Steps Toward Treatment - Week of August 7 Post 2

Since my post of Monday, I've had an MRI of my head and neck on Tuesday and a PET scan of my body from sinuses to groin, with a more focused PET scan of my head and neck area.  A CT scan of my head and neck area with contrast was also done at the same time.  That was my first MRI, and the technician's warning that the machine would be loud was no exaggeration, in spite of having been provided with ear plugs.

I just had my appointment with a periodontist recommended by the dentist who examined my teeth and provided a letter stating that my teeth were OK for radiation treatment.  In other words, his clearance was a qualified one.  The periodontist said that my teeth and gums were fine to go ahead with radiation treatment, but because of the high degree of gum recession on some teeth that I should have a customized tray made to apply fluoride during treatment.  That possibility was identified in the Johns Hopkins draft clearance letter but was not addressed by the dentist, so I guess I'll have to get back to him to see if his office can prepare that today.

My appointment for the Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic was moved up to 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, so Damaris and I will have to get up early to make the drive to Baltimore through rush hour traffic in order to arrive on time.  I will hopefully receive a consensus opinion of the head and neck cancer clinicians and specialists participating in the clinic on my diagnosis and treatment.  Hopefully, that will be positive; my next post will share what we hear.  I'm grateful for your positive thoughts and intercessions enabling me to benefit from the high-quality specialists, technicians, and medical equipment at Johns Hopkins, as well, hopefully, from the lodging at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.  My charitable contributions have never included the American Cancer Society, but this experience broadens my perspective and hopefully yours, as well.

We continue to be blessed by the friendship of Leroy and Flor de Lis Snyder and their family, and by Raquel's frequent visits.