Chemo 14 is now behind me. It wasn’t really any different from the others except they had a student nurse try and put the IV in my arm. She didn’t quite get it in the right spot so the oncology nurse had to move up my arm and do it over again. They have to learn somehow.
It’s really hard to explain how I feel after a chemo treatment. They give me 2 kinds of anti-nausea medicine in the IV, but I still have some nausea, especially if I eat very much. I also tend to have some acid indigestion. I’m usually tired but I don’t really want to nap so I can sleep at night. The thing that bothers me most is a feeling of not being able to concentrate. It’s not that I can’t concentrate, but I can easily get off track.
Knowing how well the chemo has been working certainly makes it a lot easier to deal with any of the side effects. Praise God!
I had a unique experience after we had attended church in Kansas City with Sally & Ben. A woman walked up to me, shook my hand and told me how glad she is that I am doing so well. I immediately knew she had been reading this blog. Maybe because I had seen her talking to Sally, but I was not totally surprised and amazed that a stranger would walk up and know about my battle against cancer. Neither one of us said the word “cancer”, but we knew. My amazement came later when I realized a stranger cared enough to not only read the blog, but to speak encouragement when she saw me in person. I continue to be amazed at the reaction of Ben & Sally’s friends to the condition of Ben’s dad.
Obviously the prayers of friends, family, and strangers have had a tremendous effect. Otherwise, how could I be doing so much better than medical science could have predicted or expected? I am truly blessed!
Joe
Sometimes one can get a little jaded with technology, but your experience at church just goes to show how it can truly enrich our lives. Prayers are still being directed your way from Pittsburg.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if either of you (Joe or Vicki, that is) remember me, but I met you at Ben and Sally's wedding (I'm Emily, from Florida). I just wanted to say how thrilled I am to continue to hear and read about how well you're doing, Joe, and to say what an inspiration both of you are!
ReplyDeleteJoe, thank you for giving us insight into what you are going through. I know you are the one with cancer, but I feel like we are all going through this journey with you. The more I know and understand, the closer I feel to you. Thank you so much for sharing.
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