Well, it has been a week since I posted and I know... nothing. I guess that isn't exactly true. I know most everything I knew before, including a frightening amount of tv commercials from the 70s and the phone number for Drapery King. In regards to cancer, not so much.
Theoretically my radiation should start sometime next week. I have to have a chest xray and mammo and fill some prescriptions. Mostly it is just wait.
Not my best skill.
On the healing front, my incision looks much better, although my neck is still somewhat swollen. I'm am trying to get accustomed to the caved in part where the lymph nodes came out, but it still looks creepy to me. My tongue is pretty good. Actually, if I could figure out why the top was blistering whenever I eat, it would be great. The most painful thing? Sneezing. It hurts like hell. For me, pain is more about duration than severity. I have a very high threshold, but when it drags out too long it really irritates me.
Each day I am supposed to do my swallowing and neck exercises three times a day, wear my fluoride trays twice a day for 20 mins each time (and don't eat or drink for 30 mins after), brush and floss and use the fluoride rinse 2-3 times a day (don't eat or drink for 30 mins after), drink lots of fluids and eat, walk on the treadmill at least 30 minutes (but don't burn too many calories... just enough to keep the heart happy), oh, and take care of the children/house/yard, etc. It seems unrealistic to me. Especially the eating/not eating stuff.
Speaking of fluoride trays, they are the most fabulous fashion accessory. They are clear plastic and molded exactly to my teeth. I fill them with lovely neon blue prescription 5000% fluoride toothpaste and click them in place. The extreme peppermint flavor creates almost Pavlovian drool, but DON'T SWALLOW because this much fluoride really isn't good for you. 40 minutes a day of Smurf teeth, standing over the sink spitting. MMMMMM.
The swallowing and neck exercises aren't bad. Hard swallowing (using all your neck muscles to swallow) is pretty easy. Swallowing while sticking your tongue out is really hard, but I'm getting better. The neck flexing are the hardest. Lying flat on your back (don't let your shoulders leave the surface), flex your neck so your chin touches your chest. 30 times in a row. Then, do the same thing, but hold it in place for 60 seconds. Do it three times, with a minute rest in between each. I have only managed the 60 seconds once, but I'm thinking it would be easier if I didn't have this swollen incision halfway around my neck. I'm supposed to do these exercises three times each day. Not exactly something I can do standing in line at the bank...
Today is the last day of school. That means we have four weeks to get ready for the Bat Mitzvah and the onslaught of friends, relatives, countrymen. Well, relatives and friends anyway.
Religion, gardening and radiation. Who could ask for anything more?
3 comments:
Fascinating exercises. I just tried the one for swallowing with your tongue sticking out. No surgery inhibiting me, and I can't seem to do it right.
There is no envy in my heart for you. Except maybe for the Smurf teeth.
Glad you're posting again, glad you're improving or at least adjusting. Moving is moving along. The Big Pack is this weekend with Driving through Flooded States scheduled for Monday-Wednesday.
After this you will have the Angelie Jolie teeth. Sexy! Although if you start wearing a vial of Kelly's blood around your neck (over the incision of course) I will disown you! Ah, just kidding. You're always in our thoughts and prayers. Mom says hello and she's got those candles going. If you need anything, PLEASE call.
Lora
Once again that wicked sense of humor is serving you well. It is amazing how many of us (friends, family and countrymen) rely on your blog. It has become part of my daily surfing activity so when you don't check in for a few days we worry. With school out for the summer and Bat Mitzvah ceremony prep in full swing you will need your daily radiation nap. Talk to you soon.
Dawn
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