It has been awhile since I posted an entry on my blog. I have been so busy with family vacations, family gatherings, medical appointments and all sorts of personal stuff that I did not have time to write anything.
The past months felt like a roller coaster ride, emotionally. I sought peer counselling, saw a psychologist, talked openly about my depression and recent health issues to family and close friends. It helps me cope and I find it therapeutic. Family vacation in a cottage far, far away from our house was a much needed break. It was the escape I yearned for and it certainly took my mind off things. It was so relaxing! That coupled with family visiting from New Jersey and I'm a happy camper.
Another way of coping is to not even think, read, watch or surf the web about anything that relates to cancer. Somehow any information on cancer, whether good or bad, stresses me out. I've decided that the best way is to ignore it or at least come up with ways not to think about the big C. I am not sure if that is denial but Dr. D said if it works for me, just do it. She said it is denial but if it helps me cope with the recent news I have had, go with it. Dr. D said that they do not preach any form of denial in medicine but she discovered that it works well with cancer patients in coping with the disease. I felt good after that meeting. So far it is also help me cope and I'll continue doing it if it will help my sanity.
Last week we met Dr. C2, and to our surprise, they booked the surgery to remove the tumor in my palate sooner than later. The surgery happened this afternoon. It lasted about 20-30 minutes but Dr. C2 did not perform the surgery, it was one of the senior residents. I forgot his name but I will call him Dr. Hottie (because he is one good looking dude with beautiful eyes. hee hee)
Anyway, the worst part was when he started freezing the palate. It hurt but Dr. Hottie did it so fast there was no time to complain. He probably froze 7-12 areas of my mouth. Not fun at all. Then he started and before I knew it, it was over. They sent the margins to the pathologist for further testing. I waited for a good 10-15 minutes but well worth the wait, all margins tested were negative for cancer! I breathe a big sigh of relief while my mouth was full of gauze and mouth guard. It was one of the best news I've had.
Two hours after the surgery, the freezing started to wear off and it was painful. It didn't help that the one of the residents forgot to write the dosage and frequency for the painkiller on the prescription!!! The mouth guard is bearable, kind of, but it does take awhile to get used to it. It is a struggle to talk, drink or swallow. No solid food or anything hot or spicy for the next week or so, doctors' orders. Everything has to be put in the blender. Yuck!
So what's next? We'll go back to Dr. C2 next Thursday for a follow-up. The good thing is the palate issue is over and done with. I now have to deal with the cyst. On Monday, August 30th, we're meeting Dr. P to discuss that. Keep your fingers crossed.
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