Little victory

[alfredo]

BC I ate bananas, in fact my cycling buddies called me Banana, not bananas. AC I lost my tastebuds. They have return ped a bit at a time. Until today. I tried a banana and it was wonderful!

In four months I will be cancer free for four years. My friends can call me Banana again, but not bananas. I am reality challenged, not bananas.

I still can’t handle white bread, and commercial whole wheat. I am still making the same Dutch oven bread. It doesn’t turn into dough.

I can eat beef if is rare and of a tender cut.

What are your little victories as you recover?

[bottomofthehill]

1. Great news

Taste returning! Congratulations on your 4 years. May it continue....

[alfredo]

2. It will continue.

Now back to my chopped liver and onions on WW Bread. Oh yeah I can drink coffee again.

Thanks for the kind words

[democrank]

3. Many times little victories are more profound than big victories.

I bet today’s banana was better than anything you’ve eaten recently. I particularly remember the look of absolute delight on my sweetheart’s face when he was finally able to eat a Vermont maple creemee ice cream. He put his head back, closed his eyes and swallowed with a smile. It made me so happy and so does the thought that you’ve been cancer free for nearly four years.

Sending a hug~

[alfredo]

5. I haven't tried ice cream for months.

Good reason to pick up some fudge ripple. Ice cream makes me cough. If it still does, my wife will lend a hand.

I can live with enjoying dark chocolate. Tastes good, suppresses my cough.

Recovery can be a drag if you let it be a drag.

My dad’s last Thanksgiving day dinner was similar. He had been through hell and was on a glide path to the end. The family and the food was overwhelming, and his joy was a sight to behold. He had a small heart attack at the table. I massaged his chest, and noted he was just skin and bones. He finished dinner. Old Abe never turned down a free meal, even though it nearly killed him right there.

[cyclonefence]

4. Good for you!

I still can't drink coffee, and alcohol is not enjoyable. For almost a year, I lived on Marie Callendar's beef pot pies, about three bites per day. Not something I ever ate before, or since. But I really craved them, and when everything else either made me vomit or just wouldn't go down, Marie came to the rescue.

This is a big day, and I'm so happy for you. A little bit at a time.

[alfredo]

6. I've been craving Liverwurst, smoked Gouda,

and loose leaf tea.

Warm liquids are easier to swallow.

The liverwurst it a tribute to my Central European roots. Warm potato salad with a lot of crumbled bacon and apple cider beckons me

I love sauerkraut now. I make a mean Ruben. I have a hard time with the corned beef, but I just soldier through.

[cyclonefence]

7. Isn't it crazy

what chemo does to you? Is your tongue numb? Mine is, but I'm gradually getting used to that--I don't think it's going away.

Anyhow, best of luck to you in expanding your dietary accomplishments! I could eat about two mouthfuls of liverwurst on rye with mustard, and reuben must be my middle name.

[alfredo]

8. Cisplaten

My tongue wasn't numb, jut the tastebuds and salivary glands were greatly inconvenienced. The first thing I lost was salt. I've finally sure of myself when cooking. I'm getting my sense of taste back.

At first they were talking about removing my tongue, but the tumor grew out, not in.

Be patient. The younger you are, the quicker you heal. I'm in my early to mid 70's, so returning to normal is a long haul.
I turn 75 later this month. Just a spring chicken.

Don't give in to the negative, just accept the challenge and carry on.

[cyclonefence]

9. I'm 72

And I'm actually fine with the numb tongue--it's just that nobody warned me about it. It sounds like your cancer had a lot more to do with taste than mine did--I had breast twice, then one kidney. My tongue (and soles of the feet) neuropathies were related to chemo and not the cancer itself.

And you *are* just a spring chicken--why, I'm barely hatched myself!

[alfredo]

10. My radiation was focused on my neck and base of my tongue.

I was lucky the Cancer was from the HPV virus . It is easier to treat. Mine was stage 3 transitioning into stage 4.

I noticed that a new crop of kale has hit the shelves, oh happy days. New Collards or broccoli Rabe awaits me.

[cyclonefence]

11. One of my best friends was treated for that kind of cancer

and what surprised him was that he became very depressed after his treatment--like you, radiation--as well as having trouble eating. If I'm not prying, did you suffer from depression, too? It seems that his oncologist wasn't expecting this, either. Unfortunately, he's married to a sort of wacky lady who does not want him to try antidepressant medication, so he is still suffering three years later. His weight has begun to come back, and actually he's very pleased with his new svelte self.

I'm impressed by his husbandly love, but I do wish he'd at least give medication a try for a couple of months. I worry about him.

[alfredo]

12. I went into this with PTSD and depression. Zoloft has helped.

I was referred to as "the poster child for PTSD." I'm happy I excel at something.

I lost 40lbs and have kept it off. I weigh the same as I weighed in 1969.

My diet revolves around 2 to 3 cans of 2Cal delivered through my feeding tube. I also make a meal or two. I made beans and greens, and that has fed me for three days. I like cheese. Cream cheese spread on WW toast is my comfort food. Cream cheese mixed with smoked salmon brings a tear to my eyes.

If your friend is a veteran, remind him the VA is worth a visit. All treatment, medicine and 2Cal is free, if related to my Cancer. The VA saved my life.

Try to get your friend to go for a walk with you. Make it a habit. The "Wacky lady" is welcomed to join in.

[cyclonefence]

13. Hugs to you

Thanks for your ear and your support--you've helped me and my friend.

[alfredo]

14. Glad to help.

FYI Before cancer I was a foodie, and now I'm even more obsessed.