Well, I've been slacking somewhat and haven't posted in a few months. So much has happened since then and it's going to take a bit to get caught up. Get your coffee (tea or whatever) and settle in for a bit of reading. :)

It came to my attention in December that I would need to have my top teeth removed due to the damage of bone and tissue that surrounded them. The joint in  my right jaw was painful and stiff. Couldn't open my mouth fully and still can't. The pain is still there and I haven't found anything to bring relief!

After having my top teeth removed, eating has become more of a chore than anything. My diet mainly consists of oatmeal, applesauce and smoothies. I was looking forward to actually being able to eat a normal meal until this Wednesday. I had an appointment with a new radiologist (because mine had been transferred) and found out that she wants me to have the bottom teeth removed now. Of course they set me up an appointment with a prosthodontist. Sadly they do not take insurance and are cash only. For a consultation I will need $350 just to walk in the door! Seriously?! Any treatments thereafter will also be out of pocket. I seriously wish that more would take the insurance.

I had gone back to my ENT for a debridement. Three days later, I had an ear ache and my ear was plugged, so I called him to find out what was going on. Of course I always end up leaving a message for his medical assistant who I believe is over worked or something because she is always dropping the ball and doesn't seem to be able to get a handle on her position. Anyway, three weeks later, I get a call and have to go into the office for a follow up. At this time, he informed me that I now have an infection and oh by the way while he was in there, he removed the eustachian tube and that's why it's plugged up and aches. Just keep doing my rinses and at some point he'll need to put a tube in there to help it drain. He was also quite upset and very rude about the fact that my radiation and chemo treatments had not yet started. Of course that was somehow due to me dropping the ball. But wait! Do I have control over scheduling? Do I have control over the procedures that MUST be done prior to treatment? Really? My fault??

I have also learned that the ear tubes and removal of teeth MUST be done prior to having radiation. WHY? Well because there are a ton of side effects I'm about to face! First of all, there will be a dry, rash type irritation on my skin. There will also be some blistering inside my mouth. The saliva composition changes and can rot teeth and cause sores in my mouth as well. My diet will mainly consist of liquids. If not tolerated, I could be looking at a feeding tube for the course of my treatments.

Now with chemo, they first had wanted to do a targeted form. This would have had minimal side effects. However with recent testing and findings, they have decided to go with full spectrum treatments. This can cause weight loss, hair loss, fatigue and even the minimal use of hands and feet just to name a few. This is scheduled to begin on February 2nd.

I have feverishly been trying to pull together a support system and trying to find help getting things done while I go through treatment. My biggest dilemma is finding someone that can help me with personal care and light house work. Fixing meals, tending my cats, etc... My youngest son will be taking me to treatments, though I have no idea how I will afford the cost of fuel. I'm totally hoping that the cost stays down for a while, lol

I have never been able to ask for help. I've always been very independent and take a  lot of pride in doing for myself and figuring things out. This is the time that I have no choice but depend on others for the things I need. When you ask someone and they agree, only to have them back out at last minute, it sucks in a big way! Really goes to show who you can truly count on! I could really use my sister right now! She was the ONE person that always had my back! I love you sis and miss you more every day! ^j^