I Can-Cer Vive

April 16 th and it is time to go back to the dentist. This time they are going to make molds of my teeth. They will use these molds to make small trays that I can put in every night and soak my teeth in fluoride.   Apparently, because my saliva glands will be killed I have a higher chance of getting cavities.   The fluoride treatment will help fight these off.   When you only have a few teeth, this becomes kind of important. When I get there, I get placed in the treatment room.   The first nurse comes in and asks if I have been instructed on my mouthwashes.   Well we all know how to use mouthwash, so I let her know I can figure it out.   Oops, I underestimated what she meant by mouthwash.   She pulls out a bag that looks like a science experiment.   She tells me that radiation will cause sores in my mouth and burn the throat and gums.   I have to rinse with a mouthwash every hour. Are you kidding me, that is a full time job in itself. ...

Okay, it is April 25th and I am getting my third and final biopsy of my lymph node.   Let me explain how we got to this point.   I have spoken with my radiation doctor and had my radiation mask all made and ready to go.   I have spoken to my chemotherapy doctor and have my chemo type and dosage all prescribed and ready to go.   Everything is set up and scheduled for me to be poisoned and radiated, but I still had one question.   I sent an e-mail to my surgeon and told him I want to take a step back before I start treatment.   I explained that the first biopsy taken on March 1st showed Squamous Cell carcinoma.   Since that day nobody has been able to capture or find the cancer anywhere else.   It was not found during my surgery where several samples were taken and it was not found with the large core biopsy taken on March 30 th .   Can he give me clear and convincing evidence that I do have cancer before I start. I guess that was a le...

Okay, today gave me a dose of reality.   It is April 19 th . I have been very upbeat and positive during this whole collection of tests, surgeries and failed attempts.   I can truly say that I have seen God’s hand on all parts of this journey.   Even the parts that did not go so well all had silver linings on them.   When people ask how I am doing, I can answer them Great.   When I ask myself how I am doing, I can still say Great.   I am ready for this to start so I can get cured and put it all behind me like a bad dream. So, the phone rings at noon.   I answer it and the voice on the other end explains she is the scheduler for radiation.   My first radiation treatment is scheduled for Monday April, 24 th at 9:00 AM.   Hearing that made things all to real.   I immediately lost my positive attitude, actually stammered a little bit when I spoke back with her and felt like I got kicked in the stomach.   I told her I was not ready...

After having my teeth extractions and finally getting released from the hospital, I made my way downstairs with Kim and Ryan.  When we get to the lobby of the cancer center Ryan notices a large display.  This display announces that April is Head and Neck Cancer Month.  Next to this display are pamphlets, posters and a jar of maroon and ivory ribbons, the official colors of Head and Neck Cancer. Ryan is not one to miss an opportunity so he led me over to the display table and grabbed one of the cancer ribbons out of the jar.  He then pinned the ribbon on me announcing I am the new poster child for Head and Neck Cancer.  Well, at least I got it in the right month!

Today is April 13 th . I went to the cancer center to have my port flushed, get my radiation mask made and make a dry run through radiation treatment. Ryan came with me so he could see where everything is and how it all works.   The port was great, no more IV's or needles to take blood. I was apprehensive when I got it and all the nurses said I would love it, they were right. It will make treatment so much easier.   When the nurse was ready to access my port, he agreed to count to three before he stuck the needle in it.   After he counted, I looked at Ryan’s face and I could see he was intrigued.   I asked him if the needle was in since I felt nothing.   He said that it was.   I looked at the nurse and said something about having to draw the blood from the port for my labs.   Ryan laughed and said, he already did.   You are done.   Allow me to say it again, I love this port. Now for the mask.      This mask is for...