So things that go on as you age...

In past two or so years, I have had two rounds of cancer.  Yes, lots of fun.  The first, just over two years ago was throat cancer, caused by HPV.  For those with children/grand children, get the vaccine.  Was 7 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments.  The radiation was the roughest, side effect were brutal. It basically destroys most things in the area, taste buds, throat lining, thyroid. I lost over 100 pounds, which I needed, and eventually the side effects diminished after almost two years.

The before photo and after photos.  After the radiation, eating was not a priority.  No urge to eat and, nothing had any taste.  Did drink fluids and high protein drinks, but the pounds just kept leaving.  Since I was on the large size, no feeding tube was inserted.  Kept a positive attitude and things were okay.  PET scan in June 2024, it was clear, Happy Days!

That changed at Christmas when I had a follow up PET scan, the cancer had decided to visit again on my liver.  Nice 'BIG' gift.  Chemo started in January.  This time, hair did fall out.  After that started, I went ahead and got rid of it.  

Wore hats and bandanas since I was uncomfortable being bald.  Chemo was a three week cycle with one week off.  A PET scan in March showed no more cancer, last chemo was in April.

Immunotherapy started in May,  every three weeks for the next two years.  At least it is only a 30 minute treatment.  I still have the port from the first round of treatments.  The staff is very nice.

One nice thing is my hair has grown back.  Read that it would start after a few weeks or months. Mine started almost immediately and I have a full head of hair.  Usually keep my hair short and it is almost that length.

I have another PET scan next month so fingers crossed.