Hello all,

I wrote a few months back that I was having trouble with an area under my tongue, caused by it consistently rubbing against my new implants. I do not wear my upper denture, so when I eat, I use a tongue thrusting motion that causes the contact between the underneath of my tongue and my bottom teeth. This has created quite an open area under my tongue that just won't heal. It trys to and at times seems like it is, but then I get really hungry again, eat alot, and we're back at square one. Over the past month I have convinced myself that it wasn't from my teeth but that it was cancer. Our mind is a dangerous tool at times and I used mine to put myself into a tailspin of depression and anxiety. My husband finally stepped in and took me to my oncologist yesterday, who of course was stuck in surgery, but I did get to see two of his partners. Both of them did a thorough examination of me and both told me that they do not believe this is cancer but a mechanical injury that isn't healing due to the radiated tissue, the fact that my tongue is tied down in that area which limits the blood flow and my poor nutrition. I had no idea I had lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks. But if you have ever had an open area like this in your mouth, you know how very painful it is. I'm not very big to begin with and losing that amount of weight makes a drastic difference. Needless to say, I look like death right now. I spent the last week talking to my husband about how I wanted the three youngest girls raised, tons of details, talked to him about life without me. I clearly went overboard and went to a place that I don't think I've been to yet in my time with dealing with cancer.
I elected to see my regular doctor on Tuesday and will ask him to biopsy the area, which is what I believe he would do regardless. The other two docs are fantastic and I trust them, but I want it definitive.
They also put me on an anti-anxiety medication and an anti-depressant. Shocked me for sure. I had a full blown break down in the office with my 25 year old daughter witnessing it all. I'm so ashamed of that, she is trying to finish up her masters and has SO much stress on her right now.
But, I have to say that the meds made me get a good nights sleep, even if they do make me feel weak.
A lesson for all of us: Don't be afraid to see your doctor about things, don't let it go on so long that you create horrific outcomes in your head. AND, TALK to your family about it! I'm so super protective about guarding my husband and kids from this cancer touching them any further that I put myself through a lonely HELL. I need them when I feel like this and they want to be there for me.
Love to all,
A very medicated and very calm Minnie

Minnie, all I know to say is "Good Grief". I'm so sorry you have been struggling with that. You are one of the strongest amongst us and so supportive. Hope you will let your family[ and us] support you when you need it. And glad to know
the meds. are taking the stress level down. Amy in the Ozarks

Minnie,
you're going to end up in a "love suit" on meds from "The Cuckoo's Nest", grooving to Montovani.

Freedom from fear is something we can can all control a little and that is by making that appointment sooner rather than later to rule out recurrence.

I feel your fear - I go through it on a regular basis myself.

Minnie..


No matter what ..I look up to you ..we all have fear and breaks downs and some how get through em ......I am happy things are going better


xoxoxoxo
Shar

Gary, you're scenario had me cracking up over here. I've actually laughed and relaxed SO much today....my kids found me fascinating to say the least. I cooked, I cleaned, I organized, it was amazing and so needed. I never realized how much anxiety can affect a person.

Amy, Trust me, I will not try to go through something like that by myself again. I didn't want to worry anyone on the board, so many going through so much right now. But, I won't do it again because I don't think I could handle it!

Sharlee, thank you for the kind words honey. Hope you're feeling better cause it sounds like you have alot on your plate!

Minnie,
Just read your post; thanks for the lesson.

I hope that you are feeling better.

Fear is an amazing weapon, I think it sets us all back at times, and at others, gets us moving in the right direction.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Minnie,

From what I have read you are an intelligent woman. I'll pray for you to find your inner strentgh and once again become the unmedicated "you".

Been ther done that...when I had cancer ten years ago...it was hell!!

So...my professional advice go get yourself a proper fitting and functioning denture. If mechanical trauma is the problem there is only two ways to stop it. !. Don't eat...not gonna work. 2. Get a new denture. No matter what the cost it's cheaper than the personal hell you have been going through. ( Go to a Dentist or Prosthodontic specialist...most denturists won't provide a denture with the proper borders and support to allow proper function.)

My next suggestion is give your husband a hug and your daughters, tell them you love them it will make all of you feel great. Next time, hopefully never happens, use your whole team to help you sometimes the captain needs some support too.

Hope everything gets better!!

Mike

Minnie: Self-less you! You are always so supportive of everyone here, and your responses to my many questions have been invaluable...then YOU have a concern and 'don't won't to worry anyone'....Come on, girlfriend...Aren't we all in this battle together? Don't let this happen again...You are much loved.......

Lois

Yes, Lois, we are all in this together, that's for sure. I just hate worrying people, it's been a life long curse and I hate thinking that my situation is upsetting others. Just the look in my daughters eyes in that office yesterday when I broke down made me want to kick myself for allowing it to happen. I am such a controlled person so that was a low point for me. But it did make for a very open conversation between the two of us on the way home, I think we became closer in an adult way.

Thank you to ALL of you for the support. I needed it, I asked for it, and I received it. It's really that simple isn't it??

Good for you minniea!!

I thought it was that simple...but it took the eyes of an innocent 7 month old son to let my wife and family know ten years ago! Like yourself minniea I always thought I had to control and shelter all around me...I was wrong.
Hope you and your daughter are healing.
Cheers,
Mike