8/27/09
GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS
My August check-up turned out to be another series of tests by four doctors and it was decided that the one lymph node left after the radiation should be removed surgically. Hence, on September 10th I will be going into Toronto General Hospital for a two hour procedure. I will stay in the hospital for about 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and then be able to go home. The problem is that there is no way to know whether there are any cancer cells in the nodes without removing them. Basically it's a win win situation as they have found over the past 10 to 12 years that where the nodes were left in, about 45% of patients died for the cancer starting up again. I am also going to TGH next Tuesday to the hearing clinic to see if my hearing loss resulting from the radiation is going to be permanent or temporary. Then back again on Thursday for my pre-admission work up for the surgery - ECG; x-ray; Blood tests etc. Unfortunately I couldn't get the appointments on the same day as it is over a two hour drive each way as the hospital in down town Toronto. But thanks to the Cancer Society, I will not have to drive myself . This is an amazing service provided free of charge to cancer patients. I anticipate the next update will be after my surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. Many thanks, John
8/23/09
AUGUST UPDATE
This past few weeks I have started going out with the friends who have kept my business operating these past 4 months. Although I wasn't yet able to take back the whole grass cutting route, I have managed to cut and trim some lawns. My biggest problem is dry mouth which drives me crazy. I always carry water with me but even that doesn't work well when it gets warm so I have started freezing the bottles which seems to work quite well. I also bought mouth sprays that do work well although since I have been using one particular brand, my taste buds and become fuzzy. I am starting to eat solid food but again with my saliva glands still not working 100%, I have to drink to swallow food unless it has lots of liquid with it like gravy. I have an appointment in September at the hearing clinic as I have had some hearing loss in my left ear. This is one of the side effects of radiation I am told. We will see. This has been a long summer and I am hoping and praying that all will come into line with the way God designed us. I will be at Princess Margaret Hospital this week to meet with Dr. Hope and get the results of my latest CT scan. I will update this blog with what I believe will be good news.
I am now in contact with the Canadian Cancer Society to see if I can help to set up a Head and Neck Support Group. I believe that this kind of a group will definitely help others who are going through cancer in the head and neck areas. Again I will post details as they develop.
I am now in contact with the Canadian Cancer Society to see if I can help to set up a Head and Neck Support Group. I believe that this kind of a group will definitely help others who are going through cancer in the head and neck areas. Again I will post details as they develop.
8/1/09
HOME FOR 5 WEEKS NOW
It doesn't seem possible that 5 weeks has past since my last round of treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital. I am recovering extremely well and not longer take any pain medication. My throat is healing nicely and I have no pain any more. My last visit to the hospital was last week to see the dentist whose assistant did a saliva test. She was quite surprised that I already have 70% saliva back. I was telling her that my recovery was due to much prayer. It turned out that she was a christian and so we had a wonderful talk about the goodness of the Lord.
I still get tired quickly but have been told that this will continue for a long while. I am starting on some solid foods but right now my problem is still the mucus film in my throat which often cover my tongue and mouth. It is extremely hard to get rid off and makes eating rather a trial although I am pressing on and still trying different foods. Yesterday I made a wonderful ground beef stew which smelt so good, however after one taste I had to freeze he whole thing for another time. I think the tomatoes made it too acidic and that made my mouth burn for quite a while. As soon a I can eat solid foods for one week, the hospital will make an appointment for me to have my feeding tube removed.
I now have my voice back and cant wait to sing for the Lord again. It's been over 3 months since I last sang and the piece I recorded at the request my sister Ann was, 'It is Well with my Soul'. This has always been one of my favourite hymns because the words teach us that whatever we go through in life, God is always there. I am so glad that I can personally say, "It is well with my soul."
I still get tired quickly but have been told that this will continue for a long while. I am starting on some solid foods but right now my problem is still the mucus film in my throat which often cover my tongue and mouth. It is extremely hard to get rid off and makes eating rather a trial although I am pressing on and still trying different foods. Yesterday I made a wonderful ground beef stew which smelt so good, however after one taste I had to freeze he whole thing for another time. I think the tomatoes made it too acidic and that made my mouth burn for quite a while. As soon a I can eat solid foods for one week, the hospital will make an appointment for me to have my feeding tube removed.
I now have my voice back and cant wait to sing for the Lord again. It's been over 3 months since I last sang and the piece I recorded at the request my sister Ann was, 'It is Well with my Soul'. This has always been one of my favourite hymns because the words teach us that whatever we go through in life, God is always there. I am so glad that I can personally say, "It is well with my soul."
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