Letter from Sigmund Freud to Sándor Ferenczi, May 10, 1923

Vienna, May 10, 1923
IX., Berggasse 19

Dear friend,

Rank can attest to the fact that yesterday I announced the unshakable decision to write to you today, thus, before I had received your inquiry of today. I have had less time than usual these last few days. Eitingon didn't leave until Monday,1 Ernst until today. Besides that I am still shortening my workday by going to bed early.

What I had was a leukoplakia on the right gum and cheek that grew rather quickly. Hajek explained that he didn't want to wait and see if and when it degenerated, and removed it thoroughly on April 28. I stayed at his clinic for two days, had afterbleeding, etc., canceled work for a whole week. I have been able to speak again for a long time, can swallow and bite almost properly, am again working at full capacity. My wife and Anna have cared for me tenderly. Minna is in the Cottage Sanatorium for a heart cure.

In the next few days I am supposed to get radium for the border of the wound. Smoking is permitted, but limited to a modest number, and contingent upon a tip [mouthpiece] which is shoved in.

Despite the uncertainty of a judgment in one's own case, and the certainty, as a patient, of being deceived by one's physician, I believe that the prognosis for this leukoplakia is not too bad. Naturally, the malady retains its value as a materialization of the general uncertainty that hovers over these years of life.

I am counting on seeing you for Whitsun and greet you and Frau Gisela cordially.

Yours,

Freud