8 down, 31 to go

Two weeks of radiation done, 6 more weeks to go. I cannot wait.

This week, I have developed a stuffiness in my right ear, making it hard to hear. What did you say? Tilting my head from side-to-side seems to make fluid in my ear move around, alleviating the discomfort. I'll ask my radiation oncologist on Monday during our weekly meeting if this is something that I should be worried about or if it's just the tumor responding, hopefully shrinking and dying a slow death.

I've lost some of my saliva and my sense of taste for all things and everything salty. It sucks! Everything taste like, well, nothing! Did I mention it sucks? I can still taste some sweet and sour items, but that probably won't last for long. I've promised Bee and Vance when my taste is back after treatment, we are hitting all my favorite restaurants in town. I cannot wait. Did I say anything about how much this sucks? Sorry, chemo brain. That sucks too!

I've developed some granulation tissue around my feeding tube site. It looks nasty, is a bit bloody, but the GI doctor said it's pretty normal and not to worry too much. Wonderful and often stinky! Just one more thing to worry about. And I'm not even using the tube yet, although I've ordered the feedings, which should be here next week.

Before each radiation treatment, I get amifostine shots. Man, do those shots burn. And the shots are HUGE! The shot is given submucosally, and the injection site has to be different each day. I have been avoiding the stomach area given how much the shots burn, choosing my thighs and triceps instead. I really hope these shots work and save my saliva. I don't want dry mouth for the rest of my life.

My good friend and dentist Tommy was kind enough to make fluoride trays for my teeth, which I use for five to ten minutes each night. Hopefully my saliva returns (thank you amifostine) and I can avoid having to use the trays for the rest of my life. Looking for a great dentist in the Atlanta area, give Dr. Ma's office a call and tell them Mark sent you.

Happy new year!