Job's Teeth

Does the Bible say anything about Job's teeth?

In many respects the last few years just haven't gone very well for me. Lots of good things have happened, and I've made new friends and been led to some great resources, but -- honestly -- I'd rather not have needed an oncologist, or a physiatrist, or The Wellness Community.

Today was another mixed day. I've been horribly tired -- still! -- and seriously considered staying home from my Mindfulness class. I went anyway, and I'm glad I did. As I left I saw a poster for another local resource for cancer patients that seems perfect for me. (http://www.cancerworkoutcenter.org/)

Then I came home and broke a tooth. It had already been drilled and filled until just a shell was left, and now the front half is gone. I do not currently have a dentist, and a root canal and crown are not in the budget. At least it doesn't hurt. Yet.

While my sister was here I mentioned to a friend that I seemed to be experiencing a series of plagues. I was thinking Pharaoh; she was thinking Job.

Was there any mention of Job's teeth?

Two weeks?!!

How could I have not posted for two weeks?

Actually, I have a pretty good idea. I mentioned the auto accident a month ago. I mentioned the plumbing issues two weeks ago. I didn't mention that dealing with the plumbing reminded my body that it wasn't happy after the accident. The day that I last posted my left arm was starting to get sore. By Sunday it was extemely painful. Instead of going to the opening of the Tempe Center for the Arts, which was why my sister visited when she did, I took painkillers and went to bed. I wrapped a large heating pad around my upper arm. It made things much worse, but at least I was then able to identify the focus of the problem. I switched to ice.

By Monday it was basically unusable. Moving my upper arm away from my body caused excrutiating pain, which made dressing lots of fun. Also Monday the industrial strength fans were removed. (see Splish Splash) That seemed to be a turning point in dealing with my arm. I hadn't realized how much stress I was putting on my left arm clamboring over the fan each time I wanted to use the bathroom.

My arm improved very gradually over the next few days. Driving really aggravated the pain, so my sister spent her vacation driving me around, doing my housework and watching me sleep. I didn't spend much time on the computer.

My sister left early Saturday morning, Sept. 15. I had a very busy day on Monday, culminating in my first Mindfulness Meditation class. That deserves its own entry. Since then I've pretty much spent my time eating, sleeping and reading.

Two weeks.

Report from the oncology appointment

Have I mentioned that I really like my oncologist?

I had my camera with me today, and was able to get photos of two staff members who didn't help me last month. They came out well.

When the doctor came into the room she knew that Marie was my sister. I explained that I had changed my appointment in order to allow Marie to meet her, and that Marie would be reporting back to our other sister. The doctor started from scratch, explaining the disease, what my status is and why we made the treatment choices we did. She gave us each an opportunity to ask questions. She repeated her support and encouragement for the complementary therapies I'm pursuing.

The objective results were exactly what I expected. The lab work was a little worse, but not much. The lymph nodes in my neck were a little more swollen, but not much.

The increase was small enough that the doctor still considers my condition stable. If it's still stable when I see her next month I'll "graduate" to seeing her every three months.

All in all, a very positive visit.