Chinese New Year is here again and this year, it is the Year of The Rabbit. Reunion dinner will begin on 21 January 2023 and I will be having my parents over at my place as Neighbor will be cooking for us.
I will probably add 1 to 2 simple dishes that is either steamed or boiled or blanched veggies. I am not a good cook and can only do dishes that cannot go wrong.
I have a new ailment added to my list of medical issues – it began in August 2022 when all of a sudden my gums became heavily swollen and started to bleed for no reason.
It hurt when I ate or bite things. It stung when I ate curries or chillies.
I saw 2 periodontists and finally on Friday, I chanced upon my dermatologist who shared with me that under their specialization, they too can take care of this condition.
I am now diagnosed with Oral Lichen Planus – The specialist at the National Dental Centre was the most candid.
- Unable to do a biopsy as the swollen areas are everywhere and it makes no sense to cut the entire mouth and end up with more issues.
- It is Oral Lichen Planus and we just have to wait for cancer to manifest, if it manifests! Hmm, this is re-assuring.
The reason cancer was brought up by all 3 specialists was because the constant bleeding and irritated cells will turn cancerous over time.
Ahh well, Dr Doom of National Dental Centre then said in response to me, ” what’s next” after this – Head and Neck Onco Surgeon!
Hmm….life sure is exciting for me!
There is nothing much I can do except try every sort of mouth swishing therapy and to numb the pain.
Lidocaine, Chlorohexidine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Salt water etc – I am not good at following through except for Chlorohexidine and Salt Water. Brushing with mint based toothpaste is painful.
I am kinda tired with a new diagnosis every now and then. Nothing much I can do except struggle on until life decides to ooze out of my body and join the third realm perhaps.
Mr Nice is into his 20 odd radiotherapy sessions and will end on the 33rd session. He tells me it drains him of energy and gives him mood swings.
Mr Lawyer will visit me from Land Down Under in March 2023 and I look forward to meeting him. It has been several years with the Covid lockdown and I do miss his intellect and kindness.
I am not doing any frantic shopping for Chinese New Year. I need to declutter but with my right paw being painful (pending another surgery) I decided to take it easy and do what is necessary without aggravating the paw further.
My spine, post surgery has given me new pain and both surgeons are expecting me back in hospital when I fix my paw.
So, I do have an “exciting” journey ahead…Bugsy…you had better behave and give me and others a better life!