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!
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