September 3rd – the big day is finally booked. It felt like it would never come, and now it seems scary that it’s so soon. Instead of spending time thinking, “why aren’t they calling, why don’t I have a surgery date” I now spend time thinking, “Hmm, I’m not that…
Thoughts
HATING the Waiting
I am usually able to maintain hope and trust that things will work out, but there are days when I get so frustrated and angry I just want to scream and rant and yell at every medical professional involved in my care. It was almost 3 months ago that results…
Cheeky Cancer Facts
Trismus
Rhymes with Christmas, but is anything but a gift! (And is very different than TMJ or LockJaw although they are sometimes called trismus.) I had never thought about how wide I could open my mouth before cancer. I took bites of big juicy hamburgers, opened wide for that delicious cream…
Updates
The Treatment Plan
I finally met the surgeon, Dr.Biron and had a chance to hear about, and discuss the treatment plan. I feel fortunate to have been referred to him. He spent an hour with us and was thoughtful and thorough in our discussion, and very committed to doing all he can to…
My Cancer Story
My Cancer Story Part 2: August 2023 – May 2024
Since this isn’t a blog about my initial cancer, I’ll make part 2 of the journey short. After a summer of tests, PET scans, CT Scans, MRIs, x-rays and more biopsies, I finally had surgery in September. They cut from my ear down, then down my neck, up my throat,…
My Cancer Story
My Cancer Story Part 1: July 2023 – June 2024
So I was just living my life with the good days, bad days and in between days. The best days started with pickleball and friends. At some point I wondered when I had bitten the inside of my cheek and why it wasn’t healing. After a month or so I…
Thoughts
Doctors are Great, but So are You
I’m thankful for the times a medical professional has explained to me that just because I have some strange symptom doesn’t mean I have some strange disease, BUT there are times that they may dismiss your concern and you just know that something is wrong. When that happens, speak up….
Updates
First Appointment is Coming
It felt like it would never come, but 55 days after finding out I have cancer again, and 36 days from the referral, I’ll finally meet Dr. Biron from the Edmonton Head and Neck Clinic who will be doing my surgery. I am relieved, excited, happy, anxious. Let’s go!