Health Update & More Posts to Come

I didn’t realize how long it’s been since my last post in April. Since then, there’s been quite a bit of happenings. I’ll provide a quick update now and then plan to post several entries to describe more traveling adventures and delicious foods.

What a difference a year makes! At this time last year, I was still in treatment. This year, we’re planning a wedding (and honeymoon), and we returned from an active and delicious trip to Peru, including Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu, and Lima. That trip is worthy of many words and pictures.

Health-wise, I’m feeling very good. The days of painful conditions and lack of eating seem to be over, so there shouldn’t be any more photo montages as in the last entry. Overall, my energy is back to normal and I can enjoy most things. I’ve had regular follow up visits with medical and radiation oncology, and there was nothing abnormal. Both of them seem quite pleased with where I’m at - no signs of any cancer returning and only minimal side effects. I think I’m in a better place than others who are recovering.

One slight concern is that the rate of improvement in terms of my taste and eating ability has started to slow down and has become more variable. I suppose that may be expected as it can’t continue to improve infinitely. Starting in May, I now have good and bad days, as my ability to handle spicier and acidic foods varies. Some days I can eat a “hot” level of spice while other days that level will bother me and I may only be able to do a “mild/medium” equivalent and can’t handle acidic foods like tomatoes. Along similar lines, my saliva and dry mouth also varies. I’m still functional and don’t require constant sprays or water, but some days have thicker saliva and some days are normal. Also, my ability to eat bread/pastries, chips, sticky cakes is still not 100% - I need a liquid assist to wash them down. The doctors have told me that this is all normal, as the improvement can continue for up to 5 years after treatment. I’m just glad that even now I can take pleasure in many things that I’ve previously enjoyed.

At least my appetite is nearly back to normal (most of the time). As an example, we went back to Crab Cellar, the spot in Oyster Bah’s basement that has an all-you-can-eat Alaskan King Crab. This was our third visit. Before treatment started, we went with Andy & Nina, and I ate 9 crab legs (plus some sides). Needless to say, I knew I can’t pass up a good deal. When we went back during treatment, I could barely finish 7 smaller crab legs. Exactly a year later (21 June), we went back with our neighbors. I was able to eat 8 large king crab legs, plus a full lobster and some sides and beer. Even with the price increases, we definitely got our money’s worth.

AYCE Alaskan King Crab, Maine lobster and Prime burgers at Crab Cellar

Besides the trip to Peru, the other event we’re focused on in wedding planning. The big day will this fall, at the Milwaukee Art Museum. It’s a stunning venue, sitting on Lake Michigan and designed by Santiago Calatrava. Milwaukee was our first out-of-Chicago trip together, so while neither of us have familial connections to the area, it is a special place for us. The planning process has been relatively smooth so far, as we’ve enjoyed getting to know some of the vendors that’ll be part of the day. It seems like that segment of the Milwaukee wedding market is familiar with each other, so it’s reassuring that they’ve worked together before. We’ve done most of the major items, but there are surely details that we’ll need to figure out. Hopefully it’ll turn out as we envision and we get to celebrate in style with loved ones.

That’s it for now. More to come, particularly from the trip to Peru.