Scorched tongue, broken glass under the skin: An update on the last of the chemo challenges

Image via AS Phillips

​I’m seldom comfortable writing about myself in blog posts, news or ezine articles, but this edition is just that, so I hope you’ll excuse the personal focus and bear with me because I’m not writing it for me, but to inform and encourage you, or folks you know that might need either or both.

This past Monday, I completed the third wave of chemotherapy infusions. Two of the drugs I took last spring. The side effects included nausea and fatigue and in my own estimation, I tolerated both fairly well, with the help of anti-nausea meds and my bed, which I spent a lot of time in when the fatigue spells allowed for nothing more than rest.

Now, four months later, I’m cancer free, and to help keep me that way, I’m in a final series that includes the same chemo, along with a new one, the strongest one I’ve taken yet, called Oxaliplatin.

Oxaliplatin is considered the most neurotoxic chemotherapy, and at the origin of peripheral neuropathies. These neuropathies remain a problem in oncology because currently no prevention strategy has proved effective and only duloxetine seems to have a therapeutic benefit in improving symptoms. (Description via chemocare.com)

​The first infusion, I managed pretty well--moderate nausea and fatigue.

Second infusion, I experienced the dreaded glass breaking under the skin reaction (seriously feels exactly like that when coming into contact with anything other than mild-room temperatures, even from air-conditioned breeze--awful, AWFUL sensation!), night sweats, and an increase in the fatigue and nausea.
The third infusion, which marks my halfway point, has been the worst to contend with thus far. It included all of the second infusion challenges as well as a new one, which makes my tongue feel scalded-- like I burned it with hot coffee or soup. The sensation has lasted four days now, with no signs of lessening. I also had the same uncomfortable sensation in my incision areas, which are still healing, but thankful that aspect is gone as of this morning. Hoping and praying the rest will ease up to as I coast into Labor Day weekend, 2022. My only plans are to work at my desk, but I’m more effective at it when my attention keeps diverting to physical discomfort.

I’m a bit of a sissy when it comes to coping with such things. Thankfully, I have a Comforter, who drenches me in strength, optimism and healing. He’s being the well that never runs dry. (Isaiah 58:11) My body has surely put that promise to the test during the last ten months.

Yeshua is my Hero. He’s blessed me with countless things to help me through the cancer storm, including an incredibly caring, personal support team, for which I’m oh-so thankful!

I have three more rounds of chemo, getting infusions every other week, over the next six weeks. I appreciate your prayers as we wrap up the final aspects of this nearly year-long ordeal. I’m anxious to hit the ground running and be able to be physically able to do the work I love, ministry, writing and web mastering, in that order.

I hope this edition will suffice for those who’ve inquired as to how I’m doing. Because of His abundant grace and mercy, I’m doing GREAT! 

Image via AS Phillips

​Also, I hope you’ll understand that the Lord is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11-16) He loves YOU every bit as much as He loves me and everyone else He created. In whatever, and through whomever it arrives, it still goes back to, “all of my help cometh from the Lord.” (Psalm 121:1)

I’ve maintained joy through this whole ordeal. It thrives in my spirit even when things in the natural look grim and daunting. I have it because it’s of a supernatural Source, not of this world and the world can’t take it away. This has been the case for me and millions of others that belong to Christ. If you’re troubled, I pray that you’ll get acquainted with Him--taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34-8)

​Thank you for visiting today! Your interest and interaction in the independent business community, especially bloggers, is a sincerely appreciated blessing!

I’ll leave you with one of my go-to songs when I’m feeling winded in spirit, that revives me every time and can do the same for you!

​‘Til next time,

Shalom