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Home > Collective Diary > Still Gaining Ground

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Still Gaining Ground

6-12Months

Dan R. on September 4, 2013

I was Diagnosed with:

Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Right tonsil and in Nasal Cavity

Employment Status:

Unemployed/Disability

Gender/Age:

Male/54

Type and Description of Treatments:

8 Weeks Radiation, 8 weekly treatments Chemotherapy

How do you feel today?

Still tired. I'm having problems sleeping trough the night. I'm still working on weight gain. My joints ache from lack of muscle. I have a constant ringing hum in my right ear, which I try to drown out with a fan.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

My schedule is way out of whack, I'm out of bed early, and napping in the afternoon. I'm trying to eat multiple times a day to help with my weight gain goals.

What is going well for you right now?

My attitude is so much better. I'm feel like being more active, I'm just waiting on my body to catch up.

What is not going well for you right now?

Stamina isn't there yet.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

My lack of patience has made me irritable at times. I really have to monitor how I speak to people sometimes.

When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?

My Anchor, my Wife.

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

I'm over half way through my life. I almost didn't have the second half. Trying to figure out what my place is, is a huge challenge. I'm just trying not to suck right now while I "map" a path.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

Just waiting out some more healing time on disability. I've worked hard since I was in my teens, I need a little time to heal and catch my breath, then I know there is something out there for me to do.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

This guilty feeling that I should be doing something and stop slacking off.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Slowly and one day at a time. Dry mouth, running nose, sense of taste, swallowing, 53 pound weight loss.

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

Patience!!! Relax, It Will Get Better!

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