The Treatment Plan

For the cancer I've got there is a specific treatment plan. I do this and the odds are 90% I will never see this cancer again. Here's what will take place:
Radiation: There will be approximately 33 radiation treatments aimed at my pelvic area. They began July 5 and will conclude at approximately August 18th.
Reaction: First third: No issues. Second third: Discomfort. Final third: Increasing discomfort, culminating in 'brutal'.
Chemotherapy: There will be two courses of treatment. The first was started on July 5. The second will begin August 1st.
Reaction: First course produced nasty mouth sores, an overall sludgey feeling and 'chemo brain'. At least I know what to expect for the second course, and can make some plans.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Boring?

Without the adventures of the baseball team to add spice to this blog it is in danger of becoming a litany of symptoms. Thankfully, I have only one symptom worth mentioning.

That would be hair, shedding at an accelerated rate. Three weeks after chemo. Yuck. I still have enough to look ok, but I how much more will go in the days ahead and I wonder about what round two of chemo will do. Maybe I'm one of the chosen few who will loose a lot of hair. All of it? What ever. I'm sure I will cope. But it is not pleasant seeing the amount of hair that's come out the past two days.

To those of you who may have prayed, I made it to the office today and logged a productive three hours. Thank you! I had just the right amount of energy, and took care of all the 'have-to's' but one. I had intended to go yesterday, but an unscheduled nap and a couple of longish phone calls made mincemeat of that intention.

My biggest challenge is strategizing for chemo treatment 2. Things to get done before it starts. Supplies to lay in. I guess that's it. Just two lists. Not too bad.

Well, that is about all there is to my life these last two days.
I am very grateful that there is nothing awful in it.
I am most grateful that I feel basically OK. Tired and somewhat sore, but OK.
Grateful there's not more than 10 (maybe more like 5!) hours of work per week that has to be done by me. Grateful for the others who are willing and can understand and do the rest of the work!
Most of all grateful that what ever comes my way in life, God is Lord over all of it and is there to carry me through, as a shepherd carries a wounded lamb.
All praise and thanksgiving be to our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22

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