Well, yesterday I received a call from my nurse saying that they have moved my surgery date up to December 15th due to the fact that January 4th was too far away. So, I had 3 other doctor appointments today. First thing this morning, I had to meet with their dentist. Since I will be undergoing radiation, she informed me that the tooth that will be exposed to most of the radiation will need to be removed prior or I could experience complications later on, one of which could mean pain for the rest of my life. So, what do I think of this? That tooth has got to go!!!! Hey, I believe I can rock some dentures if I have to! LOL But hey, on the bright side, that was the only news from that doctor. Thank you God, I love it when the news is this simple. Since I have to go through all this, I pray that it will be kept as simple as possible.
Next I had to meet with the ultrasound people. When they cut the cancer off of my tongue, they will have a plastic surgeon standing by to remove some skin and an artery from my arm to replace on my tongue. One nurse told me that she has witnessed several people who have had this done and you can't even tell that part of their arm is in their mouth :). So, he had to assess both arms and arteries to see how they would work if one of the arteries were removed. Good news once more, no problems in that area again. Keep the prayers coming people! I am telling you, God is on my side.
My final appointment of the day was with the radiation people. I actually thought they were going to take my tongue out at that moment. Just kidding, but they twisted it, turned it, and checked it inside and out. Luckily, we found out, that the cancer is basically contained to just my tongue. It has not gotten to my lymph nodes, down my throat, or anywhere else. They informed me that I would be going through radiation, just not sure as to how much. They let me know alot of what was going on and what to expect. We were told that my surgery would last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, which is news my mom didn't take to well. (Just remember mom, I am strong and will make it through this, plus they need to make sure my tongue is pretty LOL) From there, I will probably be in the hospital anywhere from 2 to 10 days for recovery. They will then give me 4 weeks to heal and then I will proceed to radiation/chemo. At this moment, it is looking like 6 to 7 weeks radiation, 5 days a week, with one of those days with chemo. We do not know for sure, but that is all we know.
So, all in all, it has been a pretty positive day. I am extremely tired and sore from all of it but it was worth positive news. We were really fortunate last night b/c Temple Baptist Church of Selma was kind enough to bring my family a pancake dinner. They are very kind and caring people and look forward to seeing them quite often at church. Also, as everyone is praying for me, please say a prayer for my mom. I know this is extremely hard on her, since she had to deal with alot of medical difficulties with Heather, which she handled like a champ. She has been my mouthpiece alot, especially since my fat tongue makes it really hard to talk sometimes not to mention sore. She is also asking all the right questions and trust me, this pain med can hardly let me know what day of the week it is. So, not only is she being strong for her but for me as well. She has taken me to all my appts and is planning on taking all this time off after my surgery so I ask that many prayers are sent her way so that she will be able to get the rest and peace that she needs and deserves.
That is all for tonight, but thanks again for all the kind words of encouragement and prayers. I love you all!!
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