The Optimistic Gardener - My Journey Through Throat Cancer Recovery

I too am recovering from cancer treatment that ended in December 2020. The cancer is completely gone now and I'm learning to live with the side effects. The most annoying are the muscle cramps in the neck and jaw. Over all, I feel like I have my strength back and am looking forward to putting cancer in the past. Cheers

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Five weeks ago I finished my therapy of 7 chemo treatments and 35 radiation treatments for throat cancer. There was no chance of surgery for me because of the size and location of my tumor. I had to get a feeding tube because I lost my ability to eat as well as my taste, and desire for food. I am still on the feeding tube, learning to swallow again. I lost all my hair (which was previously down to my waist), so I am regrowing hair, learning to eat, learning to talk, and discovering stamina again finally. Like you, I am so grateful to my partner who literally walked me to every single appointment while I had zero energy to support myself. The oncology doctor has looked into my throat and declared that there is absolutely NO TUMOR remaining. So, Yippeeee!!!! I am so looking forward to curry again someday.

47 years old 1 month post rads tonsil and lymph. Hard as hell. This video helps, thank you. God Bless.

I am in the middle of week three. The mouth sores are rude and disrespectful. I can see why people lose weight now. But I am blessed. Thank you sir, for this thoughtful video. I need all of the first person advice I can get.

Your name is on my prayer list, Steve...I'm amazed at your productivity as you recover...best wishes to your family ❤️ Happy Spring 🐰🌷☘️

Thank you Steve, I hope your recovery has gone well. I’ve recently had the same surgery but I was spared from radiation and chemotherapy. You have given an honest outlook and assessment to the emotional and physical hurdles that you can face with this illness. You have me thinking of starting a garden now. I wish you and your family all the best in your future. Thank you for posting this, stay positive.

Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me appreciate your efforts on this channel even more. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers for your continuing recovery. Cheers, and keep on getting your hands dirty in the garden. God Bless!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey, my gosh you have been through the run of it, you are one tough guy, it sounds absolutely awful and I can't imagine the everyday life of it. My prayers to you for your continued health journey! I am still in the stages of Oncology sending me for CT scan to see exact origin and if it's spread anywhere other than my lymph node in the neck...my insurance said I had to that first, they would't approve a PET scan right away. After being ignored by various negligent Doctors and incompetent office staff, such a long painful story.....5 months here I am with a diagnoses after a Biopsy done in December 2023 Metastatic Basiloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma, more Squamous is what I was told. 1 oncologist thinks origin is in throat plus I've had issues with one tonsil since August 2023. But of course I won't know until they get my tests done. Could also be origin of skin, this way too much and confusing without proper Testing and Diagnosis. I am not looking forward to any of the treatments/potential surgeries and being fitted, wearing that mask is going to be real difficult for me, I have extreme claustrophobia! I'm just praying it's not spread further! All of the sudden in past 1 month and half I have all these symptoms that aren't good. I started out with a swollen lymph node August 9th, found some tonsil stones and was diagnosed with strep with no other symptoms and didn't have any until my lymph node kept growing to the size of 4cm last checked in December. December is when I started feeling sick and appetite slowly decreasing to almost non existent, which is not the normal me, I've always eaten my through every ailment! So I've have been freaking out about this! Then the feeling of a lump in my throat when swallowing began a few weeks ago. Sorry for the long winded comment, its a long painful journey and the absolute worst hasn't come yet. would love to hear about your journey in more detail, I just purchased your Book, I am looking forward to that, thank you so much for sharing with us, it means the world to those of who are camera shy! Cheers from USA state of Indiana/Illinois

One word that is the one guaranteed to strike terror in anyone's heart. God bless and prayers for your continued recovery.

Thank you for sharing your story! You are a strong man! My husband had the exact type of treatment for cancer on the base of his tongue. He's 4 1/2 years out from his last treatment!! I'm sending you best wishes as you continue to heal!

Your strength and courage is an inspiration Steve. Love to you and your family x

So glad you're on the road to recovery, Steve! Blessings to you and your family!

Thank you for sharing your Journey, Steve. It will be uplifting to anyone who has to start this dreaded path. You are looking great. Best wishes to you and your family.

being in your garden is the best therapy,so great to hear youre doing good.

Thank you for sharing! I too had surgery and I start 30 rounds of radiation today. I appreciate you being honest of the journey and what it is like once radiation is finished. So happy for you and happy gardening!

This is probably the best video I’ve seen from the patient’s perspective. I’m about Halfway done here in Atlanta

Man you r the most polite person with whom I have met great man just be like this as you are you are a great person may god bless you and you have my blessings

Thank you for being so honest and forthright about your experience. My friend was also treated at the QEII for a brutal breast cancer regime. She came through for her three young boys. I'm so glad you are on the mend! And I hope your wife and some are managing too. I love watching and seeing your property because I'm home sick but I don't miss trying to garden in those rocks and lack of soil! ☺️ Best to you and to your family and your continued recovery.

I'm starting chemo and radiation next week. I'm very concerned. Thanks for the video.

I know your pain . I had left tonsil SCC HPV+ and 2 lymph nodes at 30mm. Had the radical tonsillectomy (ridiculously painful). Had 35 sessions IMRT radiation over 7 weeks. I also had the cisplatin chemo therapy ( 3 high doses at 3 week intervals). I didn't have any neck surgery. By start week 4 of treatment after 2nd chemo my throat was really rough inside. My skin on the outside lasted till around week 6 and then was going downhill quick. By week 5 I was on liquid only diet of protein drinks which lasted for another 3 months till I felt up to eating solid food enough to get off the fluid only. So was a mix of both for a couple weeks then food again only. At 2 years post treatment my function's of taste and dry mouth are probably 85%. I have moderate hearing loss and tinitus but really when you look at the alternative I cant complain.