HYPOTHYROIDISM IS MY NEW AILMENT

 Saw my Oncologist as well as my ENT this week.  ENT scoped me and said everything looked good.  I informed both doctors about my recent incidents of biting my tongue.  This has happened about 6 times in the last 6 months.  A few times while I was eating but most of the time while I was asleep.   The first time it happened in the middle of the night.  I bit down so hard that I punctured my tongue and it bleed a lot.  I woke up very disoriented and in extreme pain.  It took a long time to heal.

Oncologist suggested a CAT scan but wanted to wait and see what the ENT had to say.  I saw ENT the next day and he said he was not familiar with this situation.  He referred me to my dentist. 

I researched online to see what might cause this and I do not have the things they say are associated with tongue biting.  I did purchase dental guard trays to place over my teeth while sleeping.  Will try this and see if it helps.

Also this week saw my family doctor who ordered blood work.  Got a call from the nurse with results.  I have several numbers that are either too high or too low.  The one my doctor was most concerned about had to do with my thyroid.  So he ordered medication called Levothyroxin 25 MCG TAB ALV.  Took my first one today.

Radiation Therapy is a cause of Hypothyroidism so that is what I now have.  Been out of treatment for three years now and so far have lost 2 teeth that just broke off as they said would happen due to radiation.  My dentist just filed them off at the gum line as I can not have an extraction without having Hyperbaric Treatment due to radiation therapy.

So that's it for now.  I am able to eat most things if I can push it down with a soft liquid like oatmeal.  Meat is still hard to swallow.

I WORE A MASK

I had to wear a mask. A real mask, a serious mask. 5 times a week, for 7 weeks, bolted to a table, while they pumped focused radiation into my neck and jaw. Each time for 20 minutes I had to hold absolutely still during the treatment. I couldn’t flinch or even scratch an itch. All the time screaming inside because of the inevitable claustrophobia and the fear that the radiation would probably just cause more cancer (maybe irrational).

Yea, I wore a mask because I had to in order to try and save my life. So let's all wear the silly little masks.

BROTHER'S ENT SCAN

My brother had an appointment with his ENT doctor and was scoped.  Everything looks good.

He is still not able to eat.  Says he can't get used to his false teeth and food still does not taste right.

BROKEN TOOTH

One of my teeth broke off yesterday.  I was told that this might happen because of the radiation.  It's been almost 3 years since I completed treatment and I guess it's starting to happen.  I can't have any extractions without hyperbaric treatment.  Don't know what the dentist will say when I call him on Monday.  

BROTHER EATING

My brother has finally eaten his second meal.  It was pancake and syrup.  He said it felt weird.  I know what he means.  If he keeps this up he'll have that PEG tube out soon.

He has an appointment with the Physical Therapy office to have lymphatic massage on his face and neck.  I asked him not to go as it is not safe during this pandemic.  He's having second thoughts.

BROTHER'S DENTURES

My brother finally got his dentures and they look great.  He has gone so long without teeth since they all had to be pulled prior to his chemo and radiation treatments.  Yesterday he sent me a photo of him smiling showing his new pearly whites.  It was great.

He said he was afraid to eat cause he didn't know what he could swallow.  I explained to him that he should start slow with small bites of something wet and slippery like pancakes with syrup or scrambled eggs with butter.

Then last night he texted me that he had eaten grits and eggs.  I was so happy to hear that.

 

MY 3 MONTH ENT FOLLOWUP

Got scoped yesterday and everything looks good down my throat.  Because I am 2 1/2 years out of treatment, I don't have to be seen again for 6 months.   

Today had appointment with my Cardiologist.  Had an EKG which was fine.  My blood pressure was high and had it taken several times during my stay in the exam room.  160/75

Was told to monitor at home and call in if it gets higher.