About my BIL’s health.
As you may remember he was diagnosed with Stage III oral cancer last year and underwent tumor and lymph node resection and radiation.
To be honest, post-radiation, his quality of life has been greatly reduced. Radiation to the oral cavity area can permanently damage saliva production and that’s been the case for him. Swallowing, eating, speaking — these are all a chore now. You don’t realize how much you need saliva until you don’t have it anymore. The man is a psychologist and needs to talk to do his job. His energy post-radiation is also tremendously impaired.
A few weeks ago, he started having pain again in the same area as before. This isn’t a good sign. Oral cancer is notoriously aggressive and, if it recurs, it tends to do so within 2 years. He is waiting on another PET scan to see what is going on. My sister has told no one else in the family but me and MB. Her kids have no idea — which is as it should be right now. My oldest nephew is away from home, a sophomore in college; my middle nephew is deep in the throes of his heavily disassociated teen years; and Piper is Piper, happily ensconced in 5th grade. They don’t need to know unless and until there is something to know.
So any prayers you can spare would be appreciated, pippa.
Scary stuff. You guys are all in my thoughts. The waiting game is the worst. xoxo
I’m so sorry. Your brother and his family will be in my prayers.
We will continue praying.
Oh, my I am so sorry–praying that he will be okay.
I’ve actually thought about him several times in the time that has passed since I wrote you last. I’ll keep your family in my prayers.
I have also been thinking of your brother lately. I’ve had to play the waiting game too, and it’s a very draining thing. I’ll start praying once again, for him, for you and the whole family.
Thanks, Sam M.