The lady doctor was smiling with satisfaction at a job well done, as she told me the news she knew I was waiting to hear.
"The C/T scan shows no evidence of malignancy in your throat, tongue, or lymph nodes. Every thing was accomplished that we all were working toward."
It's really hard to thank someone who has had such a large part in saving your life, but I'm sure she could see my gratitude.
I still must see her on a bi-monthly basis for physical exams, to check for any sign of re occurrence, but after two years of no problems, I was told that I should be safe from the cancer returning.
Hugs from the pretty little girls who ran the radiation machine, handshakes from the guys who helped them, congratulations from the waiting room receptionist, and Ann and I were out the door.
I would like to thank all of you who have left a piece of themselves on this blog, for your prayers, advice, and beautiful thoughts. Please know that every word of encouragement was important to me, and you have all earned for yourselves, an eternal reward.

One way or another, tomorrow the sword hanging over my head will be removed. Stay tuned to this channel for the latest breaking news.
Seriously tho, Ann and I are being cautiously optimistic, while thinking of a new vehicle to carry us back to our little cottage in Florida,and Crabby Bill's, where the worst thing that can happen is to hear the waiter say, "We just ran out of grouper"
Catch you all tomorrow!

I really have no excuses for neglecting posting for so long.
All I can say is I have been busy going with Ann to the grocery stores, finding food to feed to my rapidly returning taste buds.
Everything I've tried in the past week or so, has been just as I remembered it. Everything I have read on the various blogs, have been predicting six months to a year for the taste buds to return to normal, but I seem to be an exception.
Also we have been getting out of the house for joy rides, and yesterday we went to our county fair, and enjoyed meeting with the many friends we always run into when we go.It's great to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine once again!
To-day we drove into town and I decided it was time for me to try a Big Mac. The only problem I have with hamburgers is the very salty taste that goes with it, but I blame myself for this, as I have been neglecting the water which I am supposed to drink. I believe five or six bottles a day, but I have resolved to remedy that condition.
Saturday I went to the license bureau to renew my drivers license, and of course, as I have lost the beard which I had had for the past thirty-five years, my picture was disappointing, but everyone who sees it, says I look fine, as I would expect them to say.
I have been sleeping better and with-out the aid of pain pills or Anti-depressants.
I am trying my best to gain back the weight I have lost, but even before my illness, I had a difficult time gaining weight. Any way that's why I'm going after Big Macs and all the weight producing foods I can find.
I have about two weeks before I talk to My Doctor regarding the results of my treatment, so keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming.
So that's it for now.

August 3rd, I had one of the best nights I can remember. When I awoke, I did what I normally do, walked to my chest of drawers,and reached for my pain pills,and my anti- depressants, and for a moment, stood holding them in my hand, with the sudden realization that I was pain and depression free.
My mouth and neck were no longer hurting, and the most amazing thing of all was the absence of the salty slime in my mouth and throat, along with the dryness in my mouth.
Later I went in to eat what I had previously described as card-board, and I realized that my taste buds had returned.
All the forum literature I have read, has been to describe a nine month to two year waiting period for this to come back, and sometimes never returns completely.
Also, my teeth had felt so over-sized that it gagged me to wear them, but after wearing them for two days now to reshape the unused gums, I can now eat normally.
I feel like someone simply snapped their finger, and turned every thing back on.
When you all attribute this to an angel of god, I would be the last to argue the point.
Please, for me, thank your various prayer groups, and assure them that they have a hot-line to heaven.

I had an appointment with My chemo doctor yesterday, who is also privy to my radiation progress, and was told, all my vitals were great, my throat was in very good condition and he believed everything was coming along as planned.
Also, I have gained about one pound of what I have lost. I know that doesn't seem like much, but although I have maintained my weight for some time now,without loss, this is the first time I have actually gained weight! He wants me to start eating more solid food and he will see me on August 25th for a cat scan to see if I have any cancer cells left over. So that will be the moment of truth!
I hope I haven't gone through all this pain and misery for nothing.
I really do feel optimistic though, because although I have always believed I have a strong immune system, and I realise it has been weakened, I feel that I am slowly climbing out of this black hole I have been living in for so long.
Please inundate me with your prayers and positive thoughts, as I know you all will, and know that you all have made this trip with me, and I believe I can see the light at the far end of the tunnel.
Special thanks to you Tammy, as your love accompanied me through this.