeks but then progress seem to slow down. Prepare to be patient - if you're anything like I was, you may find yourself expecting too much, too soon. I hope that it all moves quickly for you but do keep in mind that some things may take a long time. The mucus and taste issues resolved themselves within a few weeks for me, but other things like ulcers, sore throat/tongue, fatigue and nausea lasted much longer.

Good luck matey.

Simon.

Hi all how aer we all doing

Well i am a month post treatment and everything was going ok until i went to see my local gp because of a persistent ulcer ... i have had it for about 9 weeks now

he did not like the look of it so sent me to the practice dentist who also did not like the look of it and wanted to send me for a biopsy ... opps been there before and look what happened.

i contacted my team at Addenbrookes and they called me in and had a look and guess what ... they want to do a biopsy

So i am a bit concerned about it but i am trying to be logical about it

a - when i had my pt scan there were no traces of cancer cells on my tongue

b - whats the liklihood of me developing cancer at a time when i am being blitzed by radio and chemo therapy?

So I am hoping i have picked up some kind of infection, it's flipping annoying though as its really sore and inhibits my speech and my food intake

i have my first review back at oncology on the 8th of October and they want to get the biopsy in and done so they get the results back for my review

lets wait and see

So as i said how are you all

Gary. IM fine but keeping everything crossed for you buddy. IM hoping its something and nothing mate. Your logic seems sound. Just been cycling in Church Stretton Shrops.

let me know how get on mate, Gary

Hi Vatch

Have not had much time to get on-line recently and was without the laptop for just over week so have only just caught up on this thread. 

Sorry to hear you were having a tough time of it although thankfully it does seem that you are now on the up.  Long may it continue. A least now the worst is past and "things can only get better" although be careful and try not to run before you walk as it could set you back a bit.

Very best wishes.

Gill

Hi Vatch,

Sorry to hear about the persistent ulcer situation. Please believe me when I say that, speaking from my own experiences, this is not at all unusual. I had persistent ulcers for at least two months - possibly longer. I read all the sites that said an ulcer that lasts more than three weeks is to be treated with concern. Well, mine did clear up in time but I know that the impact upon you will be huge - both physical (they are very painful) and emotional - they are very worrying. In the back of my mind was the fact that high levels of radiation can trigger a cancer in itself. Try to keep in mind that cancers triggered in this way are VERY, VERY rare. Persistent common ulcers triggered by radiation treatment are however very common. I would stake money on yours clearing up in time. I do understand the impact though and it is difficult not to let the worrying take over ones life. The hospital are understandably doing a belt and braces job but the chances of it being something serious are extremely remote.

Good luck, matey. Anything I can offer in terms of my own experiences, please let me know.

Simon.

Vatch,, you never know mate. Mid nov it could be peg out and a great last minute deal after good news next Wed!  That's what Im hoping for you . Then if we all meet for pre Xmas drinks you can show off your tanned face and white neck!