The good news at my latest doctor appointment was that I am still cancer free and my larynx appears to be healing nicely! I brought to the doctors attention an issue I am having when I eat anything, regardless of the consistency – I get excruciating pain shooting in my jaw and up through my ear for the first 7-10 chews. My doctor suggested I see another specialist that deals with cancer rehabilitation since it sounded like a rare side effect from having a neck dissection. After seeing the new doctor, she confirmed that I have First Bite Syndrome, which is related to nerve impairment after the neck dissection. So, the bad news is that I have this other rare issue to deal with, however the good thing is that I can get Botox injections every 3-6 months which will take the pain away. The doctor mentioned that each person is different so for some people the injections can last a little longer, but she anticipates this will be a lifelong issue. I am just holding onto hope that this is just another bump in the road and hopefully my nerves will get better so I won’t need Botox injections forever. The new specialist will also give me Botox injections in my head to relieve a constant headache I’ve had, which is another surgery side effect. 
In addition, I will be spending more time in the car traveling to therapy, which stinks. I need to start going to the University of Penn’s therapist in order to start lymphedema therapy prior to having the injections. At least I can go to a satellite campus instead of driving into the city each therapy day.  
I am continuing to put all of my effort into getting better each day and will do whatever is recommended by my doctors. Without the tremendous support of my husband, mom, family and friends I wouldn’t be where I am right now. My children light up my life each day and they are the reason I keep pushing extra hard each and every day. They have really taught me that life goes on regardless of what is going on. I mean seriously, look at how much they have grown!