GREAT NEWS

Hi All,
I just got back from the doctors. He says that the PET scan lit up a little at the bottom of my tonsil. He did an examination and said everything looks great. Do NOT worry. It lit up because there are still sores and swelling in the throat. The doctor says my next pet scan will be scheduled in one year. I am CANCER FREE at this time!!!!!!!

Hi all,

I saw my medical oncologist yesterday, Monday. The medical oncologist is the doctor who is in charge of the chemotherapy. He says that the ulcers, sores, in my mouth are improving. But to me they still burn even with water. This is why I sip and rinse my mouth with warm to hot water. It seems not to burn as much. Since these ulcers are taking so long to heal, he is going to discuss with the cancer board the use of the hyperbaric chamber. The hyperbaric chamber infuses oxygen into the sores and will help them to heal quickly. The cancer board is the group of doctors, nurses, speech therapists and others, who care for me and the other cancer patients.

I have been eating pudding, applesauce, broth and yogurt. These are only ½ teaspoonful size at a time. Today’s lunch took 30 minutes to finish 2 tablespoons of applesauce. I did not choke at all, that’s a good thing. I have discovered I can taste cinnamon and strawberry, whereas everything before had no taste. So, it’s cinnamon applesauce and strawberry yogurt for me.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

Randy

For the past few days I have been able to swallow half baby size spoonfuls of pudding and yogurt (1/4 to1/2 teaspoons). After each I take a mini spoonful of water to rinse it down. My swallowing function is slowly coming back by doing these mini size swallows 4 at a time, 4 times a day. If I take too large or too fast of spoonfuls, I choke. I did have 2 weenie size sips of beer this weekend. It tasted wonderful!! I am looking forward to the PET/CT scan on March 20th and the results on the 22nd.

Today, Wednesday, I saw the speech therapist. She was very impressed at my swallowing and the things I am trying. She had me swallow for her - vanilla shake, choc shake and applesauce. I did them all with flying colors. When I swished the applesauce in my mouth it started to burn. Barbara, the speech therapist, is still apologizing for making me puke. She says most people just gag and don't vomit. I was her first and you never forget your first!