Tough Decisions

[BrownBagger]

I'm kind of at a crossroads in my journey with this disease. I think it could go either way. I have a recurring tumor in my bronchial tract that's come back once. My thoracic surgeon thinks he got it all last time and says, which I find hard to believe, that he doesn't think it will come back. Hope he's right. If not, I still have chemo and radiation options. And then, ultimately, there are new treatments on the horizon that might provide some help. The rest of my disease--a few lung mets and a suspicious lymph node--are all stable, just waiting on some of that sweet immunotherapy.

So, I don't know how much longer I have on the planet. No clue. Going on eight years since dx, I continue to be optimistic.

Chemo doesn't do your teeth any favors, and I've had my share of both chemo and dental issues. Last year my dentist recommended about $20,000 worth of work, hopefully resulting in a movie star smile, that I agreed to have done. I saved up my freelance income and today I'm going in to get my lower teeth done. She's either going to do crowns or veneers or some combination of the two. She's an outstanding dentist, so, just like with my doctors, I trust her judgement and skill and will do whatever she recommends.

It's certainly occurred to me that I could simply live with degraded/degrading teeth and save my money, since I may not be around much longer to benefit from the investment. But since one of my mottos has always been, "Win, lose or draw, I'm going to do it with a smile," I think it's only fitting that I do it with a 20 Grand smile.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope that your bronchial tract tumor doesn't come back and that your dental surgery goes well!*hugs*

[Bob_Weiss]

Look upon this dental work as a kind of psychotherapy. The latter is equally expensive, and you do not end up with an improved smile.

[Soccermom2boys]

I feel you with the dental work! I was only on four months of FOLFOX and when I went to the dentist a month after my last round, I walked out needing two fillings, one root canal, and a tooth extracted and therefore a bridge to cover the opening. I do like my sweets, not going to lie, but I was being extra vigilant while on treatments with the brushing, flossing, and rinsing, etc. I think your $20k is absolutely worth it, you're planning on hanging around for a while right?! Now that you have a daughter getting married that means grandkids in the near future--you want that pearly white smile for them!

[chrissyrice]

[aja1121]

I like your style!

[sadysue]

Your upbeat attitude is better than a strong cup of java in the morning! Thank you! Best wishes for a successful outcome on all pending issues

[ams5796]

Money well spent! You deserve it.


I have a call into my dentist right now. Gee, I haven't seen him in a couple of months!




Ann

[Hapa]

These decisions are so gut renching. I hope it hasn't come back. But, if it does it sounds like you have options. I wish I had some brilliant input-you have been invaluable in sharing information.

Dh had several cavities after just 6 rounds of folfox (and 1 root canal). Since he has just had recurrence I guess he will be having more chemo.

Is that area visable with a ct -or do they have to scope?

[peanut_8]

I like this quote of yours Eric.

But since one of my mottos has always been, "Win, lose or draw, I'm going to do it with a smile," I think it's only fitting that I do it with a 20 Grand smile.

Here's to your new smile and good health.



Best Wishes, peanut

[juliej]

But since one of my mottos has always been, "Win, lose or draw, I'm going to do it with a smile," I think it's only fitting that I do it with a 20 Grand smile.

AMEN, BB! Flash those pearly whites as you say f*ck cancer!

[Kick'nAssCancer'sAss]

"Live your life like it's going to be a long one, because it just might, and then you'll be glad you did"....... fix them teeth.

[WriterGirl1969]

I'm kind of at a crossroads in my journey with this disease. I think it could go either way.

BB, I think one of the things I've always noted and admired about you is your courage, your outlook and your perseverance. I've seen you tell others that your goal is to stay alive long enough to benefit from the new treatments coming out. Hearing your words gives me a kick in the A$$ when I sometimes need it. Just wanted you to know that. So here's some song lyrics that your post made me think of.

Hugs and Prayers from me to you.
--Tracy

Don't start doubting now, God's never gonna let you down
Don't let fear and worry rob you of the joy you've found
Just look how far you've come, everything God has saved you from
You're too close to home to turn around, don’t start doubting now

When burdens get a hold on you, you reach for faith to hold on to
But, this time you can’t take it any longer
You say this trial's the worst one yet
But God's still there, so don't forget
The times He's brought you through and made you stronger

Don't start doubting now, God's never gonna let you down
Don't let fear and worry rob you of the joy you've found
Just look how far you've come, everything God has saved you from
You're too close to home to turn around, don’t start doubting now

Don't you remember when, in the middle of a raging wind
Peter stepped out on the stormy water
His eyes were on his Master’s face, but he got scared and looked away
And that kept him from going any further

Don't start doubting now, God's never gonna let you down
Don't let fear and worry rob you of the joy you've found
Just look how far you've come, everything God has saved you from
You're too close to home to turn around, don’t start doubting now

God understands the words you're not saying
Don’t question if he hears the praying

Don't start doubting now, God's never gonna let you down
Don't let fear and worry rob you of the joy you've found
Just look how far you've come, everything God has saved you from
You're too close to home to turn around, don’t start doubting now
You’rE too close to home to turn around, don’t start doubting now

---The Dunaways. Dunaway Music LLC, copyright 2016

[CRguy]

Yeah fine ......
BUTT how many new drones would that buy ?


you know I gotchur' back here bro'
just joking

DO
what it is you need to DO

BE
who you need to BE

'COS that makes you who YOU are
and it has always worked for you
and we be digging' you for it

WORD

Harmony on the Journey
CR

[Pita]

Good choice! I had veneers done some years ago and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
My best wishes to you (((BB)))