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Always something!
So as some of you know I’m closing on 9 years post stage IV cancer treatment.
Well I came up having skin cancer on my nose and had MOHS surgery last Thursday. He was able to get it all on the second attempt and he froze 5 other precancerous spots on my face while I was there.
Friday night I started feeling pain in my right ear and soreness in my front right portion of my neck. Saturday the pain was a bit worse and Sunday even more.
This felt exactly how I felt when I was diagnosed with cancer nearly 9 years ago but on the opposite side.
Sunday evening around 5 pm I got severe chills, I was so cold at 7pm I told my wife I was going to bed.
I never wear pajamas in bed but I did leave my lounge wear on because I didn’t want the cold sheets against my shivering body.
I fell asleep and woke up at 9:30pm and was soaked with sweat but felt much better except for my ear and neck.
Monday the pain was worse so I made an appointment with our primary physician but the soonest I could get in was Tuesday but only with his PA so I took it.
Tuesday afternoon I had my appointment with the PA and giving him a rundown of everything and him checking me over he determined that I had an allergy issue going on.
He instructed me to get a nasal hydration kit, Flonase, Claritin and local honey.
He told me to give that a go and if things are worse or not better within 7 days then we will do imaging.
So I went and purchased a Navage nasal hydration kit($100.00) and the Flonase and Claritin on sale at Costco but still $80.00.
I utilized all of the purchased items around 6:00 pm.
I must say something, thinking the Navage really helped my dry mouth during the night. I mean I still woke up dry but not like usual. I also had far less phlegm at 4:00 am. I’m hoping this regimen will help with the dry mouth!
Anyway, I still have the pain so for those of you that are believers please send a prayer for me and for those that aren’t I appreciate your good thoughts for me.
I’m prepared for the worst but I really hope God isn’t ready for me yet!
Jody
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I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. It's always a challenge to keep positive when faced with the possibilities you will have to go through it again. I'm two decades out and have been very fortunate. My sister is three years out from throat cancer and is faced with it again and this is her fourth round with cancer. Immunotherapy is the only option she is willing to consider rather than losing her tongue. I'm glad you are persistent and hope it is nothing, but catching it early is key. Good luck and best wishes.
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3 ReactionsWell tonight will be my 4th dose of Flonase and Claritin and about 8-9 sinus flushes with the Navage nasal flush.
The 10 pain has diminished to about a 1 pain and only hurts if I push in on the area that was a 10 on Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday.
I can talk, swallow and move my jaw pain free now so I think I’m on the right track!
My neighbor, a retired DVM checked my neck Wednesday and said nothing felt unusual. He said his thoughts are that I have an infection brought on by an allergy, so basically the same thing the PA diagnosed…I’m thinking they’re correct.
I will keep you updated if anything changes.
Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts!
Jody
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1 ReactionJody,
Did you mention awhile back that you were looking for the name of the device if you choke on a pill or food? Well, I saw the commercial for it and it is called "LifeVac" I believe. I did some minimal research on it with Google AI and found this LifeVac is registered with the FDA as a Class II medical device, but it is not FDA-approved, meaning its safety and effectiveness have not been conclusively established through rigorous testing that would be required for approval. The FDA explicitly states that it encourages the public to follow established choking rescue protocols such as abdominal thrusts before using anti-choking devices. However, I don't think those protocols would work if you were alone and this device could be very beneficial. I found a 2022 study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine looked at the self-reported experiences of adults with swallowing problems. The study found that LifeVac removed the obstruction in 38 of 39 adults during a choking event.
Anyways, you could also ask your health provider with some of your own research to make your decision.
Best,
Rob
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3 ReactionsHey Rob,
Yes that’s the one I was thinking about!
I keep forgetting to order one 🤷♂️
Jody
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1 ReactionHey Jody,
I hope all continues to go well with the skin cancer treatment. And so far, from what you've reported, the situation with your neck and ear seem to be related to some type of infection. I'm glad to see that the products you're using are helping. I just renewed my Costco membership and I still have issues with phlegm and dry mouth so I think I'll check those products out. Sending out prayers for you and your family that you will be cancer free from now on and healed.
Al
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1 ReactionThanks Al!
I am feeling much better now, the painful neck and ear has subsided so I think cancer can be ruled out 🙏!
I really do think that I have been waking up with less phlegm.
My mouth is still dry but doesn’t seem to be as bad as the last 8 1/2 years.
I use the Navage and take the Flonase and Claritin around 5:00pm because we are in bed at 7:00 (up at 3:00am) because my wife starts work early.
So I would think the sinus flush would be best close to your bed time and before or after breakfast?
Costco does sell the Navage but it’s the same price everywhere $99.99.
Jody
Prayers offered for you.
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2 ReactionsThank you so much, Mojo. You’re prayers are much appreciated.
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