The Show Goes On

 Thursday, July 5, 2012

Slowly, slowly, the stage is being set. I have just a few more moves to make before the show goes on. Today, Jim and I went to Omaha to see the dental oncologist. It was one of those appointments that we all wish could ahve been made in conjunction with some other Omaha appointments, but even dental oncologists like to take vacations once in a while. This appointment only took an hour for him t look over all my teeth and gums and pronounce them healthy. He explained very thoroughly what was going ot happen in my mouth during radiation and gave me a hug when we left. I think I'm beginning to look a little shell-shocked.

Radiation is at the same time both a very dangerous and very wonderful thing. Where it goes it can leave it's mark forever. They say it is like having a sunburn all the way through. The good things, is that it kills cancer cell. The bad things is that it also destroys salivary glands, which leads to dry mouth and lessed protection for the teeth. I had heard that one before. Another bad things is that radiation also hardens the capillaries it touches which hinders would healing. That is why dental work has to be done BEFORE radiation, any teeth pulling, any things that requires healing, because afterwards, the healing is compromised severely due to damage to the capillaries. 

This really was rather interesting because it explains so much what I've heard about other people having dental problems during and after had and neck radiation. 

Now, how much damage will actually be done inside my mouth depends some on the PET scan that will be done next wee. It is supposed to show if there might be cancer in the lymph nodes of my neck (or anywhere else, for that matter), and that determines just how much of my neck will be radiated. It don't now that they expect to find any there. I don't think that they do. It's just that they like to know where clear margins are before they begin. If there is none there, there is a good possibility that my bottoms teeth will escape treatment, which will lesson some of the above mentioned problems. as for my situation, having healthy teeth and gums to begin with means I can be proactive and not expect trouble down the road, just a few speed bumps in the care and cleaning of my teeth. 

Right now, it seems like every time I turn a corner in this journey , there's a bigger hurdle to overcome. I think the reaosn for this is that I'm geared up to fight a batter, but it isn't here yet. I'm still just getting ready. The waiting is the hard art and it is starting to get on my nerves. 

The end is in sight, however.

I mean the beginning is in sight. 

Tomorrow is the bone scan. 

Monday, the port goes in.

Thursday, I have the PET scan,

and Friday, I have a dental cleaning and fluoride tray made, 

all here in Kearney.

Yay! No more travelling ot Omaha for two weeks and I am totally exhausted from a seriously enjoyable family holiday, and Lynette starting de-tasseling today, so we had an interrupted night. so we are all going to bed NOW.

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite. 

hee hee hee.

5 comments:

Bonita Sue said...

No kidding, the waiting IS the part on gets on the nerves. It seems like our mind is fairly resilient and can coe with almost any sort of reality, but when tyou have uncertainty in what reality is, it has nowhere to go it its quest for stability. I think the thing that eases it, is to cling to the stability there is in prayer and spiritual life. 

July, 6, 2012 at 9:25 AM

Dan & Cyndie said...

thanks so much dear friend, for your willingness to share all the ins & outs & ups & downs of this journey with us, so another chapter is about o begin and your journey continues.

we love you:)

July 6, 2012 at 11:45 AM

The J's said...

Oh, I am totally understanding of the waiting thing....:P

You are sure learning a lot wit all this! So many things I didn't realize went along with it all

Knowledge & Preparation, wounds like a good combination, and keeping a good sense of humor too of course! :D

July 7, 2012 at 6:27 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Auntie, 

So glad your armor is coming from teh right place. There are so many thins a person could grab onto to try to help them trough a time like this...but when you have proved the protection of our God, those things see so insufficient. 

I love your spirit of curiosity and interest in the science side of your treatment...must be the reader in your. 

Love,

Raimie Lu

July 7, 2012 at 7:45 PM

gkey said...

Dear Going On, 

Every time I open your blog, I see that quote from Ma Ingalls. You are facing this "what must be done..." with a cheerful spirit, even when there are had days. That is so commendable, and an inspiration to us who are not currently facing this type of thing, but needing to  keep the right attitude to whatever life brings our way.

One of our hymns comes to mind ofent when I think of you: (#375)

In ev'ry part the battle rages on,

All through the night until the break of dawn.

Be of good courage: Christ the Lord shall come; Till then, be strong, be strong!

In ev'ry life, a conflict fierce and keen; 

At ev'ry gate, an ambushed foe unseen;

Each Canaan has its Jordan yet between~ Until the Master comes.

Be not afraid~ the Overcomer stands

With help and courage in His out-stretched hands.

He who has led, forever understands; For His dear sake, be strong!

Fight on~ but once the battle rests with thee, 

Then thou shalt rest for all eternity. 

To hang thy shield of faith in victory, O soldier brave, fight on!

love, 

How He helps us

in 

NE

July 14, 2012 at 1:58 PM