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I found something

October 6, 2010 in my life, the lump | 3 comments

Jo over at Head Nurse has been dealing with a new cancer diagnosis of polymorphous adenocarcinoma. The lump was originally discovered at her dentist’s office, and since then she has been blogging this particular journey with her trademark candor and humor.

One of the scariest aspects of her story to me was that she never knew that lump was there. It prompted me to use a mirror and finger to check my own mouth.

And I found a sub-lingual lump – just a painless growth on the floor of my mouth. It’s not located anywhere I can normally feel or see.

I went to my PCP who then referred me to an ENT. The ENT basically said that if there had been bilateral growths, she would simply suspect some bony processes. The fact that there is only one requires a continued work-up, so I’ll be having a CT soon.

I’m grateful to Jo and others like her who are open about their experiences. I never in a million years would have taken the time to self-exam my mouth with no risk factors. Skin – check. Breasts – check. Testicles – … not applicable.

Maybe it’s time for a new campaign: Check Everything.

My Happiness Project

1. Set a bedtime.
2. Make my bed every morning.
3. Always be reading something.
4. Move more.
5. Toss and organize.
6. Give proofs of love.
7. Leave the past.
8. Fight right.
9. Don't expect praise or appreciation.
10. Kiss more, hug more, touch more.
11. Aim higher.
12. Find some fun.
13. Ask for help.
14. Smile.
15. Realize it's possible.
16. Don't compare;be inspired.
17. Focus on what I have.
18. Beware of drift.
19. Take a chance.
20. Listen.
21. Be mindful.
22. Cultivate gratitude.
23. Spend out.
24. Do good, feel good.
25. Show up.
26. Have the courage to be imperfect.
27. Find joy in the ordinary.
28. Work smart.
29. Enjoy now.
30. Talk to strangers.
31. Go outside.
32. Start where I am.
33. Show up on time.
34. See art everyday.
35. Love with abandon.
36. Be colorful.
37. Dress the part.
38. Revel in accomplishments.
39. Learn something new.
40. Fear less.
41. Take pictures.
42. Speak with integrity.
43. Don't be critical about small things.
44. Manage my pain.
45. Surround myself with creative people.
46. Practice, practice, practice.
47. Don't force it.
48. Deal with something once.
49. Trust my instincts.
50. Avoid gossip.
51. Choose to see the best in people.
52. Take time to be silly.
53. Throw my own party.
54. Be a mentor.
55. Lean into my fears.
56. Find the others.
57. Do the unexpected.
58. Don't break the chain.
59. Do things others aren't.
60. Slow down.
61. Be cool with not being cool.
62. Be kinder than necessary and more generous than reasonable.
63. Pretend I'm good at it.
64. Keep in touch.
65. Row my own canoe.
66. Do what only you can do.
67. If it doesn't work out, find something that does.
68. Dream bigger.
69. Notice what's right.
70. Stop talking. Start doing.
71. When in doubt, choose laughter.
72. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
73. Respect everyone.
74. Be early.
75. Delete the unnecessary.

I write about…

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