TONGUE BIOPSY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY THE 3RD OF APRIL

Had another appointment with ENT doctor today for some pain meds.  My earaches are getting worse.  Shooting pains up the side of my head.  He told me that was a nerve.  The lump on my tongue hurts all the time especially when I eat and swallow.

Asked for Hydrocodone.  He asked if I wanted pills or liquid.  I chose pills.  However, I will prpbably need liquid after the surgery as it will be hard to swallow a pill.  He said he might cut the lump out during the biopsy and will also biopsy the lymph node.  Also warned me that this is going to be very painful for a couple of weeks.  Only eat soft foods. 

My brother will transport me to and from clinic.

I get off of Warfarin tonight for 5 days.    

APPOINTMENT WITH CARDIOLOGIST FOR WARFARIN APPROVAL FORM

Had a followup appointment with my Cardiologist yesterday.  Had an EKG which he said looked good.  He gave me the signed form of approval for me to get off of Warfarin for 5 days prior to my surgical biopsy of my tongue.  I delivered the form to the ENT clinic after our visit.

He made no further appointments to see him.

WARFARIN BLOOD CHECK NUMBER 5

Saw my ENT doctor a couple of days ago concerning my very painful tongue and earache.  He looked at the lesion on my tongue and said he wanted to do a biopsy and I would have to be put to sleep for the procedure.

The lesion is on the left side of my tongue and is red with a white center. He thinks the lesion is causing the earache. Also told him that the lump on my neck where the CAT scan showed it in the lymph node has grown a bit and is changing shape to oblong and not marble size.  He gave me antibiotics and mouth rinse to use for 7 days.

I had a CAT scan on this area a couple of months ago and there was no cancer shown.  This is very strange. I think the lesion is the primary cancer and spread to the lymph node.  The earache and lymph node lump is exactly how the cancer started 5 years ago.  The primary then was at the base of my tongue and could not be seen except on scan.  This lesion now can be seen although it is in a location that is hard to get to.

Had my INR checked at the cardiac clinic and the number is 2.6 which is good.  I informed the techs that I will be having surgery/biopsy on my tongue soon and would have to get off of the blood thinner for 5 days prior to surgery.  They said they would be following and advising me throughout this time.  I need to get approval from my cardiologist who I am seeing in 5 days. 

WARFARIN BLOOD CHECK NUMBER 4

 Had appointment at the a Cardiac Center today to have my blood test.  My number was 2.7 which is good.  The modifications made to my diet and meds have corrected the high number of last week.

I was encouraged to eat greens on a regualar basis in small portions and to continue taking half a pill on Mondays and Thursdays.

CIRCUMVALLATE PAPILLAE

 A few days ago I noticed some bumps on the back left side of my tongue.  They are painful when I eat.  I used my finger to feel how big they were as they can not be seen.  They are located where my tongue touches the back of my throat.

Back when I was going through cancer treatment I had some bumps break out on my tongue that were noticable.  My ENT said they were called Papillae.

Typically, small bumps (also known as papillae) cover the surface of the back part of your tongue. Between the papillae are your taste buds that help you taste foods. Usually, these papillae are pretty unnoticeable. But sometimes, they become enlarged and can cause you pain.

It's not always clear why this happens, but it may be related to stress, hormones, or particular foods. Although they can be uncomfortable, papillae bumps aren't serious and usually clear up without treatment and within a few days.  A dry mouth can also contribute to swelling of your papillae.

Other potential causes of bumps on the tongue include: Human papillomavirus (HPV): This is a viral infection that is spread by skin-to-skin contact. It causes warts and may affect the genitals, mouth, or throat. Canker sores: These are painful, red sores that can occur anywhere in the mouth.

While uncommon, bumps on the back of the tongue can be a sign of oral or tongue cancer. These wart-like bumps — or squamous cell papillomas — can look white or red and may be benign. Only a doctor can diagnose an unusual bump as cancerous.

If you notice them for more than 2-4 weeks or if they are growing, you should seek medical attention.

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WARFARIN BLOOD CHECK NUMBER 3

 Had appointment with the Cardiac Clinic to have my blood checked.  My number was 3.5 which is too high.  Was told to take only half of my warfarin pill tonight.  They explained that I was to eat as usual, not to overdo greens, and they would control the medication accordingly.  

I left and went grocery shopping for veggies.