I learnt a new word today.
Gag. I know the name of the newsletter is going to divide people. It took its time to make it self known, but you see after head & neck cancer treatment it is a word known by most of us, at some point, in some way.
I tested a couple of headline names & non of them really inspired me. In fact they felt false, contrived and I thought, if this bores me, imagine what other people will think, and that's certainly not the intention of this weekly resource.
GAG. The newsletter, first edition.
Its connotations of sex, S&M, held against your will in some way play into HNC treatment. That first kiss, what’s sex going to be like? If you Google “neck issues” - your top hit is often not how to create a smooth sauce.
I was trying to convey when something makes you retch, unable to swallow as is often the case during and following head & neck cancer (HNC) treatment.
Other definitions.
To gag - to stop or restrain from exercising free speech
Unable to swallow
bring up food from your stomach
a funny joke
eager to have or do something (informal)
To my absolute astonishment I thought, all those things apply in the case of HNC treatment and life thereafter.
How can that be? if you are not part of the lived experience here’s what happens.
It is a bit of a stretch to say “restrain from free speech” but on being wheeled out of 7 hours of surgery and the removal of 1/3rd of my tongue, the tumor, both tonsils, and 30 lymph nodes (neck dissection) the nurse in intensive care asked me if I was ok?
Not only could I not speak, I was frightened beyond belief. Shock had set in.
Fast forward 4 years (my 4th year anniversary out from treatment was a couple of days ago) and I find myself with a lot to say about a lot of things. I have learnt a great deal about myself & others through this arduous journey of head & neck cancer treatment.
So each week I will provide insights, activities, food ideas, exercise and auxiliary treatments that have helped me, but most importantly, as I cross the threshold into NED long term, I hope to inspire others who like me, live with the debilitating toxicities & still need support and to share comfort, reality and a lived experience.
No warriors here, no asking for God to be kind, just honesty, humour and motivation to keep living your best food life after treatment.
For those who care for, know of, heard of, or just like to be part of my journey here on, you are welcome too. I have a great deal to share.
Pulchritudinous - means beautiful, having great physical beauty.