My Cancer Blog

The good news was that I did get microsuction so am completely clear of pesky ear wax

apparent to me - even from partial hearing loss

I've been suffering from tinnitus and some hearing loss so the appointment with Audiology happened today

Something of a shock to learn that she believes both may be permanent so it looks like hearing aid(s) for me

Not at all what I wanted to hear but way better than the isolation which was already

I'm starting to think the beard might be back soon

Growth now much more even although right-hand side still lagging a bit ... that's the side that got heavier radiotherapy

Neck still smooth though (and that suits me just fine)

He has referred my to Audiology to check on tinnitus and pain from ears. Hearing loss (temporary and permanent) is a known side-effect of radiotherapy to throat

He thinks mid-October for CT Scan to see if treatment zapped the cancer

Had my first follow-up appointment with Ear, Nose and Throat consultant today. He who took my tonsil out in fact.

He stuck the camera up my nose to have a look at operated site, lymph node and soft palate. Took him all of 15secs to pronounce himself happy with progress 1/

Clean-shaven for the first time in 50 years !!

The new skin on my neck is still as smooth as a baby's bum but facial hair has started growing again

Very patchy though so I decided clean-shaven was better than looking like Frank Zappa on a bad day

I do still think that the tube itself was causing at least some of my swallowing difficulties. In particular, where mucositis on the soft palate could have been chaffing against the tube itself

The next few days should tell me a lot more

"Yes. You could ask your GP or Practice Nurse"

"Okay, thank you"

Fact is that I pulled it out myself before she got her phone back in her pocket !! (Ta for advice Brenda)

Feeling very happy with life last night and also thinking that I was right about something else ...

Yes folks, the naso-gastric feeding tube is OUT after nearly 3 months !!!!

The dietician approved its removal after I had maintained weight with 100% oral feeding for a week ...

"We can take it out on your next appt in Aberdeen"

"That's 2 weeks away. Can I arrange to have it removed locally?"

On the afternoon of 27-Aug, yes yesterday, I bade farewell to a dear friend who had been with me since 3-Jun

A dear friend who had sustained me through the darkest period of my treatment

Latterly though, I had tired of their company and so, it has to be said, that I rejoice in the parting ...

Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated ... I am still here and apologise profusely for the lack of posts

It has been a very mixed time & I promise I'll get around to summarising for you

Thanks for checking in on me

Decided I should see the Doc

He prescribed steroids to reduce swelling at back of throat & took a swab of my tongue to see if any nasties had taken up residence there

Week 15 starts in the same way that Wk14 finished ... frustrated that swallowing is now more painful that at any other time

I have to take paracetamol prior to eating so the "little and often" mantra on eating just doesn't work

I've put myself back onto 1000ml NGT in order to maintain weight

GRRR

Sadly no. I wish it did as I do loads of cooking almost every day

I've had my tube feeding rations cut to 500ml daily

Should boost my appetite for eating orally

Goal for Week 14 remains to increase food taken orally.

Sore mouth remains the biggest hurdle. Gastric problems seem to be lessening.

If this sounds boring and repetitive, it is !! I am really scunnered with it now.

Goal for Week 13 remains to increase food taken orally.

Sore mouth and gastric problems remain the biggest hurdle

Only real setback in week 12 happened in Tesco. Suddenly felt sick and had to head rapidly for customer loos where I was badly sick for maybe 10mins..

Still felt awful and had to ask a supervisor to checkout my shopping. She was very helpful and concerned. Top marks.

An update ... she is doing extremely well. She didn’t need her final Chemo so she has “rang the bell” - end of treatment. The consultants are very pleased with her. MRI scan to give all clear due beginning of Aug.
So delighted with this great news

Persistent side effects:
Dry mouth, taste changes, and potential voice changes can last for weeks, months, or even years

Initial healing (2-6 weeks):
The mouth and throat begin to heal from the sores and skin reactions caused by radiation.

Short-term side effects (4-8 weeks):
Pain and soreness from the treatment may worsen initially before gradually improving.

Treatment intensity: The specific radiation dose and whether chemotherapy was also administered play a role.
Treatment area: The precise location of the radiation within the head and neck region can affect recovery.

Stages of Recovery:

However, some side effects like dry mouth, taste changes, and potential voice alterations can persist for months or even years.
Factors Influencing Recovery:

Individual health: Overall health and pre-existing conditions can impact recovery time.

AI Overview
Check important info. Learn more
Recovery from 30 radiotherapy sessions for throat cancer typically takes several weeks to months, with the initial healing phase occurring within 2 to 6 weeks post-treatment

Tell me about it !! I don't think I ever said as I've never known

I have naively assumed that things would keep getting better but even that isn't the case

As much as it pains me to quote Musk's AI summary, it does seem dead right so far ...

I don't believe so

That whole area would have been getting pretty heavy doses of radiation, the effects of which persist long after treatment stops

For example, I know a local guy who had similar treatment and he had no tastebuds for 2-1/2 years !!

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏𝟐

bsky.app/profile/canc...

Also, I was working at the kitchen sink when I heard a loud background noise like a generator running. Turned out it was a tap trickling water.

I googled "tinnitus cancer" and whatcha know, it is a thing. Hyperacusis would be more precise

Week 12

More problems with sore mouth, especially my tongue which has a patchwork of white blotches on it. ANP prescribed a mouthwash which I should get on Tuesday.

Neither of us thinks it is oral thrush but could be oral lichen planus