Chemo & Consistent Fascination
I am sitting here getting a quick chemo boost and reflecting on the past few weeks. Since learning I have cancer again and having to face chemo again, I must say that I am encouraged about life. It seems bizarre that every time I start feeling down, I then receive the appropriate amount of encouragement that I need to keep on going. It is almost as if God is in control and knows all this stuff ahead of time. 
Chemo Toilet
This round of cancer is quite different than the last. Before I did not feel the cancer, I just felt the side-effects of the chemotherapy. Now I feel the lessened side-effects of chemo AND the cancer. I can literally feel the cancer in my peritoneum (abdominal cavity). Not only can I poke around and feel it I can also feel it internally — it is a sort of constant gnawing pain. The good news is that since starting this round of chemo, the pain seems to be decreasing a little. I am hopeful that this chemo (without the nasty drug I was taking before) is doing some good.
Last week I had intense pain in my right lung leading my doctor and me to consider that the cancer had moved into my lungs. I had a CT scan last week and that came back negative. In other words, no cancer in my lungs. That is good news. There is no indication what caused the pain, but it seems to be subsiding. I still have fairly constant pain in my abdomen and occasional pain in my liver area.
But, like I said, I am encouraged and excited about the future. These are fascinating times and I am expecting to be consistently fascinated.
Gracias Zac por mantenernos informados de tu proceso. Parece una aventura todo lo que estas viviendo, pero al ver tu fortaleza y sabiduría para enfrentar este tiempo muestra la maravillosa obra de Dios en tu vida… Seguimos orando
Your consistent, positive attitude never ceases to amaze me! I am so proud of you. I am asking God many times a day for a miracle of healing. Even if that is not His plan, I am learning from you to trust, obey, accept. I love you.
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6-7
amen. Thanks for sharing so openly Sharon. Your attitudes are such a blessing to me. Love you all and am praying daily for the entire family.
Hi Zac,
I have also experienced the intense pain in my chest, so bad at one time that I was rushed to the ER. We thought it was the White Blood Cell enticer called Neulasta which had my counts over 55,000, the normal is 4,000-11,000. The pain has spread into my right shoulder and elbow, beginning in my chest. Now we think it is one of the Chemo’s called Avastin which is known for degeneration of the shoulder joints and persistent nose bleeds.
You may want to ask your Oncologist about these if you are getting these drugs.
I am also on a 5FU pump and Irenotecan along with the Avastin. I was on Oxiliplatin at first but after there was no Cancer response for 8 weeks we went with the Irenotecan.
I haven’t had any Colon Cancer recurrence since they did the resection. My Liver Tumors have shrunk slightly but I have 2 new shadows forming along with the 4 Tumors. Last week they found 4 spots that are growing on my Lungs now. Needless to say, I have to look into the alternatives now. I am going to do Lung Surgery for removal of those Tumors and SIR-Spheres for Liver Treatment. I have to be off of Avastin for 4-6 weeks due to bleeding and the inability to heal properly because of it, it’s been 3 weeks now.
The Chemo has kept me sick for about 10 days in a row with treatments coming every 2 weeks. I’m never feeling 80% but it’s always good when I’m able to get out of bed.
I Pray you’re having better luck with your treatments then I have.
I am 43 with a wife and 2 children, ages 15 and 4. My email is repaired. I looked forward to talking to you.
Skip Stewart