Second Cycle Progress Report

It's now day 9 of my second cycle of chemo. It seems to be going pretty well.

• I was sick the first night, despite the anti-nausea medication, but the following nights were OK.
• The rash started a day earlier than last time and was more intense, but the doctor gave me some new medication. It's clearing up nicely now, although the medicine made me quite sleepy at first.
  
• I only had a headache once, for a couple of hours.

Other than that, I feel fine. I hope to buy an accordion tomorrow...

Detour

I've been reading the Biblical story of Joseph (Gen. 37-48). At age 17 he probably thought he knew where his life was going: marriage, kids, a career in the family business, eventual promotion to the top job.

Then his life took a big detour. Sold as a slave, then condemned to prison. Despite his innocence, it would be twenty years before he saw his family again. But the Lord was with him [37:2, 21] and raised him to the 2nd highest position in the land, and used him to save the lives of his family and all their dependents when the 7-year famine struck.

Joseph's experience encouraged me. I, too, hit a big bump in the road a year ago. I hope and trust that it will turn out to only be a detour. No matter what, though, I know the Lord is with me, and will use the situation for good.

One Cycle Done

Yesterday, I saw the oncologist - a checkup for the end of my first cycle of chemo. Everything is fine; my blood tests are OK. She just told me to call if the rash or headaches reoccur.

I start taking the pills for the second cycle on Sunday night. We won't know if it's working until the end of the third cycle, when I'll have another CAT scan.