Slow Ride

I know you've all probably seen the photos already, but I just had to include a picture of my stunning daughter and handsome stepson from their Senior Prom this year. Between that, graduation, and their graduation party it's no wonder I haven't been able to find time to fill you all in on the latest!

The last few weeks since radiation treatments ended have been S-L-O-O-O-O-W in terms of recovery. Three weeks past my final zapping I still had significant pain and swelling inside my mouth (although the daily pain is pretty much all gone now) and I continued to have trouble eating and speaking. At this point, I can eat fine (more on that later) and I can speak normally (well as normal as one who has a resected jaw can!), albeit with some adjustments. My mouth is seriously dry and when I speak more than 2 or 3 sentences I have to drink some water in order to keep going. And at night, I wake up 3 or 4 times with an absolute DESERT in my mouth - luckily a few sips of water and I'm back in dreamland, at least most of the time.

Unfortunately, I still cannot taste anything and, after visiting my radiation oncologist today for a follow-up visit, I've gotten the news that it will probably be a minimum of 2 more months before taste returns and up to 7 more months before that happens. I kept thinking it was returning because I would feel like I tasted something, then 2 bites later...nothing. He said that was common - the tip of my tongue has some taste, but when food moves to the back of the tongue (as it must eventually) there will be no sensation. So, for the time being I'm stuck with my mushy Special K, my scrambled eggs, and my creamy pastas for nourishment. I have also discovered that some things (mostly certain liquids) actually feel like they're burning my mouth - soda and beer specifically. And forget anything like cakes or breads - too dry to even remotely enjoy. The good news is, despite the lack of variety, I have managed to eat enough to maintain my weight pretty consistently for a couple of weeks, and although I do need to put some back on (it sucks not having clothes that fit), I'm pleased that I'm not continuing to lose. And best of all I don't have to see the radiation oncologist for 6 months - hot dog! (mmm...a food reference, what a surprise).

As noted earlier, we had quite a few events these last several weeks. Taryn and Ian finished with classes and finals; I took Taryn to Maryland for her Student Orientation (and my Parent Orientation); the Senior Prom was last Wednesday (and you don't even want to know about the impromptu after-prom party that was hosted by, you guessed it, the Stewart-Tabolt household until 11:00 am the next morning. Let's just say I am blessed to have the neighbors I do!); their graduation was Thursday night (such great weather that day that the school was able to have it outdoors); and of course, their graduation party this past Saturday. It was a, shall we say, lively affair attended by all or most of the Tabolt, Sempey and Stewart relatives along with many friends, co-workers and neighbors. Needless to say, Warren, Chris and I all slowed down and took well-deserved afternoon naps Sunday!

A few random notes: Happy 16th Birthday to my godson Bradley; wishes for continuing and/or better health for Julie, Dom's cousin Mark, Dan the Man's mom, Aunt Barbara, Patti B. and my dad; congratulations to ALL this year's graduates (I'm realizing that I will not only miss my own children when they go off to college...I will also miss their friends); a proud hug to Emily for finishing her second year at the City College Honors Program with a STELLAR average; looking forward to taking it slow and relaxing at Long Lake this 4th of July with my fun and fabulous in-laws; and lots and lots of hugs to my niece Laura.

Blessings and Love to All!

Break on Through

About 10 days since radiation ended and it's a little bit better each day, although, truth be told, recovery isn't happening fast enough for me (like it would ever be fast enough, right?).

Still can't taste anything and of course, now the obsession begins. What should be the first thing I eat when I CAN taste again? You laugh, but it's hard to choose when there is SO much food that I miss. And Taryn and I were wondering this morning (we went to Bagel Chalet for a nice mother-daughter breakfast after teaching Sunday School), will I all of a sudden be able to taste or will it be gradual? After all, it seemed like I lost taste gradually and in fact, I can remember the last thing I actually tasted (the lemon in the Chicken Piccata when my neighbors and I went out to dinner). I'm thinking of putting it up for a vote: "What should DonnaLee eat first when she can taste again? A) Chicken McNuggets B) Bagel C) Chocolate (anything chocolate!) or D) Juicy hamburger" And don't worry, I already know what I'm going to drink when I can taste again - Red Dish Effen Martini here I come! (Ellen - will you be joining me?)

I am speaking a little now, although I pay for it at the end of the day. I spent an hour on the phone with Chris yesterday, then 2 hours hogging the conversation at a party with my neighbors in the afternoon (yeah, they kept trying to shut me up, citing "concern" for my oral health - I think they were just tired of me going on and on!). Definitely needed some Motrin that night. There is still a bit of swelling on the inside of my mouth, and one large, deep lesion by my upper teeth that I suspect will take quite a while to heal. But I am having to numb my mouth a little less each day in order to eat or speak, so that, as they say, is progress. Gotta keep focusing on the little victories until I break on through to health again.

Visited with my new oncologist this week and she was very reassuring about having an understanding about my particular case. I was worried that I was going to have to recite my whole life story again, but she said she had been thoroughly briefed and felt comfortable taking over my care. Based on the one meeting - I think I'll keep her (and not just because her name is a helluva lot easier to spell than my old oncologist's name). I don't have to see her again for 2 months.

End-of-the-school-year activities are heating up: Emily is done with classes (but won't be back home until the end of June because of her job in the city); Taryn and Ian have about a week more of classes; we are knee-deep in plans for the prom and their graduation party; and starting to plan for college orientation (Taryn's is only 2 weeks away!). And the summer is already filling up (Laura's wedding! Yay!) - and I really feel like I will have recovered enough to enjoy all of this.

Blessings and Love to All!