More waiting...

As you may be aware, Sam had a follow-up appointment with his Ear/Nose/Throat specialist, Dr. Celin, today. While Dr. Celin said he was, “tickled” by how Sam was progressing, he was undecided on going forward with a biopsy of his tongue.

He said he felt a little boxed in by the PET/CT radiology report and therefore could argue for a biopsy, but because a biopsy is somewhat random, he is reluctant to put Sam through that experience at this point. {I saw this one coming} He suggested that Sam come back in a month and maybe we can order another PET/CT scan or schedule a biopsy at that point.

Now, pardon me if I sound like Tevye, the father from Fiddler on the Roof, but on the one hand, it’s a little frustrating to not have definitive answer (if there such a thing with cancer treatments) and on the other hand Sam is just starting to make some progress swallowing some soft foods and a biopsy will definitely cause a set back to this progress. So, we agreed to wait.

Waiting – is hard for impatient people but;
Waiting – has advantages, too.

Since Sam’s last visit three weeks ago, he has gained 1 ½ lbs. I could do that in one afternoon, but he does have a different metabolism, darn! Dr. Celin suggested trying to continue to step down from the pain meds and he also prescribed something to try for dry mouth.

Dry mouth problems are a reality for Sam and while we all know saliva is important, its value is seldom appreciated until there is not enough.

Everyone knows that saliva is an essential body fluid for protection and preservation of the oral cavity and oral functions, but did you know that saliva is produced by the three pairs of major salivary glands and hundreds of minor salivary glands. And, while saliva is mostly water, it also contains over 60 substances, which:

Protect, lubricate and cleanse the oral mucosa;

Aid chewing, swallowing and talking;

Protect the teeth against decay;

Protect the mouth, teeth, and throat from infection by bacteria, yeasts, and viruses;

Support and facilitate our sense of taste

They say sipping small amounts of water during the day can help to keep your mouth moist, however excessive sips of water can reduce the oral mucus film and increase symptoms. Isn’t it always about balance?

Well, to wrap up, Sam and I have found when you have learned to trust God for the outcome it is much easier to find peace. Today we have that peace. We will wait – upon Him.