Squats Cure Cancer (The Saga of big val)

[big valsalva]

Fellas, thank you.

I think yesterday's session was purely for mental health. I can't even imagine trying to squat on a regular basis as long as there is that pressure point right at the most critical spot. I can usually deal with a little bit of pain in the gym, but as soon as I unracked the bar, I folded over. Much too soon to be thinking about any serious lifting. At least on the free weights.

I worked for about 4 hours today. I'm not so sure I was ready for that either. But I had a note from my doctor saying I could go back today, so I pretty much had to. Folks were pretty good though. They gave me some extremely light duty, and told me to come in late and go home when I felt like it. So I did. I came home at 1:00, fell into bed and slept until 4:30.

Time to play some trumpet.

[big valsalva]

Not much going on again today. I worked again for about 4-1/2 hours, came home, ate lunch, then napped again. I guess I need more sleep than I thought. Oh well, it helps me heal. My mouth is waking up, which is a good sign, but along with that comes the sensation of pain. I still have half a bottle of roxicet, which I'll save for a special occasion. Otherwise it's up to children's liquid ibuprofen and liquid tylenol for all my pain killing needs.

I buckled and bought a tub of True-Mass just to get my calories up. I weighed in this a.m. at 200 pounds. That's almost 20 pounds down from pre-op. I mixed up a shake and took it to work with me. I nursed it all morning. It seemed to do the trick.

I probably won't do any "training" today as I'm already in my pajamas.

I'm still undecided as to what to do about radiation therapy. My wife found an Oral Cancer support forum. I hooked up and started posting. I've really got it pretty good compared to most others. But I have a couple people riding my tail about going ahead and doing radiation. "Do what your doctor says," they say. The problem is, my doctor didn't recommend one way or the other. Thus, my quandry.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by big valsalva

I'm still undecided as to what to do about radiation therapy. My wife found an Oral Cancer support forum. I hooked up and started posting. I've really got it pretty good compared to most others. But I have a couple people riding my tail about going ahead and doing radiation. "Do what your doctor says," they say. The problem is, my doctor didn't recommend one way or the other. Thus, my quandry.

I'm sure there is a lot of (warranted) paranoia. I have to admit, I wouldn't know what to do.

Can you get a second opinion?

[big valsalva]

Yes, I can always get a second opinion, but they want a "go/no go" decision by next week so they can start treatment no later than six weeks post-op. For some reason that seems to be the optimal time frame for successful radiation. Lost in all this is the opinion of my surgeon. I have no idea what he thinks. He's been at this longer than my radiology oncology doctor has been alive. I will call him tomorrow to see what he thinks. At first he thought that there would be no need for radiation. He referred me to radiology oncology for their opinion, which they don't seem to have one way or the other.

Radiation therapy could be ruinous to my lifestyle. Another surgery...well, I'd rather die.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by big valsalva

Radiation therapy could be ruinous to my lifestyle. Another surgery...well, I'd rather die.

What are the downsides, and/or side effects?

[Rich Knapp]

I hope things smooth out for you Val.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

What are the downsides, and/or side effects?

Some of the notable side effects are: Fibrosis (stiffness) in the neck (permanent). Possible loss of saliva production on affected side (permanent). Possible secondary cancer. Possible loss/change of taste (temporary to permanent). Ulcers in mouth and throat (temporary). Lethargy (temporary). Skin burns (temporary). And on top of it all, I may STILL have a recurrence.

I have talked to a couple of breast cancer survivors who had radiation and they both say emphatically, "No!" At the oral cancer support forum, all of the Kool-Aid drinkers say emphatically, "Yes!" At my appointment on Monday, my wife asked the pretty, young doctor, "What would YOU do?" To which the pretty, young doctor replied, after hesitating, "I'd have to think about it."

I'm calling my surgeon tomorrow.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

I hope things smooth out for you Val.

Life was less complicated a week ago. All I wanted to do was get better. Now I have a decision to make with the rest of my life to look over my shoulder.

Time to play trumpet.

[dmaipa]

hope all is going well with you brother...

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by dmaipa

hope all is going well with you brother...

As well as can be expected. I can't squat, but I CAN play music. I want to do both. Looks like it's up to you to lift for both of us. Smash your logbook, my friend!