Cancer Free!
(This post starts with my email and then adds some photos and the start of celebratory meals. Free free to skip to the photos if you’ve already read the email.)
“The scans look wonderful.” With those words, my oncologists told me that I have been “cured’ and am now “cancer free.” The tumor is completely gone, so the treatment plan worked as expected. It was a relief to hear those words. Even though the outcome was expected, it’s nice to get the confirmation (as the alternative would have been especially disappointing). The treatments are now completely behind me (even scheduled the removal of the port), so I can look forward to recovery. I’ll have follow up appointments every 3 months for the next year, then less regularly after that. I’m still not entirely sure how to refer to myself, e.g. a “cancer survivor,” “recovering from cancer,” or just as a normal person.
There are still some side effects that need to be managed and may take additional time to resolve. There is gradual improvement, so things are on the right track. The good news is that most of these are mild and don’t really affect my everyday well-being. I’ll just need to be patient, as it may take 6-12 more months (potentially 5 years for salivary glands to keep coming back). I am starting to work out more and have started an acupuncture program, both of which will help me gain strength and immunity. For the side effects, my hearing is still a little problematic with left ear pressure issues and some ringing. More recently, it seems like I’ll need to manage lymphedema, as the lymphatic system was damaged and fluid isn’t draining properly. This is causing some swelling in my neck/throat area and some voice changes.
On a more positive note, I am slowly regaining my ability to consume all the foods I love to eat. I’ve been able to tolerate mild levels of spice, as some spicy hot foods are worth the pain at this point. Hopefully that will continue and I’ll get back to my usual levels. I crave some bread and pastries, but the lack of saliva means that I still need to drink a lot of water to eat them. Alcohol may take longer, as it still burns. I am still enjoying the ability to eat pretty much anything and not worry about weight gain.
Thank you again for all of your notes of encouragement, recommendations, and support. It’s meant a lot to know you’e been thinking about me and Aiday. This wasn’t the summer and fall we were expecting, but that’s all behind us now, and there are many more good times ahead. At least I’ve lost fat, gotten a nice “facial,” and saved on haircuts during the course of the treatments. You may argue that those “benefits” aren’t worth the pain, but you can’t take those away now!
I’ll continue to update the blog (www.loongchen.com), though I’m hoping the focus will shift more towards food (cooking and dining) and travel, with the occasional health update. For example, I’ll provide some more details about the recent trip to the Bay Area and Carmel/Big Sur.
(start of the additions)
The picture with me and Dr. Mittal, my radiation oncologist. He’s been very caring, taking time to explain the treatments and the side effects. Even though I’ve lost some weight, people say that I look quite healthy (and lean).
Following the appointments, Aiday and I have eaten quite well to start to celebrate. We went back to Cafe Spiaggia for lunch right after the news. In addition, we dined at Bavette’s and returned to Monteverde. The good news is that my taste is still pretty much intact, and I am getting closer to eating at a more normal pace.
The Cafe Spiaggia meal was as good as ever. We always order the skirt steak salad, which is a great lunch dish that doesn’t disappoint. Aiday and I were the beneficiaries of a friend’s Bavette’s reservation. Our appetite was far ahead of our stomach’s capabilities, as we ordered two appetizers (steak tartare, duck and goat cheese terrine), two half salads (classic wedge, crab & avocado), a 22 oz bone-in ribeye, a loaded baked potato (with bacon and cheese), and carrot cake for dessert. Our server did ask at one point whether we were really hungry or celebrating something. It’s a good thing we don’t feel shame about adding to our doggie bag. To cap off the week, we went to Monteverde on Sunday night. As usual, there is a dilemma between ordering dishes we already love and trying out new things. I’m glad we tried out new dishes. The mushroom-stuffed cabbage was great - it had lots of flavor, without any meat. The grilled shrimp on top of a seafood cous cous was a spectacularly flavorful dish. This time we ordered properly and only took home some dessert. Both Bavette’s and Monteverde brought out a piece of cake with sparklers in it, which added to the celebratory feel.
That’s about it for now. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be focused on managing the lymphedema. My jaw flexibility is little less than before, which I noticed in part when I tried to eat a cream-filled donut and couldn’t open wide enough. Hopefully this is a condition that will get better over the next few weeks. Besides that, most everything else is good and getting better.