Thanks for asking! Ironically, my surgery was performed 5 years ago on the 4th of Jan, 2017. My followup exams had been every 6months for the first 2 years. At which time they want ed change it to every year. My response was NO and that I will have them every 6 months for as long as I want them. I continually remind that it is me life not theirs and my health is my responsibility so they will do it.t

As far as my 5 year journey, it has certainly had its peaks and valleys. First, 3 years had been the worst but the last 2
have been uneventful, which is a good thing :)! Side effect of radiation in jaw and neck resulted in the lost of 9 of my lower left side of mouth, teeth. I was just fitted for a new partial of removed teeth and it is finally allowed me fully chew my food. I lost 66 lbs but regained 10 so currently at 160. I have gone thru all the effects that high dose radiation can do to the mouth, throat and saliva issues. I have learned to adapt and overcome BUT realize it will never be that same as it was pre-cancer and it is what it is.