It’s been 3 weeks since my surgery and I’m finally taking some time to write about my experiences as a double cancer survivor. I am healing well, regaining my “normal” speech and ability to eat solid foods, kind of. I’m not in much pain, mostly sore and fatigued. Occasionally I experience shooting pains or feel a tightness around my tongue, jaw and neck. Usually they pass within 10 -15 minutes.
I’ve been working at getting “quality” calories high in protein and low in sugar in. It’s getting easier as my tongue heals allowing me to swallow soft solid foods. I’ve been able to eat chicken cutlets, tortellini, pulled chicken and even enjoyed teriyaki steak with my parents and the boys over the weekend. I’ve been supplementing “real food” with carrot, apple, ginger & beat smoothies as well as protein shakes I make with Greek yogurt, peanut or almond butter, chocolate flavored protein powder, banana, instant coffee and water/ice. Just started using Greens + yesterday by adding it to my carrot/apple/ginger/beet smoothie. It was pretty tasty AND wicked nutritious!
I have a few more weeks to heal and then it’s off for radiotherapy. Because the post-surgical biopsy revealed cancer in 2 of the 27 lymph nodes removed from my neck Dr. Fernandes and Dr. Dagan at UF Florida are recommending a 6 week radiation treatment plan. Actually they call it “radiotherapy” now to make it sound nicer. I wonder if I get to choose the station!? The goal is to eliminate any undetected cancer and greatly reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. I’m onboard for this and have been taking an active role in my healing through nutrition, mediation, art making, journaling, Reiki, acupuncture and spending time with my family and friends. I’ve also read several inspiring books on Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism which have helped bring peace, healing and wholeness. Maybe I’ll drive myself over to the beach later for a few minutes of fresh air, sunshine and the sounds of the ocean.
Today I go to Dr. Israel in Vero Beach to get a set of dental x-rays done. The doctors have to make sure my teeth and jaw are in good shape prior to radiotherapy as the treatments can damage bones. If they see any teeth that look weak they will have to be removed before treatment. I will also have to go to a dentist to have fluoride trays made so that I can give myself daily fluoride treatments to strengthen my teeth. I’m glad the flavors are better than when I was a kid. Boy did I hate those!
Wednesday we’re off to meet with a hematology oncologist and a radiation oncologist at the Sylvester Cancer Center in Miami. We’re interested in a second opinion and any insights they have to offer. Mostly I would like to be closer to home for my treatments. The thought of spending 6 weeks away from my family while getting radiation treatment is not a happy one. Ideally the doctors in Miami will have confidence with a radiation oncologist in Vero Beach. My primary focus is on the quality of treatment. If we feel most confident in Jacksonville then that’s where I’ll go. So far the doctors there have been fantastic.
Off to make some scrambled eggs and get a few things done before a little nap….