Hey Everyone
I do apologize for the delay in posting. I have been waiting for some good news on the prosthetic front and kept putting off writing…etc., (I know, excuses are like {insert favorite euphemism here}, everybody has one. We did get some good news though. First though, I’d like to again thank everyone for the continued reading of and posting on the blog. As always, it’s very encouraging knowing folks are involved.
As I’ve written previously, visits to the prosthetist have been a source of excitement and progress. Unfortunately, they have also been just a slight source of anxiety because of some delays with insurance related issues and whether they would approve the more technologically advanced prosthetic. So, we were thrilled when we went to the our prosthetic appointment yesterday and found out that we received full approval and we have no more hold ups! The leg is almost ready. I have an appointment on the 26th for the final fitting (have to wait until after chemo next week) and will be able to bring it home (sounds like a newborn.) So prepare more leg jokes if you have them! I’m very excited. It’s really the first concrete date we’ve had with the prosthetic since we started all this. I’m ready to learn how to walk (fall) again!
I’m going to vent a little now. We were introduced to a new side effect during this last round of chemo – mouth sores. I had read about them, but like most life events, nothing really can compare to the actual experience. And like MRIs, I wish these on no one! If you have ever had a mouth ulcer, just imagine five or six at one time. And, because of the low blood count, they don’t quickly heal and stick around for a few days. Mine rapidly became prominent throughout an afternoon and were quite painful. My tongue and cheeks ganged up on my teeth to became mortal enemies. Anytime one of the sores was within tooth vicinity, pain was the result. I quickly realized just how much unconscious movement a mouth is responsible for. In order to experience the least amount of pain, I had to keep my mouth about halfway open and forming words or phrases was out of the question! Without getting too graphic, I never realized how much the tongue and cheek are involved with 1) basic mouth maintenance (subconsciously keeping the mouth clean, which means tooth and sore consistently get cozy (ouch!), and 2) of course, eating, which…well was just not happening. I had a milkshake for breakfast and mentally steeled myself for pretty much the same for the next few days. Jenn picked up some Ensure for me and I begrudgingly watched “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”, mouth halfway open. Jenn wanted to call the doctor to see if there was anything they could do to help, but I was against it. My mind believed it was just something cancer patients had to endure. Luckily, Jenn insisted. So I reluctantly agreed and sent my oncologist an email, just knowing that I was going to be laughing stock of her office that day. I was expecting the answer “just lay around with your mouth half open until your blood count increases and they’ll heal.” I was surprised when we received a prescription for something called “Magic Mouthwash,” a concoction (apparently there is more than one mixture) of Benadryl, Maalox, and Lidocaine. Jenn picked it up for me, and I used it that night before dinner, not believing in the magic. Needless to say, and as usual, I was wrong. It worked like a charm! It first graciously numbed my entire mouth, tongue and lips. I initially thought that it was going to affect my taste. But after waiting 15-20 minutes, the dosage wore enough to allow the taste to come through. Eating slowly, not feeling the sores, really was magic. I believe. I truly believe. It wasn’t DDD, but that night’s dinner came close.
And of course, Jenn’s insistence that we at least ask the question to my doctor led to the solution. Throughout this experience, I have been reluctant to communicate my side effects to the doctor. I’m sure there is a psychological explanation, but I have this belief that enduring the side effects is a part of the experience and contacting the doctor about small symptoms is a burden. I am generally a positive person the downside being that I tend to mentally downplay issues and minimize symptoms until, in my mind, they are not caused by my cancer and I don’t need to contact anyone about them. I am extremely lucky that I am married to Jenn. Her persistence has overcome my stubbornness to act on symptoms more often than not and she will not allow any of them to go unaddressed. She knows me too well; well enough to know that I will procrastinate (probably because of denial on some level; that and possibility of ending up back in the hospital) if I need to email the doctor for a new symptom. Jenn will quickly take over and get a proper email written, and usually easily solve the problem. I’m happy to say that this is one of the lessons I’m taking from this – to become more aware (more mindful!) of my own symptoms and to not ignore them or diminish the severity of them. With cancer, or, in general just well being, it is too important. A little embarrassment with the doctor is well worth the possible early detection of something serious.
Chemo week coming up this week – Tuesday through Thursday then scans 3 weeks later. Thanks again everyone for reading! Talk to you soon!
Hunter
It's Not a Sprint 
Jenn is a smart lady! Glad she was able to help you get some relief with the sores. So excited for you and your family when you get to bring your new leg home. I think you should have a party of some sort. I’m sure there are all sorts of jokes that could be worked in with that. 🙂
So, lessons learned …
1. Believe in the Magic (mouthwash)
2. Always listen to Jenn!
Can’t wait to see the next chapter of prosthetic news!
Love you!
I ordered the shirts for the “Hunter Running” team last week. My training is actually going well. No calf pulls like the old days. A few others who are not running ordered one also. I ordered a few extra’s to give to you and Jenn. I’ll ask for your address when they are done. Keep up the good fight buddy. You are an inspiration to all of us. Sully
Dude, It’s simple. You’re just being a dude. As Jenn and most other women are fully aware but will rarely tell us is that most men do this because it’s who we are. Dudes!!! I’m so excited to hear about short rounds companion. Be sure to post pics. After I googled ‘jokes about missing legs’ I found some funny stuff.
Where do one-legged people work?
IHOP!
What do you call a cow with one leg missing?
Lean beef.
What do you call a cow with no legs?
Ground beef.
What do you call a cow that has sex with other cows of the same sex?
Ho-moo-sexual.
(I couldn’t resist).
🙂 Ken
Hunter,
Glad to hear the prosthetic news. This should make for some good stories. Women always know best, so continue to trust in Jenn. What a simple solution to an annoying problem! Enjoying eating makes life a lot more fun. Eating out with your mother is one of the joys in my life. Give my love to all the family.
God bless,
Mary
Hunter,
That’s awesome news about your prosthetic! I hope you will post pictures for us! Also glad to know there is something like the Magic Mouthwash that could help so much! Thank you so much for allowing us to share this journey with you! Although I haven’t met you and Jenn, I feel like I’m getting to know you through your posts. Your courage and strength are an inspiration! Keep the faith!
Continuing the prayers,
Burneele (dinner partner and friend of your mom!)
Admit it. Jenn ranks you.
Hunter, I believe you have read enough about listening to Jenn and not playing the tough guy and taking care of whatever ails you no matter the magnitude. So, I won’t add to it. I want to, but I won’t. I really won’t. Well… Ok, so here’s the thing. You are worthy. You are an incredibly gifted person who has a lot of folks rooting for you (along with your biggest supporters such as Jenn, Ben, and Jack). Don’t suffer. Quit it. OK?
On another note. We are thrilled to hear that your new limb will be making its way to Short Round soon. Will you get to track it like a UPS package? If so, I like the idea that Katie had about having a special celebration when it arrives. It will be a new member in the Lindsey residence. A welcome one.
So excited!!!
Yay for Magic Mouthwash! And yay for Jenn! Can’t wait to see the new leg and hear about your adventures in walking.
My brother in law used the Magic Mouthwash religously! It is a great mixture. They also have a dry mouthwash and he liked it as well. Good job for Jenn to ask. NEVER put off asking for something regarding side effects. They Dr’s. are very prepared to treat them all!!
Also excited for the news that short round will have a friend! Good luck!!
Everyone dealing with medical issues needs an advocate who is NOT in pain to mediate on their behalf. I’m so glad you have Jenn! She’s the best!
Trust your wife. “dudes” or not.
Magic mouthwash sounds like great stuff!
Also, it appears you will be running in no time — keep on fighting!
I hope by now that your mouth feels better. Jenn is giving her full attention to every issue. YEAH JENN !We pray that you BOTH Keep strong.
Love Jean and Ken
l
So glad you continue to move forward and share your journey so honestly. I’ll have you all in my prayers in the way ahead. And yay Jenn!