If you’re new here, I’ll catch you up with the short version. Back in 2018 I was diagnosed with HPV Throat Cancer, had surgery and recovered very nicely. You can read the long version here. I wrote a bunch of blog posts about the journey in case anyone else needed to hear it. I realized though that my last post was about 3 months after surgery. I was in the city this week for my most recent CT scan and thought – hmmm – maybe it’s time for a little ol’ update!
So it’s been 2 1/2 years since my surgery and things have been going really well (knock on wood – that’s for my mom in case she’s reading this 🙂 ) I wanted to let you in on what actually happens after surgery. Does it end? Is that it? The answer – NO!
Follow-ups
Every 4-6 months I head down to my doctor in Union Square for a CT Scan. Sometimes it’s just to check the neck and other times it’s the neck and chest. First stop is for the scan. They always have a hard time putting the needle in my arm. I can see the look on the technician’s face like where are her veins?!? My skin is really pale and pretty much translucent! Isn’t it obvious?!? The worst is when they do get the needle in but then they’re digging around to find the vein. Find it first then put the needle in!!!
This type of scan is called “with contrast” meaning they’re injecting me with a dye so they can more easily see if there’s anything suspicious. Once the dye goes in you automatically get a metallic taste in your mouth and you feel like you’re going to pee!
The scan doesn’t take very long but you have to be able to lay very still and not move which of course, all you want to do now is move! You listen to instructions that say when to hold your breath or not swallow and then it’s all over.
Then I immediately go up a few floors to see my doctor where he tells me the preliminary results, puts a scope up my nose to check my throat and we’re all done. For the first 2 years I was going back every 4 months but now we’ve graduated to 6 months! I think the scans continue for 5 years post surgery so I’m halfway there! Woo Hoo!
With Corona going on now, you wear a mask during the scan and you’re supposed to come to the visit alone. Even before Corona I was going alone – by choice.
Tip – if you get a scan with contrast make sure to drink A LOT of water right after and for the next couple of days to help flush out the dye as quickly as possible
I know this next part will sound silly but I don’t care – it works for me. I stick to the same ritual that I’ve been doing for 2 /12 years…
The Ritual
Pre-Visit
My mindset practice is the most important thing to me! I must be in a positive calm state before my appointment. I don’t tell anyone about the appointment until just before or just after – no need for negative worrisome energy from anybody.
I listen to something funny that will keep me laughing and feel good. For a while it was comedians but this time I switched to Carpool Karaoke. OMG – so much fun!!!
There was a black sweater that I wore to every visit and while now I’m not so into black clothes, I bring it with me in my bag. Sounds weird I know but whatever, it works for me.
I visualize myself sitting in the doctor’s office, seeing him smile and telling me everything looks good. I even picture what I’m wearing so I must wear that outfit day of, or something feels off. I really get into the “feeling” of what the visit will be like. I stick a couple of crystals in my pocket and I’m ready to go!
Post Visit
After the visit I head over to Whole Foods which is about a block away and get the same thing – a whole wheat everything bagel, blueberries and water. Same thing every time!
Also nearby is Blick Art Studio so I pop in there for some new art supplies. That’s my routine – every time! My post visit celebration! 🙂
What’s The Same and What Has Changed
Same
- Continue to work on my mindset and positivity through books, audios and journaling – on a daily basis!
- Still not eating red meat
- 95% still not eating dairy. I switched to vegan cheese but use real grated parm once in a while as an ingredient. Gone are the days of cheese fondue, pizza with cheese, grilled cheese and more! I’m kind of used to it now. I do eat butter and over the summer I had ice cream a couple of times but that’s pretty much it when it comes to dairy.
- Sugar and processed food – only at a very minimum and I avoid as much as possible.
- I’ve reached a new normal in my diet. Comfort food to me used to be cheese fondue, pasta, French fries and potato chips. Now it’s acai bowls! 🙂 But it could definitely still use improving!!
- Medical bills – still paying them!
Changed
- The most noticeable thing that’s changed is my weight. At the time of my surgery I lost 11 pounds. I felt like I was back to my ideal weight – it felt like the real me. I kept it off for a year and a half and then slowly I started gaining when I stopped exercising daily. Then when Corona hit it came back quicker. My goal is to go back to that post surgery weight as now I’m feeling really uncomfortable in my clothes and my energy level is lower.
- Being aware of stress levels – I’m super aware of when I’m stressed or aggravated and have to remind myself that it’s not worth it. Stress really does affect your health!
- Because of so much mindset and positivity work, I can no longer watch certain movies or shows. For instance I loved the Twilight Zone marathon on New Year’s day or horror movies, etc. No more. I’m just not energetically aligned with them anymore. It doesn’t feel good to watch that stuff. My family will frequently watch movies together like The Purge, It or Mama and I have to leave the room.
It’s crazy to think it’s been 2 1/2 years already! Sometimes I think to myself – did that actually happen?!? If you have any questions let me know. I’m happy to help as much as I can.
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