MOUTH CANCER

This is an update to last week's Worry Wart blog about the roof of my mouth.

When I called on Tuesday to get an appointment with an ENT (referred by my dentist who noticed a hematoma on the roof of my mouth) the soonest they could fit me in was the end of March.  So I could enjoy more weeks of worry.  Fortunately for me, the next morning I got a call about a cancellation for Friday morning at 9:30 am.  YES!!

The doctor (now I have another "ologist" to add to my group, he's an otolaryngologist) did a very thorough ear exam, nose exam and finally my mouth.  He had a great personality (said he was required to follow the letters of his speciality "to the letter" due to his OCD ... Ear Nose Throat).  His opinion?  Most likely a hemangioma, a bruise of sorts.

Wait and see, observe and monitor.  Come back in three months.  He took a photo and will compare.  My dentist also has two photos taken one month apart.  And they will compare all.  Apparently a biopsy of the palate is pretty painful and slow healing and to be avoided if possible (kinda like the podiatrist saying don't get my bunions fixed until I am unable to walk at all!).

Monday I go to physical therapy to learn how to compensate for aging muscles.  My goal is to be able to get down on the floor and then get myself back up.  Alone.  So I don't have to shout "help I've fallen and I can't get up".  Mainly I want to feel comfortable taking myself on a walk.  I seem to totter these days and my posture needs some work.  I saw myself on our Ring camera while reviewing the tape ... and I thought WHO is that old lady?  Me.  Walking a bit hunched over and tottering to our front door.  Time to take some action.  I've got at least 20 more years (if I live through these next four) and no sense looking 90 if I'm not.