🚀 go-pugleaf

Oi vey...I know what it feels like to live under the constant threat. It can be pretty hard sometimes. You start to have irrational thoughts about normal pains (a bad stomach ache is now something that causes you to worry). I've talked to a bunch of survivors and they all say you get back to living life but it never gets far from your mind.

My thyroid took a huge hit from the radiation but it's struggled to maintain just above the threshold to put me on synthroid. It gets a little flaky sometimes so I totally understand what it feels like to be in your shoes. That little bastard has a profound effect on your daily life and you don't realize it until it's not working right. 

Your explanation about the cancer spread is exactly why I elected to have such a massive amount of surgery before treatment. I had all the lymph nodes removed from my neck as well as pretty much everything not vital. The cancer had already spread so I wanted minimal chance that any little bits get left behind. This cancer is a stone killer and your first swing at it has the best chance of putting it in check. The surgery was life-altering but carried the best risk-reward profile. (Yes, I did plot this on a spreadsheet.)

And trust me, it's better to not have a reason than have to stand in front of your teenage daughter and explain to people that your cancer came from cunnilingus. It's super embarrassing but it needs to be discussed so kids know the danger. I honestly had no idea.

Give me a yell if you ever want to chat off-board. I talk funny now, a little bit slurry like I'm mildly drinking, but I always enjoyed talking UT with people. BTW, there's been some real interest and revival at ut99.org if any of you guys want to hang out on a forum. You can read everything without registering.