At the one week mark, there is much news. Besides actally getting out in the world today – not ony did I return to Vanderbilt for my first follow-up clinic visit with the otolaryngologist who performed my surgery, but we also ran errands, plural, which involved stopping at multiple locations around town – I made more creative progress and gots some things done around the house; so I am happy with how the day has gone.
Regarding the follow-up visit, everything went remarkably well. The doctors who were present said that my progress exceeds expectations, that I am vocalizing and moving more efficiently and more effectively than most people who have undergone the set of procedures that I have, and that – as of today – there is no discernable trace of cancer in my system.
At this point, we began discussing the chemotherapy and the radiation therapy that I will begin shortly. The goal for these, I have been told, is to kill off any microscopic traces of cancer cells that were missed by the surgical procedures. I have an appointment on Monday morning to consult with the therapy team and to schedule the beginning of my treatments. The treatments will most likely begin in two to three weeks and will last four to six weeks. I figure I can live with that (pardon the pun); hell, if I can live for four months on Parris Island, South Carolina, a month and a half of radiation and chemo should be a breeze. Yes, on one level I’m worried a bit about increased swelling in the treatment areas and the potential of damage to my vocal cords; but, all things considered, it’s definitely worth the risk.
The doctor instructed me to increase the frequency of the exercises that I have been doing to restore freedom of motion in my neck and shoulders. He indicated that one of the dangers of the remaining treatments to which I am looking forward is a type of fusion in the neck that causes permanent stiffness and prevents patients from looking up. He indicated that he does not believe that this will be a problem for me, as my range of motion already exceeds the norms, but he still believes that further preventative measure are warranted. I’ve definitely not going to argue with him.
Another high point from the appointment today – I’ve been cleared to increase my oral intake of liquids. Previously, I’d been experimenting with small sips of water on occasion. In addtion to providing additional hydration, the practice is design to reteach me how to swallow; this is unsurprisingly challenging. Without the benefit of the forward portion of my tongue, moving substances to the rear of my mouth to swallow takes new mechanisms that I’m in the process of learning. The doctor suggested that I increase my oral intake of liquids and, when I feel ready (he suggested a week or two), that I begin trying semi-solid foods like applesauce. He has said that any progress in the area of swallowing is entirely dependent upon my own progress and facility. Whenever I am comfortable moving to more complicated foods, I’m allowed to do so. The stomach tube will continue providing the requisite nutrition; everything else is just a bonus. At this rate, I could have dentures and be eating solid foods again much sooner than I had anticipated. This, needless to say, makes me happy.
So, a good day here. How about yours? Hope all is well.
Take care of each other.
