Viv Diary 25th September 25, 2009

Some time had passed since Viv’s last diary instalment. 12 months seemed to flash by in a blink of an eye and he now found himself on a flight to New York for an emergency business meeting and finally a few moments to gather his thoughts and assess the year.

As usual that year involved many tests and check-up’s which had all come back with those two magical word ‘All Clear’. The most significant change for Viv however was the moving in to his and Avril’s dream home after 25 years of planning, 2 years of designing and a 2 year wait for planning permission. It made Viv think back to the point when the planning permission was approved as it was the exact same time that he was diagnosed with throat cancer. With the initial prognosis weighing heavily against Viv, he remembered being very reluctant to give the build the green light in fear that Avril could end up on her own with a half built house and the financial strain that would go along with it.

Avril refused to accept any negative feelings from Viv and the build went ahead as planned. Viv felt it was Avril’s positive, never say die attitude that fired him up and contributed to the eventual outcome regarding his health. If there is one thing that defines Avril it’s her determination and resolve to fight for what she believes in, in this case she believed in Viv, so we could all be sure he was going nowhere. So the following 24 months were consumed with everything that comes with building your own home. For Viv time ticked on, treatments came and went and recovery took it’s natural course.

Now, almost a year since Viv and Avril moved into their fabulous home that moment of wavering uncertainty seems like a lifetime away. Viv has embraced life more than ever during the last 12 months and has got back to doing what he simply loves – Golf, rugby and wine, probably in that order, depending on his mood of course. He has been fortunate enough to watch the Springboks win the Lions tour. He’s nipped back to Cardiff for the autumn internationals and has even improved his golf handicap, although I’d still like to see his scorecards for myself. The scorching Algarve summers force you into a golf buggy but Viv intends to pull his clubs around 18 holes once that intense heat subsides for the winter so that he can improve his overall fitness. I’m sure I will be there along side him so if he cheats I will let you know.

A rather special feature of Viv’s new house is his wine cellar and tasting room, a lifelong dream now realized and a place to enjoy with friends and colleagues alike as his rejuvenated taste buds take pleasure from the wide selection accumulated over the years. All of these blessings constantly remind Viv how far he has come and how grateful he is for each and every day that he can open his eyes and look out onto his almost completed pool. Because he knows that the next set of tests is always going to be just around that corner and the agonising wait for the results will begin once again.

The main set of tests fall in August every year, which includes the throat area as well as the chest, abdomen and prostrate. The radiotherapy treatment has caused a thinning effect on Viv’s veins which makes injections extremely tricky, particularly when trying to inject the iodine for the routine scans. It seems throughout his life Viv has gravitated towards beautiful women. Well if there was one occasion where he would have preferred not to do that it would have been during his prostrate exam. The pretty Portuguese doctor remained very professional whilst Viv remained very embarrassed. However, despite the discomfort and obvious embarrassment the results came back clear despite a small cyst on his right cheek which Viv has been told to not worry about. There was one more cyst that has been noticed on Viv’s liver, which again he was told not to worry about but Dr Julio still wanted an additional scan just to be sure. Viv would not hear the results until he returned from New York.

The radiotherapy had also resulted in Viv’s teeth and gums becoming unhealthy and disintegrating at an alarming rate. This meant initiating an intense dental hygiene routine but despite this it still looks like Viv will have to lose four teeth in his lower gum.

On Viv’s return from New York he received the results from the additional scans carried out before he left. The scans detected two lumps on the wall of Viv’s diaphragm. The clinic again believes there is no cause for concern but Dr Julio, Viv’s knight in shining armour wants to know for sure. So further tests have been scheduled for the first week of December, at which point they will know if the lumps are getting bigger or not.

So for Viv life goes on, interspersed with clinic visits, scans and agonizing waits. But that is something Viv has now accepted and will never complain about.

October 22, 2009 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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Two years after – Sept ‘08

There are some experiences in life that will forever be imprinted in a persons mind. They exist in ones memory as significant moments in time that whether good or bad will never be forgotten. Everybody has them, especially Viv when his mind journeys back to the 4th of July 2006 and the announcement that he had cancer of the throat. He considered marking this day with a diary entry until Avril reminded him that although that day will never be forgotten, the feeling and emotions that were experienced should not re-surface unnecessarily.

Two years on and it is now the time to truly celebrate. It was on the 27th of September 2006 that Viv walked out of the clinic after having his last treatment. Considerably skinnier and weaker than 8 weeks prior but relieved that the gruelling treatment period had come to a close. The quarterly examinations consisting of scans, X rays and intrusive camera procedures continued and on every occasion Dr Caba was happy with the results. The good Doctors big smile was an image Viv started to fall in love with as he knew what it meant.

By September 2007 Dr Caba felt confident enough to announce to Viv that in his opinion the disease was beaten. He could not see any trace of it anywhere. Now as we move forward another year and come up to date the loveable Dr Caba still upholds Viv’s all clear status and has reduced check up visits to twice a year.

Physically Viv is looking and feeling great. He is slightly slimmer than before his treatment period through his own choice. There are a few things however that as a result of the treatment will never go back to the way they were, which Viv is learning to accept. He still struggles with producing saliva so he is constantly armed with at least one bottle of water. It is improving – 6 months ago he would need 8 bottles to get round 18 holes of golf, now only 6 are required and he tells me his golf has improved, something I will need to see for myself.

The constant coughing and choking, especially in the morning has reduced considerably much to the relief of Avril. Viv’s taste-buds have found their feet once again although certain drinks such as Iced Tea still don’t go down like they use to. The skin is still so sensitive in his mouth that a heavy cough or sneeze can result in blood vessels rupturing causing a strong taste of blood in the mouth. Viv’s throat and neck are extremely sensitive to sun and heat rash is a common occurrence on his chest. Since finishing the treatment dental hygiene has been a major concern for Viv. Keeping the inside of his mouth clean and free of any foods is essential. Due to not being able to generate the sufficient amount of saliva and natural acids there is risk of tooth decay and gum problems.

One of Viv’s personal pleasures is now firmly back in his life – the taste of wine. He can now fully appreciate a fine Chardonnay and his fabulous wine collection is growing by the day. Beer is back on the menu also and he likes nothing better than to kick back after 18 holes with an ice cold Cristal in his hand. Nowadays however he likes to take it easy and accepts that keeping up with his young friends & employees is probably not a good idea. Although stronger than most, Viv has come to terms with the fact his physical strength is lacking slightly. Carrying heavy objects can be a struggle mainly due to breathing issues brought on from lack of saliva. This still doesn’t stop him trying though, he’s always the first to grab a box or lift a crate.

It’s extremely apparent that the whole experience has affected Viv on a mental level. He now tends to keep his emotions right at the surface and he won’t mind me saying that it doesn’t take much for the tears to start falling. Even a soppy chick flick will open those tear ducts and it’s just something that Viv can do nothing about. In a way he’s valuing the smaller things in life a great deal more than before and more importantly – appreciating them for what they are. He is now far more tolerant of people and difficult situations. Anyone that has known Viv for a long time knows that his fiery temperament and sometimes explosive personality are traits that many know him best for. He now takes his time to calmly assess every situation and respond in a laid back, calculated manner.

So what has Viv learnt from all of this? How has it change him as a Husband / Father / Son / Boss and ultimately as a man? Many people go their whole lives without fully appreciating not just the special moments, but every moment. Sometimes it takes something as terrible as cancer for a person to wake up. We are all guilty of it. We go about our daily lives until one day when we are 60 years of age we say ‘I wish I would have done this’ or ‘I wish I had tried that’. By then it’s too late. Viv has come out the other side of this ordeal a changed man. He now savours every experience. He is grateful for every sun rise and every sunset. He wants others who find themselves in the same situation as he found himself in to know that there is hope, there is every chance that with loved ones by your side and a desire to never give up, you can win. Viv was never going to let it be a death sentence, don’t let it be for you.

September 26, 2008 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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Viv’s Diary

On the 22nd of November Viv went for his scheduled quarterly check up. This now familiar routine still bought with it anxiety and worry for Viv. It seemed that each visit was getting increasingly more difficult rather than easier.

As Viv’s body repaired itself, in the back of his mind he was thinking that the cancer could do the same and once again rear it’s ugly head. So as Dr Caba carried out various tests with a stern look on his face Viv tried desperately to dismiss any negative thoughts rattling around in his brain. Finally after several minutes of prodding, poking and mumbling to himself in Portuguese the good doctor sat down at his desk and gave Viv the all clear. If there was ever music to someone’s ears then this was it and understandably Viv breathed a huge sigh of relief.

That sunny day in November marked the 1 year anniversary of being cancer free for Viv with just 1 more year of check ups remaining. Although Viv’s general health was improving on a daily basis he was still concerned with his inability to produce saliva. He knew the radiation was the reason for this but dryness and irritation from his mouth and throat along with his constant need for water was starting to take it’s toll. A few weeks prior to the November check up an old buddy of Viv’s from Swaziland sent over a newspaper clipping of a new medical invention which helps people suffering from a lack of saliva. What is essentially a gum guard, this innovative piece of technology sends electronic impulses to the saliva glands to help stimulate them.

Obviously Viv was excited and very keen to find out more so got straight on the phone to the company responsible for the product – Saliwell Ltd who are based in Israel. After several discussions with the company he then had to go to the dentist so that they could make a form of his lower gum, much like a denture, this was then sent off to Israel. Some 6 weeks later Viv received a call from his dentist Isabel. She now had the device so it was time to see if it fitted in Viv’s mouth. Isabel warned Viv that there was a possibility that the device would not work due to the fact that the soft tissue around his saliva glands were almost certainly destroyed by the radiation. Undeterred Viv spent hours studying the instructions for the device and remained positive that it would work. The first time it was used Viv almost choked on the amount of saliva that had collected in his mouth. Having had a mouth and throat dryer than Ghandi’s sandal for the best part of a year Viv realised it would take some getting use to but he knew straight away the ingenious little gadget had enabled him to produce saliva again. This meant he could swallow easier and even spit on occasion, depending on which member of his staff had annoyed him the most.

Now Viv has been using the device for 10 days and is very pleased with the results. Initially Viv placed the gadget in his mouth for 10 minutes every 2 hours. Now he’s using it just 2 or 3 times a day. Any form of exercise dries up Viv’s mouth instantly so he always has a legitimate excuse to opt for the golf buggy instead of the cart. He still keeps a bottle of water in his pocket at all times more so as a kind of safety blanket but over all he has seen vast improvement. Food and wine is something Viv is really starting to appreciate again and each day it tastes better and better.

So as the year draws to a close it does so with much improvement and optimism for Viv. January will see him turn 60 years of age, a milestone that perhaps he thought he’d might not see a year or so ago. But you know what they say… life begins at 60.

Anybody interested in the Saliwell Medical System, should follow the links. I know that the saliva glands will never be the same again, but this system definitely and is well worth investigating if you’re experiencing any similar problems. Good luck.

P.S. Here’s another related article: Israeli project develops novel solution to dry mouth

December 7, 2007 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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Throat Cancer Update from Viv Thomas

The 4th July 2006 seems like a life time ago now for Viv. While a nation celebrated it’s day of independence Viv had just received the results from numerous tests that confirmed his worst fears – he had cancer, the road ahead was long and fraught with uncertainty and self doubt.

Looking back over the numerous diary entries and images Viv was awash with memories of the life changing experience that threatened to take exactly that. One of the main things he couldn’t help notice, along with the rest of us was just how much weight he had lost. Ok, that was polite, more like how curvaceous he was before the treatment. Viv had put a lot of work into his belly over the years! So to see his side profile image go from a capital “D” to a slight “I” in a matter of months was a sight to behold. If ever there was a silver lining to the treatment then perhaps the weight loss was it.

For Viv there will always be resounding recollections of the first time he placed the treatment mask on his face, the severe radiation burns on his throat and how his love for food faded as the radiotherapy destroyed his appetite. His most prominent memory however related to the support he received from his staff, family and most of all the woman that was by his side during every minute of the 7 week treatment period, his wife Avril. Viv would openly admit that he is a workaholic and as one of his staff I like to believe that his sheer love for his company and employees was an instrumental factor during his radiotherapy. Where most would have sat at home and rested, Viv as usual was the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. By doing this we were able to interact with him as normal and share the odd joke along the way. That joke usually involved Viv’s increasingly baggier trousers but the fact that he was there to laugh along with us hopefully made it that bit easier for him.

Luckily for Viv the 7 weeks of treatment seemed to pass quickly and on the 26th of September 2006 one chapter ended and another began. For Viv this was a day to start a new life as the all clear was given. As we fast forward a year the first anniversary of his joyous news came and went without too much fuss although Viv couldn’t help feel a mixture of emotions including joy, relief and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. One thing that did play heavily on his mind however was how little progress he thought he’d made. Having worked for Viv for over 5 years now I am only too aware of how impatient he can be. In a work environment this is not necessarily a bad thing. He wants something done, we get it done as quickly as possible and everyone is happy. Unfortunately Viv’s patience for his own recovery was in the same vein and everyone had to remind him that it could take up to another year before he feels the way he did before his illness.

One noticeable improvement has been the progression from a strict soup diet to now pretty much anything on the menu. As long as there is a healthy dose of sauce to moisten up the dish Viv can enjoy it. What’s most pleasing though is that chilli and wine are back in his life and oh my how they missed each other. Although both are still in very strict moderation Viv welcomed them back like grandkids he hadn’t seen for a while – with open arms but told them to behave themselves for a little while longer. With his well trained palate ever improving Viv can now savour life’s little pleasures once again such as his beloved London Pride, particularly if he’s on a Rugby trip and Wales win.

So normality is slowly but surely returning to Viv’s life and as things settle down he is able to step back from himself and look at how the experience he has been through has changed him. He has always been an emotional man and it is understandable now that he is even more so. Although he himself may feel embarrassed when he cries at the opening of an envelope, at the same time when someone is so close to death and comes out smiling on the other side it really makes them appreciate the smaller things in life. Viv’s whole demeanour has changed and his attitude and approach is a lot calmer than in previous years. He has always had that typical fiery South African temperament and in many ways it has worked for him. It’s a relief to see that he now realises that it’s important to slow down, enjoy life and know that the hard work is done and let those around him carry that torch for him.
He takes nothing for granted now, he knows things could have been so different so he’s more determined than ever to live out the rest of his life doing the things he loves, watching the rugby, enjoying a glass of wine, playing golf with his buddies, kissing his wife and breathing sweet air.

October 24, 2007 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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Spring update

It has been a while since Viv’s last update, he felt that significant news was needed before adding another entry to the diary. Now there was some news and it’s significance was major. On the 26th of March Viv headed off to Faro Hospital for his quarterly check up with specialist Dr Caba. The good doctor proceeded with his usual routine of sticking a camera up Viv’s nostril and down his throat so that he could assess the progress. Although the doctor came up smiling on examination of Viv’s throat he could still see a lot of scar tissue where the tumour had been and the throat was still very swollen and inflamed. Although this was not causing Viv any pain he did have a constant feeling of wanting to vomit which the doctor assured him was quite normal and would be with him for some time to come. As a precaution however Dr Caba did recommend scans and a blood test as the swelling and the scar tissue in Viv’s throat could be camouflaging something he couldn’t see. DR. Caba stressed that these tests were a precaution but this still made Viv feel very uneasy and down at this stage.

On the 30th of March Viv underwent lengthy tests to determine whether there was still any traces of cancer left in his throat. First they scanned the top half of his body and they then performed a Berium Meal scan which involves a dye that is fed into the veins through the form of a drip. This caused Viv no discomfort, it was trying to get the needle into his veins that was the real challenge. Like many people Viv is not a huge fan of needles, the fact that the nurse needed five attempts to find a vein did not help matters. The Nurse explained that the radiation treatment actually shrinks the veins and they become very difficult to locate. On top of this Viv was instructed not to move a muscle, as you can imagine this was an extremely unpleasant experience that he did not want to go through again anytime too soon. There was the usual agonizing 7 day wait for the results. As much as Viv wanted to remain confident there was still doubt in his own mind as to whether he had truly beaten the disease that he’d been fighting for the past year.

The final results came through on the 9th of April, once again Viv heard those magic words “All clear” and the sigh of relief was as big as he’d ever breathed. The scans showed scar tissue in the throat area which he was already aware of and was to be expected. More importantly his white blood cell count was absolutely normal which indicated that his system was cancer free at this time. (Touch wood ) Viv had felt that his post treatment recovery had been quite a rapid process. Each day he saw improvements in his health but now it seemed that those final stages of recovery were taking the most amount of time. He likened that process to the building of a house the initial foundations and structure of the building go up in no time, it’s those final touches, the little details that seem to take forever.

Physically Viv is looking good, he feels he is still a little bit skinny but he is trying to put on weight, I¹ve recommended Guinness which I think he’s going to try. He still gets fairly tired after any kind of exercise and is in constant need of water due to his mouth being unable to generate any saliva. His eating habits are almost back to normal though, apart from the any dry foods such as bread, pastry, steaks and piri piri of course. Viv has accepted that he will need to be patient during this final stage of recovery. He realises that the inside of his mouth has been slowly shedding dead skin from the radiation and now has a completely new lining of skin which is extremely sensitive. Brushing his teeth or eating hot or cold food is unpleasant all over again and he is still yet to enjoy his big passions, a glass of wine again. Despite this he looks at the bigger picture, the fact that he is alive and completely free of cancer and that eventually everything will be back to normal.

April 12, 2007 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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Viv’s Diary 12th Jan. 2007

Looking back, 2006 will be remembered for many reasons. Viv has had to scrap for a lot of things during his life but ‘06 presented him with the biggest fight of all and as the year faded into the past so too did the disease that had threatened to take his life.

With the office closed and the staff heading off for the festive season Viv, his Mum and Avril headed off to Austria for a weeks skiing, a holiday booked long before Viv was diagnosed and a well deserved break after a torrid 6 months. Viv was concerned about his energy levels and his ability to breathe properly due to the high altitude of the Alps. Muscles that had had little or no exercise over the past half a year were now put to the test and Viv was unsure just how much he would be able to control the ski’s although I have to say his lack of control in previous years has always been an issue.

So Viv started the first few days on the nursery slopes. Once his confidence had grown and he had beaten every 9 year old child on the slope from top to bottom he decided to hop in the cable car and head up the mountain, happy with his progress and energy levels.

Despite having to make regular water breaks for a throat drier than Ghandi’s sandal from all the exercise, Viv continued to make progress and was tackling the red runs with ease. The sunshine then decided to play it’s part by melting away the remaining thin layer of snow, leaving nothing but patchy, muddy slush. In the past Viv would have put his feet up in the hotel, glass of wine in hand and patiently waited for the next dump of snow. But now with his new found appreciation for life and just how short it can be he decided to step out of his comfort zone and strap on a pair of cross country ski’s.

This turned out to be both great fun and exercise for Viv, so much so that the next thing he decided to do was throw himself off the side of a mountain. Hang gliding was something else that he had never considered but the new Viv thought what the hell, and loved every second. Viv felt really alive again after being so close to death and he was determined to hold onto that feeling for as long as possible.

On his return from Austria Viv booked himself in for a golf lesson, one of his big passions in life that had been impossible to indulge in during his treatment. After 30 minutes of swinging his 6 iron Viv was impressing the Pro but physically his was drained and had to call it a day, a reminder that baby steps had to be taken on the road to recovery. Viv knew however that he was firmly on that road and heading in the right direction.

Slowly but surely Viv was starting to feel normal again. Small, mundane tasks such as brushing his teeth were now bearable. He could sleep for longer periods without having to wake up to relieve the dryness of his mouth. With the exception of very spicy or dry foods he could enjoy a nice meal again instead of the bland bowls of soup that he had become so accustomed to. And finally a beer became enjoyable again… a light at the end of the tunnel.

Viv started to reminisce about the symptoms he had had before he was diagnosed. A passing comment from his ski instructor Martina threw his mind back to a year earlier on the slopes and being short of breath, having to stop
regularly. Then came a serious bout of coughing and a dull pain in his left ear the textbook symptoms of throat and tongue cancer were evident. It was only after the lump on the side of his neck became irritable that anything
was done.

Unfortunately, like all of us Viv had no idea what these symptoms meant and initially he was prescribed antibiotics for an inflamed throat. Looking back Viv wishes he knew more or was more aware of this type of cancer but I guess it’s something none of us really want to confront until the unfortunate happens and we are diagnosed.

By documenting his progress throughout every stage of his cancer Viv hopes to reach whoever will listen and by doing so hopefully raising more awareness of this type of cancer so that others can realise they are not alone and it can be beat.

None of us ever really know what is around that corner, your life can change in an instant and things that were important today suddenly become irrelevant. Having the support and advice from others that have lived to tell the tale is something that Viv will be eternally grateful for and now he wants to do the same for others.

January 16, 2007 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

2 1/2 months after treatment

The last few weeks I have had a number of people ask me if I am going to keep this site going, now the treatment is completed. Well the answer is a definite yes! My treatment may be finished but that is not the end of things, and if this site is to help people who are going through similar experiences to me then it is essential that I carry things on for a while yet.

December for me has been a roller-coaster ride, with some extreme highs, and also some lows. Although the highs completely outweigh the lows.

On Monday 4th December I had to go for comprehensive scans to my throat and neck area. My appointment for the results of the final analysis was scheduled for Monday 11th. It was then I would know where I stood. This wait would be a painful wait.

However, on the Thursday before the 11th, Dr. Travino phoned me to say he had been given the results by the radiologist. He could hardly contain himself when he tried to tell me that they had checked and rechecked the scans – even comparing them to the old scans – and that he could find no trace of the tumours! According to these scans, the cancer had been eliminated in these areas.

The feeling of elation is very difficult to describe.

There is nothing I could ever compare it to. I felt like my chest was about to burst. We were all having lunch in the office at the time, and after putting the phone down and sitting at the table I just burst into tears. The cancer has played havoc with my emotions, I was never very good at hiding my feelings anyway, but the last few months I was getting very emotional, blubbering very easily!

Anyway, I still had to see the main man, Dr. Caba, the ear nose and throat specialist on the following Monday. I would also have a cat-scan on this day.

With the scans and the report (which we couldn’t read as it was in Portuguese) in hand off we went to see Dr. Caba, who greeted us with a smile. I clearly remember thinking ‘I hope he smiles like that again in a few minutes time.’

The first thing he did was put a camera down my nostrils, him and a college took turns in looking with lots of discussion, all in Portuguese. There was a lot of nodding of heads, a few smiles, I just wish I could have had a camera there filming at the time, it would have been interesting to see my lost reactions as I tried to read their body language. My face must have been a picture of confusion.

Next they studied the scans and they seemed to spend an eternity studying the bloody things. To the naked eye these scans look meaningless, they tired to show us and help us understand the various areas that had been affected and cleared, but all Avril and I could do was nod enthusiastically.

The end result was, that I was declared clear of the cancer.

It was gone. Obviously we could not contain our joy, and I hugged Dr. Caba like there was no tomorrow, he seemed a bit uncomfortable with that. After wiping away the tears Caba explained that there was no need to have the cat-scan anymore, which he said was good, because I had already been subjected to enough radiation, it could have been dangerous. He also explained through an interpreter that the next three years was vital, that he see me once every three months, plus I was to have a new scan on my throat and neck every six months. He was so emphatic that he made my next appointment there and then for February 2007. Dr. Caba also said that after the first three years, he would still need to see me every six months for another two years. This would be a total of 5 years that they would have to keep a close eye on me.

He explained that while there was no sign of the cancer what-so-ever, I had to be aware of the real danger that it can come back. It was extremely important that I treated my body with respect. Alcohol had to be taken within reason, it was also imperative that I eat regular meals and maintain a decent diet. Our GP, Dr. Travino is also a firm believer in natural remedies, and the correct intake of vitamins. He also supports my decision to undergo the Bowens Therapy.

Without exception, they have all stated that I must stay away from people smoking, and smoking environments. Both Travino and Caba are convinced that I will prevent any further reoccurrence of the Big C if I adhere to their advice.

How are things personally for me now?

Well it is amazing how quickly you forget how bad things were during the treatment. The mouth ulcers, the severe burns on my neck, the swollen tongue, my throat, my inability to eat or swallow anything, the list goes on.

Right now I have very tender gums which still predetermines what I can and can not eat. They were becoming so sore I had to visit the dentist this week, and he could only tell me that my gums had become very thin due to the radiotherapy, and that I had to be careful and patient. In fact, everyone tells me…”you have to be patient.”

My skin is still very tender, and extremely sensitive. I scratch a lot and still can not use normal deodorants. The scratching at times does seriously piss me off.

I seem to have stopped losing weight and I’m around 72Kg, which means I lost a total of 15 kilos.

I can still produce saliva, but I’m drinking around 3 litres of water each day, which does help. However at night it is a nightmare, my tongue dries up so much my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. Sometimes it gets so bad I can’t breath. However a swig of water does relieve it, but I’m up every hour and a half with a mouth like a dried out old army boot. It is painful. I have tried artificial salvias but none of them seem to help. As I’m continuously told, everyone is different and there are different ways to overcome these problems. For me the only thing, which seems to help is water.

My biggest bleat

My biggest bleat is that I still have a very sore throat and my voice is very croaky, but it is nowhere near as sore as it was two months ago, when I could not even swallow. So in reality things are fine, and I’m getting around more comfortably. I have more energy, and I’ve even booked some golf lessons for next January.

I can eat much more than just soups, but some things are still out – pastry, sandwiches or thick meats like steaks, even chicken and chips is impossible. Stews and rice dishes are top of the menu. It is great to be able to have the occasional beer, although wine still tastes horrible. Vanilla ice cream after meals is also a treat and I eat tubs of the stuff!

The last thing I really have a problem doing comfortably is brushing my teeth twice a day. The toothpaste burns so much it brings tears to my eyes, and because there is so little saliva to thin the paste out in my mouth it makes me bring up phlegm every time, which doesn’t help my throat. Every now and then I sit on the end of the bed feeling sorry for myself, and I tell Avril I don’t know how much longer I can take it. But just the other day she reminded me what it was like a couple of months ago, and just how short my memory was.

I have to admit I hate feeling sick all the time. Six months is a long time. But then one does have to consider the alternative, a wooden box is not that inviting.

If we have managed to prove one thing, it’s that there is definitely “life after cancer!”

December 20, 2006 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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6 weeks after treatment

The euphoric feeling that Viv had felt on that sunny, late October day had slowly diminished and now the reality of the still very long road ahead was presenting itself in full unforgiving glory to a man who thought the hardest part was over.

For Viv nothing compared to that feeling, it was like a death row pardon. He felt free, more alive than ever and he wanted to get back to normal as quickly as possible. After all, that’s exactly how any of us would feel, time to put it behind us and live life to the max. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be that simple.

In his mind Viv was cured therefore he could get on with things as normal. Daily routines involving medication and rest didn’t seem that necessary now so were neglected. It only took 3 days of this behaviour before Viv collapsed in a crumpled heap, exhausted, drained and in pain. This journey was far from over, Viv now knew he had to maintain the discipline he had shown over the last 4 months until the very end.

Viv was still losing weight, his tongue was still very swollen his throat extremely sore and he still couldn’t eat solids. At meal times he would push food around in his mouth, with his finger, because of the pain in his gums. Things were far from being anywhere near normal. On a positive note however there had been significant improvement on the burns around his neck. They had healed very well, the only problem was that they were incredibly itchy which drove Viv crazy. He was like a bear with a headache, back ache, leg ache and throat ache all at the same time and was slightly less of a pleasure to work with, which I’m sure he won’t mind me saying.

In terms of food, Piri Piri was still firmly off the menu but Viv had progressed to stews and small amounts of meat and chicken doused in sauce. Also scrambled eggs and omelettes were a very welcome addition to his diet, his staff wouldn’t agree after experiencing first hand his reaction to all those eggs but he was actually eating substantial food now so everyone was happy. As far as alcohol was concerned Viv had been able to enjoy a beer but wine was still too much for his throat to take and the taste revolting!

Due to the radiation treatment on Viv’s neck he hasn’t had to shave for 4 months, except for around his top lip. So when Viv decided not to shave for a few days we would have Magnum P.I walking around the office, all that was missing was the Ferrari, which I’m told is on order.

The words from Dr Condon during Viv’s first post diagnosis check up kept echoing in his head ‘With this Radiation Therapy, you have been pushed to within an inch of your life, it’s going to take a long time before you get better’. Viv kept having to tell himself that just because he got the preliminary green light, it didn’t mean he could put his foot to the floor and go, far from it. Patience and time to heal were most important now.

Viv decided to take a well informed step in his healing process by halting the intake of painkillers, of which he had relied on for the last 4 months 24/7, literally overnight. Not surprisingly after 3 days he went into cold turkey. During the day he kept himself busy in the office and despite his temper being slightly shorter than normal he seemed okay. It was during the night however that caused the real problems. Unable to control his muscle spasms, particularly in his legs he would have to get up frequently in the night to walk around and this resulted in his wife Avril having to sleep in another room. Viv compared these muscle spasms to him looking like he was trying to kick a football, although being aware of Viv’s ability in that sport he probably looked more like a wrestler on ice skates. No offense Viv, but stick to rugby. As well as this, his head felt liked it was clamped in a vice, yet another reminder of just how hard it was going to be.

10 days passed without the use of the painkillers and things had started to settle slightly. Viv had called upon the good Dr Travino who prescribed him magnesium tablets to try and combat the spasms and try and help rebuild Viv’s muscles. The Doctor reminded Viv that after 4 months of little or no exercise he had to take steps to strengthen his body. Viv decided upon an alternative therapy called the Bowen Technique, which he will undergo for the next 7 weeks.

It is now nearly 1 month since the unforgettable visit to Dr Caba’s office. In early December extensive scans and tests on Viv’s throat and tongue will be carried out to determine if the unforgettable can be forgotten for good.

Viv has undertaken a course in the Bowen Technique in order to assist his body in the healing process. For those interested, here is a link to a story written on the Bowen Technique in a local magazine. For more information please visit www.bowtech.com.

November 16, 2006 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

The first post treatment check-up

19th of October – It was 1 month to the day since Viv’s last dose of radiation. For most of us the month had flown by, just like the last 12 months had been somewhat of a blur since we all arrived here to start our new lives on the sunny Algarve. For Viv however the last 4 weeks had been a drawn out anxious period of time, full of uncertainty but at the same time a sense of relief that the treatment had finished. He had been able to fully immerse himself back into work, sample his first beer in 3 months and finally chew food rather than drink it. There was one important question that still remained to be answered though – was the cancer gone? Today Viv would find out.

Generally Viv doesn’t get nervous, his confidence is a big part of his personality and it’s something that sticks in the mind of whoever meets him. Understandably, today warranted nerves and they were firmly with Viv.

Viv and Avril made their way to Faro hospital like they had done so many times during the treatment period, this time however they were hoping and praying for positive news. On arrival Viv met with his specialist Dr Caba who wasted no time in sticking a camera up his nose and down his throat to assess whether the 35 sessions of radiation had been enough to kill off the cancerous cells. It was not long before the doctor retracted his camera, placed it on the desk and raised his head to make eye contact with Viv. Viv then simply watched as a huge smile developed across the face of Dr Caba, something that Viv will never forget. Due to the doctors limited English it was still unclear what exactly the diagnosis was, despite Avril’s best efforts in Portuguese. Another specialist was called in to help translate and eventually Viv heard those magic words – the cancer was gone. To the naked eye Dr Caba could see nothing cancerous left in Viv’s throat and he was absolutely convinced everything was gone. Viv had done it, with the help of the doctors, specialists, Avril and his never say die attitude he had overcome adversity.

Due to Viv’s throat still being fairly swollen and inflamed Dr Caba stressed that there would need to be another check-up in early December to determine for certain that the big C was nowhere to be seen. But for now Viv was on cloud nine.

On leaving the hospital Viv and Avril headed straight over to the radiotherapy clinic to give Dr Oscar the good news. It was something that the doctor, who had been by Viv’s side on this journey from the very beginning, appreciated very much, usually never hearing from patients again once they are referred. It was an emotional time for all.

So it seems the battle has been won, it just goes to show that with the help and support of loved ones and friends and with a overwhelming desire to never give up and carry on enjoying life you can beat this. At no stage did Viv feel sorry for himself or blame anyone, he accepted what he had and made a choice – to live.

October 20, 2006 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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2 weeks after treatment completion.

The daily trips to the hospital for a dose of radiation were now over for Viv. The 26th of September marked the last treatment session and Viv was now hoping to look forward to the healing process.

On Friday the 29th of September Viv left the still sunny Algarve for the rather more chilly Hungarian capital Budapest on a long arranged business trip. Although still very soon after the treatment completion, the specialist supported this trip as long as Viv maintained his routine of medication and care. The doctor stressed the importance of normality, if it was something that Viv usually did then keep doing it. Viv was very much looking forward to the break, different surrounding and a sense of getting his life back into the normal swing of things. It would also be a welcome break for his wife Avril who up until this point had been nursing Viv 24/7 since the start of his treatment.

As a member of Viv’s staff for a number of years now I have been fortunate enough to join him on a few of the Budapest trips and it is something that I always enjoy very much. One of the most enjoyable factors is the Hungarian cuisine, not only is their traditional food very good but they also specialise in foods from other countries such as Korea, Japan and China. No one loves this food more than Viv so on a normal visit we would frequent these places at least once and it is always a fabulous way to end a hard day. This time however it would obviously be very different, of course Viv being Viv he didn’t want us guys to be deprived of this wonderful food so he chose to sit there sipping on soup while the rest of us devoured Korean pork, sushi and Peking duck. The temptation for Viv must have been overwhelming, much like the temptation he has to clip us round the ear when we’re late for work, not that we ever are of course.
It was certainly a test though and on occasion it was difficult to get soups without solids in them which caused Viv quite a bit of pain, especially on his tongue.

Viv avoids the sun in Budapest. It is hell on the sensitive skin around his neck and as a result he generally keeps it covered up and away from the harmful rays.

Note the obligatory bottle of water which Viv swears has a lot to do with his continued recovery.

Mentally however the trip was very beneficial for Viv. He was able to meet up with friends and colleague’s and get stuck into some constructive work. As usual on these trips though the days were long and quite strenuous and physically this took it’s toll on Viv. In his mind he might think he’s ready to step out for Wales in a 6 nations rugby final against Ireland (which to be honest he usually is, not Ireland though, maybe Scotland) but even by his own admission he pushed himself a little too far. The combination of meetings, eating and lack of necessary rest during the day reminded Viv that you just can’t rush these things and he also has a new found appreciation for his tongue and the role it plays it his everyday life.

Viv then had to endure the 8 hour trip home, all the while feeling drained and sore, a reminder that you simply can’t try and speed up the healing process, your body will do this in it’s own time, something that Viv was now very aware of.

Despite slightly over exerting himself during the trip Viv had noticed a vast improvement since the treatment finished 2 weeks previous. He was now able to drink water and eat soup with relative comfort but the simple fact that these were generally the only 2 things he could consume were starting to make him, irritable, short tempered and I stress these are his words not mine, generally a pain in the butt. But he knew this was something that for now he would just have to accept and live with. The result of this diet has meant that Viv has continued to shed the pounds, now down to 73 kilos he is in desperate need of a new wardrobe, something which I’ve been stressing to him for years.

Above anything else now Viv knows he has to be patient. It will come. In his efforts to speed up his recovery he feels it has pushed his progress back a week and he won’t be making the same mistake twice.

His first check up since the completion of the treatment will take place on the 18th of October and Viv has no idea what to expect but one thing is for sure – he will be taking it one step at a time.

October 11, 2006 | Filed Under Viv's Cancer Diary

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6 weeks after treatment

The first post treatment check-up

2 weeks after treatment completion.

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