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

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Un - Wilt

Well, I am pleased to report that today felt reasonably normal and my energy seems to have returned - enough to manage the activities of daily living, including errands, house maintenance, laundry - that sort of thing. Did NOT get to work. Hopefully my energy will be there again tomorrow and I can get some very important me-only chores done there.

This is from two days ago:
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Went out on the deck and pulled hair and tossed it to the breeze. I do not like to look at how much I'm getting. I just pull for awhile, stick my hat back on and continue my day. There is still enough sticking out of the hat, and a quick peek at my reflection in the sliding door reveals there is still enough hair to be far from bald. So, thanking God for small favors, I go on with the day.
I've done this for two more days. Strange morning ritual. I don't think I'm quite getting tufts anymore, which means I will have hair enough to frame my face under the hat, at least until sometime after chemo 2 when the cycle of hair loss may start again. 

Oh, and I managed a little shopping yesterday. A few new hats from the local Thrift Store, although the adventure ended abruptly with an episode of runs. These drain my energy every time. Just one episode today, which is why my energy is back, I think.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92:1-5

Tomorrow is church. Maybe I will be able to sing a few praise songs, since my mouth is all the way healed.

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