Cancer Watch 2005

When my dental hygienist noticed something odd on my tongue and told me to keep an eye on it for a couple weeks, I didn’t know what I’d be in for. If it’s still around in a couple weeks, it might be cancer. The statement didn’t really sink in until last night when I got WAY more upset about the State of the Union address than usual. So, I thought to myself, “Why am I sitting here crying over Bush’s speech? Oh yeah. The cancer thing.”

I had a stroke four years ago so I’ve done my fair share of medical emergencies and hospital stays. Not something I want to repeat. Plus three years ago, I had a heart defect repaired. In the time between my stroke and my heart procedure, my father was hospitalized and I lost most of my friends. Severe brain damage is really tricky for interpersonal relationships and most of my friends didn’t have the time, patience, or maturity to stick around while I worked through my recovery. Now, I have a small group of friends who I hope and believe would actually visit me in the hospital and stick by me in rough times.

I spent all last night crying and reaching out to my friends. I know it probably seems to be silly to get upset over a possibility. But I’m fresh out of hope for medical miracles. I kinda think I used up my miracle by survivng the stroke. I simply can’t do another stint in the hospital. I cried every day when I was hospitalized for my stroke.

Feb. 16 is the end of Cancer Watch 2005 for me. Could you guys send good voodoo or say some prayers for me?

Well, I’ll send good thoughts. A few years ago, I had a pea-sized growth lased off my tongue. Turned out to be an “irritational fibroma.” Basically a mass of scar tissue that probably got its start as the result of a good ole chomp o’ the tongue. Maybe yours will be something similarly benign.

Earl, thank you for your kind thoughts. I’m rooting for something benign too. Heck, I’ve been told by many people that I’m irrational so maybe my tongue taking it literally!

My Docs have pulled cancer scares on me 3 or 4 times.

I’m not too concerned anymore, & you shouldn’t be either.