It's been so long, my blog forgot who I am!
It's been an unexpected four days.
I expected days of peace and healing for my rad ravaged butt.
On Tuesday I slept. I had expected I would be doing a bit more than that, but, not.
Wednesday began with a a pre dawn "eruption" from below as the pill to counteract the constipating effect of morphine took effect. Gaaaaah.
Then the condo painters arrived at my unit, with their plastic to cover my windows, and their (rather loud) Spanish language radio.
And I was off to Oncology to give them some blood to check to see if I was OK. (Routine procedure.)
Guess I just came home and slept some more, painters and their radio not withstanding.
Thursday I was barely up and about when I got a call from Oncology. They said I was dehydrated and needed to come in and get fluids. ??? I had been so carefully drinking water . . ?? Oh. Potassium. Electrolytes. Kidney functions.. Time to ditch the Ibuprofen and switch to Tylenol. Also, who knew, diarrhea is a big drain on electrolytes. And, this probably accounts for being so very tired.
So, with biggest thanks to my team of drivers, I had a ride in place within the hour. Ended up getting four hours worth of potassium infusion. (How long it takes is governed by how many units per hour may be infused.) My driver went back to work, and I settled down to a restful, all be it unexpected and unplanned, mid-day stay chez St. Vincent Oncology Infusion.
It is actually quite a lovely and peaceful room, with panoramic windows looking out on trees, comfy recliners, available and friendly staff, and no TV.
And now I must make my long story short, as I am running out of gas.
Today I went back for more, and I actually was quite happy to, for these very two days the painters had my house entirely sealed up in plastic, and were working very hard with their radio going loud and strong. When I came home, the plastic was off, and they were leaving for the day, taking their radio with them.
Scriptures abound reminding us of how our God works in just such amazing ways, but I must leave them for another day. Please, just join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for yet another demonstration of God's care for each one of us!
A journal, begun in anticipation of the adventures I will have as I begin yet another (the third) skirmish with cancer. Serving as a place where friends and family may read updates on my physical, mental and spiritual condition. A spot of encouragement and laughter. This blog is surrendered to God, that He may be glorified in it. If you want to leave a comment, scroll down to where it says, 'Join this Site'. But you are welcome to continue to message me by good old fashioned(!) e-mail. M
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.
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
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