Thanks so much for your kind words Val. I am glad that I found this site—have a feeling this will help me a lot….nice to hear so quickly from someone who’s been there…take care

Good Morning Val. I have to tell you I am one of the lucky ones. They removed all the cancer with the surgery. The pathology report came up negative on what ever else they removed from my neck. This included 26 nymph nodes. I was trying to come up with a way to describe my condition before I read your comment this morning. I am leaning towards less cancer. That’s because I think we will never be cancerless. It sounds as if we all carry something in us that is just waiting to be triggered to cause cancer.
Val, I feel so lucky to have this removed and wish you luck with what you have. I can not imagine what it is like to have to go through all the rediation and chemo that others have to endure to rid themselves of this monster. The blog is an excellent way of communicating for several reason I have found. First education, granted everybody is different but it does educate us if nothing else to the fact that there are many different types of cancer and that they all react different. Second,communication, we get to communicate with other people that will, are or have gone through some of the same stuff we have. That in itself is some relief, knowing that we can survive. You know I used to think, I have been called everything in the book, you know all the good names and probably most of the bad ones too. The best one yet, is survivor. Cancer is one battle that we, (you and I)have survived. I go back to the one day at a time, and if it’s one more day we have survived. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you. Regrettfully I don’t think I will be eating and corn beef and cabbage today. Smiles are contagious, spread some today.

Sincerely,
Bill

Good Morning Val, I am new to the board and all the associated stuff going on. I just found out about my crud last friday.. It’s been a whirl wind since then. My world is going at the speed of light right now. I have become attached to the board as a way to learn, vent, share, and occupy time. There are probably a dozen other things I could think but that’s all for right now. My trouble started with me not being able to swallow, that’s how I found out. All I have right now are questions. The problem with that is I don’t know who to or where to ask them. The board is a good place to lean on if you need that. It sounds like you have plenty of kids and grand kids to also push, prod, poke and support you through this. If nothing else just getting a smile back from them is worthy of mentioning. I kind of lean towards the theory of smiling is contagious, why not spread it. I tend to ramble alot, I hope you don’t mind to much. I noticed that you became a supported of me so I am responding say thank you. I will support you any way I can. If nothing else I can support you with my aimless rambling about nothing in my emails. Take care and remember to smile. Smiles and hugs to you…

Bill

Hey Val,

Hope you are doing well! Looking forward to hearing from you! All my best!

Lisa

Hi There VAl,

I just wanted to say Hi and let you know I am always thinking of you. I know you are due for surgery this week. Wanted to send some great energy your way…GO KICK SOME BUTT

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Love,
Elena Cuomo

Hi Val,

Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement. I appreciate you thinking of me. And you certainly have helped calm me down…lol
I checked into Vitalstim. I went on the site an requested a local provider. I will ask the ENT about the lazer scar tissue removal.

I feel like docs said to me—OK go home and heal!! Meanwhile I have no idea what Im doing. Im trying so hard..my energy and everything else is great..its just this swallowing business.

Anyways, Im always thinking of you!! You inspire me and I thank you…

xoxox
ELena

Hi Val,
Im so happy you sent me the info for Vitalstim. I will check the internet right now. What great timing bcuz today I’ve been so depressed feeling like I am never going to eat again.

I went the other day for the swallowing eval and I knew I would fail. I literally cannot swallow. So as Im prepared to go for the stretching, the tech tells me that sometimes it doesnt work. So I frantically call my ENT surgeon and ask him—Is it possible I will have to live on a FT—and this stretching wont work?? He indicated its rare. Hes outta town til Tues. So I sit here helpless with my mind running rampid. AND VIOLA!! Theres Val my angel with some info for me…

Thanks so much girl… I appreciate you keeping me in mind as I know you have so much on your plate.

Love Ya,
Elena : )

Hi Val,

OMG I didnt know you had your throat ballooned and the Mod Barium Swallow test. Thanks so much for the feedback. I’ve been a lil nervous about the procedure not knowing what to expect. Ron on here said it was no sweat also. See, this just goes to show—you are getting alot of attention and education being a “trial” recipient. That is such a great way to go. Fantastic. Best of everythign to U always.
Love,
ELena

hi there thanks for the comment to help you heal lots of honey lots of zinc tablet and natural trust me on that one i had the works and made a great recovery it is only now 2 1/2 yrs later that i get involved in this been very busy at work but if people drop me a line i will reply

so new zealand honey and zinc trust me

Oh Val,
Happy New Year to you Thank you so much for your comment, and know that not only do you have a new cheerleader in me but in lots of people on this site. It is a wonderful place to make new friends.

Blessings, and live today like it’s your best

Larissa

Hi Val,
Have a Happy New Years Eve…Cheers to a healthier 2010… I know this year will the beginning of your treatmens, but soon enough you will be on the road to recovery…Keep your eye on the prize (Your Cure)...you will beat this…I Know it.
Best Regards,
Elena Cuomo : )