I assume the readers of this blog are familiar with the recent developments in my struggle with colon cancer. I will not try here to recount all that has transpired, but rather will use this update to share what are the latest developments.
I had my first infusion (as it is called) on Tuesday, March 2. The procedure went longer than normal, nearly 6 hours, because I was receiving one new drug and they wanted to administer it slowly lest I should have any adverse reaction. Pam was with me during the first half of the session, and it was so good to have her there. It is not that I couldn't do it alone, but having her there to share with was so comforting. After the treatment I returned home bearing the shoulder pump that I wore for the next two days, returning to the clinic on Thursday to have it "disconnected". My reaction to the chemo this time has been much of what was expected. The treatment is simply "yucky". You feel "chemical", I know of no other way to describe it. I have had real bouts of nausea with this treatment. It is so unpleasant that it has nearly doubled me over at times. Yet it seems to come and go.
Today is Tuesday of the following week, and I must say today has been a better day then any day of the last week. But that's the way it goes. Immediately after treatment you are pretty degrade, but with each day that passes the feelings and condition improve. The treatments are every two weeks, and when the days have passed and it is time for a treatment again you are feeling pretty good. But then the next treatment knocks you back down again. That was my experience last go-round, and this seems to be much the same. So today was not bad. I had some difficult periods of nausea, but for the most part I am able to be busy and active in my role as husband to Pam and father to four.
I am currently schedule for four treatments over 8 weeks. After that they will repeat another CAT scan to determine what if any affect the chemo has had on the lymph cancer. Of course our prayer is that the treatments would be effective in shrinking the lymph nodes in question, and even eliminating the need for further chemo.
To all who are praying with us, we thank you for your prayers, for striving together with us before the throne of grace. We know with fullest confidence that all trials that touch our lives, big and small, come from our Father's hand with love and purpose. Pray with us, myself and Pam, that we will not miss any lesson he intends for us through this time of trial. And thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the expressions of love and support that you have shared from your hearts. They mean so very much to us.
Rejoicing in Christ,
Walt
[Spring is on the cusp in the Northwest. The daffodils are in bloom announcing its soon arrival. Yea!]
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