Oxygen and Apnea

It has been a long few days for us.  Tomorrow is the preliminary appointment with the oncologist to see what treatment they are proposing.  I think the best way to describe myself is "scared witless."

Before all of this drama, I had mild sleep apnea. I used a CPAP machine a few times, but it caused more problems than it solved, so I gave it up as a bad job. In the last couple of weeks, between the bronchitis/sinus thing, the swelling, and the clamping down scar tissue, my apnea has gone crazy. I only get a few hours of sleep at night, interrupted by waking up gasping for air and feeling strangled. I am mystified by what could be closing off my airway since there isn't much left in the back of my mouth anymore.

Not only do I start every day off feeling completely exhausted, I also usually have an oxygen deprivation headache for the first hour or so.  Nothing says get up and get cracking like fatigue and a crushing headache.

Yesterday I had to resort to a hot shower just to be able to turn my head enough to drive.  Miracle Mia worked her magic. She described my neck as, "The hangman's noose of scar tissue." It was so tight that there were times I couldn't breathe for her working. It is a good thing she likes me, having such power in her hands. She was able to bring the scar lines out enough that you can actually see them and it doesn't look like I have a wire around my throat.

Joy arranged dinners for us over the next two weeks. We so very much appreciate this!!  Just having one less thing to worry about is huge. So many people have reached out to us, and continue to do so.  Thank you and we love you all!

I feel like everything is on hold until after tomorrow. In reality, everything is on hold until treatment is over and the healing begins. A man I met through the Facebook group is walking a very similar path to mine. He starts his chemo and radiation today. He'll be having radiation twice a day for 18 days, plus two doses of chemo along the way.  If you can add Joel to your thoughts/prayers, I would appreciate it.  In a strange irony, his wife's name is Kelly, too.

Tired, overwhelmed, scared witless and circling the airport.  That about covers it.  I'll let you know what the doc says tomorrow.