Well today I pay for yesterday's activity of shopping, but it was worth every minute. :) I learned that little sign. I fed the cows today and watered the plants in the sunroom so that tomorrow I can be ready for Tuesday. 8 calves now, we've lost 3 from the bitter cold, but I'm glad to see 8 have made it. Funny how after all of this I fear a dentist, lol. I know I'll be in good hands. Dr Boyd has called Dr Rathfoot to check about the medicine he has me on and it is ok. He talked the last time with Dr Panella and Dr Green. I don't think I'll need Hyberbaric Oxygen this time, thank God for that.
I got 6 weeks before a decision is made about what to do if my throat don't respond and so I'm having second thoughts on the teeth extraction thing all at once, especially so close to the same date. Then it keeps going over in my mind about what if it's not gone, it would be a waste of money and more pain. I know the bottom has to be done, I hate missing a front tooth and it is already getting painful, but nothing I can't handle.
Not sure why, maybe the rain, maybe the stress, but the neuropathy has been bad the last few days and the other cancer is going wild. The hissing in my ears has taken some of my hearing away, I thought that would be gone by now, maybe it will leave later. I've found that Megan's closed caption has come in handy. I can't imagine how she does what she does, reading faces, captions, lips, expressions... all at once.
Not sure if it is spasms but piercing pain hits my kidneys occasionally, they have since the chemo. I wonder sometimes if I should put down the aftermath and what seems like ungrateful concerns. Then again, maybe some reading this is in the same boat, and it may help them to feel normal. Whatever normal is these days. Tomorrow I have some errands to run in the final prep. When I was younger I'd not have thought twice about pulling a tooth. These days though it doesn't take a lot to halt things. I may not be affected much by the extraction, but I'm taking precautions buy getting what needs to be done done. The up side is that I need to loose some weight. I really need to find a diet other than the way I've been doing it, lol.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
01-16-2011
Well, I had told some family and friends that it would be back on at 9:00 pm, est on the Bio Channel, I was wrong. The show we're on comes on again at 11:00 pm, est. I did find a link though to the whole show. Now It I can get it to work, lol.
http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=isurvivedbeyondandback&bcpid=676177651001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAELG4_Y~…
http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=isurvivedbeyondandback&bcpid=676177651001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAELG4_Y~…
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
01-11-11
First an most importantly,
Happy Birthday Brandon (aka BB) Big number 9
Me and Denise went to my appointment for a follow-up with Dr Rathfoot at UT. He ran the scope again and looked at my throat. My sinuses were infected and we both remembered which side is obstructed, the left, so he went in the right side of my nose. Funny, he had to remind me to swallow. He saw no cancer from the visual and the vocal cords looked better. There is still a lot of swelling on the left side, the cancer was on the right. Due to the swelling it has my swallowing and breathing slightly obstructed. He gave me Cipro for the sinus infection and I'm to continue the Prednisone for 6 more weeks. If it hasn't improved he will look at either injections or maybe stretching the throat or cleaning it out. His main concern was that it stays open enough to breath and swallow. I think that is right. Having Rathfoot, Panella, and Green as doctors is nothing short of a miracle.
I told him about my teeth and he said that was common. He also talked about Hyperbaric Oxygen as a treatment again, I hope not. I'll do what he says though as I have 100% confidence in what he says. He takes his time to check and to make sure we know what he thinks and is talking about. Denise often understands more of what is said than I do, but I get the jest of it and what I lack Denise tells me. I feel a little more comfortable with having the work done. It worried me that we would spend this money for nothing as I don't think anybody could use the teeth that are made, and it would be enough for a decent casket.
While I'm not happy about my teeth I am slowly accepting it. There again, I have confidence in my Dentist as well. I also have confidence in Dr Boyd in taking them out. My teeth are one of those things I prayed about but sometimes the answer was no. I don't like it but I will accept it, like I have a choice, lol. So tomorrow the first one comes out. I filled the feed can at the chickens and opened the new cat food at the garage, readied the next bag of feed for Jack. That way tomorrow when I feed it will all be ready.
Tonight though, we celebrate BB's 9th birthday. We have 2 BB's in the family now, my cousin and my grandkid.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Beyond & Back Show
I thought about dating this but it would have to have tomorrow's date. We sat and watched the TV show Beyond and Back on the Biography Channel. It is here on the web, well, it will be here eventually, lol.
http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=isurvivedbeyondandback
The show turned out extremely well. I've had a lot of people already email, post comment on the blog and Facebook me messages telling me they enjoyed it. Chris, Supryia, and Alex.. plus the ones at the Bio Channel have done an excellent job. as we watched I heard sniffles, looked over and Denise was crying. She cried almost all through her interview which lasted from about 9-12. The first thing she noticed was that she had cried her makeup off and her face was puffy, lol. Personally, I thought she looked good. I aired with Dea and Matt. I haven't spoken with Matt but Dea is a nice lady. She write a book she sent to me, a very good book I must say.
If the events in my life have changed even one person, helped one person... then it is all worth it. That would make my life have meaning and it will be a life worth living. I will be truly blessed. Already I have heard from some that have said they liked the show. Already I have made new friends. And that is what life is about, the wealth you can take with you. Love, Honesty, Compassion, Forgiveness, Faith, Friendship.
Thank you to all of you who have commented. May God bless you and keep you from harm. But when and if harm comes, may He have reminders shown to you that no matter what happens, you are not alone unless you choose to be. May God keep it in your heart and mind that you count, you matter, and because of that, you are counted on.
God Bless and Keep You,
Anthony
http://www.biography.com/video.do?name=isurvivedbeyondandback
The show turned out extremely well. I've had a lot of people already email, post comment on the blog and Facebook me messages telling me they enjoyed it. Chris, Supryia, and Alex.. plus the ones at the Bio Channel have done an excellent job. as we watched I heard sniffles, looked over and Denise was crying. She cried almost all through her interview which lasted from about 9-12. The first thing she noticed was that she had cried her makeup off and her face was puffy, lol. Personally, I thought she looked good. I aired with Dea and Matt. I haven't spoken with Matt but Dea is a nice lady. She write a book she sent to me, a very good book I must say.
If the events in my life have changed even one person, helped one person... then it is all worth it. That would make my life have meaning and it will be a life worth living. I will be truly blessed. Already I have heard from some that have said they liked the show. Already I have made new friends. And that is what life is about, the wealth you can take with you. Love, Honesty, Compassion, Forgiveness, Faith, Friendship.
Thank you to all of you who have commented. May God bless you and keep you from harm. But when and if harm comes, may He have reminders shown to you that no matter what happens, you are not alone unless you choose to be. May God keep it in your heart and mind that you count, you matter, and because of that, you are counted on.
God Bless and Keep You,
Anthony
01-09-2011
Today is another day, lol. I had a bad abscess that came on my gum, maybe from cleaning, maybe not, who knows. It has finally gotten big enough to burst and actually feels so much better. I'm adjusting to the no teeth thing. I don't like it but then again Ive experienced a lot I really didn't like in the last 2 years, so I'll get use to it. One thing is sure, if Denise ever threatens to slap my teeth out, I can always hide the jar. :)
Tonight on the Biography Channel's I Survived Beyond and Back, me and Denise air. I think at 10PM, est. Boy do I ever look different now, lol. Denise says I'm a fuzzy, snaggle toothed woolie booger, she left out the word fat.
Tomorrow we see if the Prednisone is working I've been on for what seems an eternity. It doesn't feel like it has. I think the constant sinus and bronchitis have set it back a bit. Not sure if that will effect the scope up the nose, I think not. The other drug they injected in surgery last time, they are suppose to be able to inject from the outside now. If they do I hope they knock me out first, or at least dope me up where I won't know better, lol. While it may be wrong, I picture the shot like the shots in the shoulder or knee.
Tonight on the Biography Channel's I Survived Beyond and Back, me and Denise air. I think at 10PM, est. Boy do I ever look different now, lol. Denise says I'm a fuzzy, snaggle toothed woolie booger, she left out the word fat.
Tomorrow we see if the Prednisone is working I've been on for what seems an eternity. It doesn't feel like it has. I think the constant sinus and bronchitis have set it back a bit. Not sure if that will effect the scope up the nose, I think not. The other drug they injected in surgery last time, they are suppose to be able to inject from the outside now. If they do I hope they knock me out first, or at least dope me up where I won't know better, lol. While it may be wrong, I picture the shot like the shots in the shoulder or knee.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
01-06-2011
I went for a cleaning and plan today to the dentist. It was good to see my old friends at Morristown Dental Center again. Denise had me ask for a neck shield for the X-Rays and so I shielded my throat from them. It did not go well. I kind of knew in the back of my mind what would turn out but secretly prayed it would be better than I thought. It wasn't. The lack of saliva is hard on keeping teeth, and mine have never been good teeth anyway. The chemo probably didn't help the matter anyway on the gums as they are in very bad shape, but I'm guessing on that one.
While he said he would do whatever I wanted, he was honest when I asked his opinion. That is one thing I really like about Dr Stelzman, he is sincere and honest, plus one of the best in the field. Dr Campbell was too when I saw her back right after the chemo, but she is facing some surgery, so I'm not taking anything from her. I know the team and Dr Stelzman from delivering to them for years, plus I went to them as a patient for many years. I trust him and the ladies there.
The treatment recommended is to pull all but 2, maybe 3 teeth teeth on the bottom, no guarantees if they will be saved. If he can save two of them he can make a partial, which he says is better than a full plate for using. I've heard that from may people. He says that it will be hard even then to keep them. Dr Sidney Boyd is who will extract them, most excellent in his field. We start Tuesday with the remaining back tooth first. Then, after it heals enough, we see if any can be saved of the 5 remaining teeth on the bottom. Make the impressions and then have them pulled. That equates to more pain. I'm so over pain. I deal with it on a daily basis, but it is always tolerable without using meds. Then I think it will be a month of without teeth. I talked to mark tonight. He says the worry is worse than it is and after a slight period of getting use to them and how to eat with them, I'd probably be better off.
He said that he would have like to have seen me before the radiation started. Before the chemo I had restricted airways, after the chemo I stayed was so sick. I'm tired of the fight, I grow weary. It seems that it will never end. But, I'll rock up eventually. Then I will see what it costs and what I can afford, which I know it will be a lot of money. Our Dental insurance sucks. How to get the money is the great question and how long I have to get it. Right know, I haven't a clue as to what it will cost. So far, the savings we had are gone, but we've kept everybody paid up. Now the year starts again, only the savings is about depleted.
Note to God: I need a break now.
While he said he would do whatever I wanted, he was honest when I asked his opinion. That is one thing I really like about Dr Stelzman, he is sincere and honest, plus one of the best in the field. Dr Campbell was too when I saw her back right after the chemo, but she is facing some surgery, so I'm not taking anything from her. I know the team and Dr Stelzman from delivering to them for years, plus I went to them as a patient for many years. I trust him and the ladies there.
The treatment recommended is to pull all but 2, maybe 3 teeth teeth on the bottom, no guarantees if they will be saved. If he can save two of them he can make a partial, which he says is better than a full plate for using. I've heard that from may people. He says that it will be hard even then to keep them. Dr Sidney Boyd is who will extract them, most excellent in his field. We start Tuesday with the remaining back tooth first. Then, after it heals enough, we see if any can be saved of the 5 remaining teeth on the bottom. Make the impressions and then have them pulled. That equates to more pain. I'm so over pain. I deal with it on a daily basis, but it is always tolerable without using meds. Then I think it will be a month of without teeth. I talked to mark tonight. He says the worry is worse than it is and after a slight period of getting use to them and how to eat with them, I'd probably be better off.
He said that he would have like to have seen me before the radiation started. Before the chemo I had restricted airways, after the chemo I stayed was so sick. I'm tired of the fight, I grow weary. It seems that it will never end. But, I'll rock up eventually. Then I will see what it costs and what I can afford, which I know it will be a lot of money. Our Dental insurance sucks. How to get the money is the great question and how long I have to get it. Right know, I haven't a clue as to what it will cost. So far, the savings we had are gone, but we've kept everybody paid up. Now the year starts again, only the savings is about depleted.
Note to God: I need a break now.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
0102-2011
This is actually for Sunday. I caved in and went to the ER, seemed the only way to satisfy Denise, plus I wasn't any better. She took me to Morristown Hamblen Hospital, at first with the events of dad I strongly said no, but I'm glad went went. Turn around was actually quick. The PA was nice and knowledgeable, the nurse and the X-ray tech were too. This trip was more like I remembered from the heart attack in 05, extremely impressive.
I got lucky. The X-Ray showed no pneumonia but Acute Bronchitis. I have to taken Leviquin (spelling) for 7 days and use an inhalator every 4 hours. Denise said probably a combination of cleaning moldy cement in the basement but mostly from the Vitamin D pills getting stuck and dissolving in my throat. The ones I have are small pills and anything too small is prone to getting stuck or going up my nasal passages. The stuffy nose hasn't been much help and seemed to start about the same time. A Nettie Pot is what I use for sinuses. Dr Rathfoot even likes those. If snot was worth anything I'd be the next billionaire. So I ran in the New Year again sick, slept most of the day but nowhere near last New Year when this one seemed to be unattainable.
Tomorrow I have to feed the cows. Probably not good but something that has to be done, plus Denise has fed now for me everyday and Jack misses me, lol.
I got lucky. The X-Ray showed no pneumonia but Acute Bronchitis. I have to taken Leviquin (spelling) for 7 days and use an inhalator every 4 hours. Denise said probably a combination of cleaning moldy cement in the basement but mostly from the Vitamin D pills getting stuck and dissolving in my throat. The ones I have are small pills and anything too small is prone to getting stuck or going up my nasal passages. The stuffy nose hasn't been much help and seemed to start about the same time. A Nettie Pot is what I use for sinuses. Dr Rathfoot even likes those. If snot was worth anything I'd be the next billionaire. So I ran in the New Year again sick, slept most of the day but nowhere near last New Year when this one seemed to be unattainable.
Tomorrow I have to feed the cows. Probably not good but something that has to be done, plus Denise has fed now for me everyday and Jack misses me, lol.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)