The rash turned out to be shingles, which I pretty much knew because of the severe stabbing pain from the rash lesions on my back. Dr. Bajaj gave me a Rx for Valtrex which should help clear it up, and offered a neuropathic pain-killer medicine which I declined. A combination of Aleve and Extra-Strength Tylenol is enough so far.
All my blood work came back very low today also, which meant that even without the shingles I couldn’t have chemotherapy. I go back to Dr. Bajaj next Tuesday for repeat blood work and a check on the shingles, and if all is improved will have chemotherapy following that visit.
I am a little bit glad not to have to sit at McLeod’s IV Therapy Dept. for most of the day today, considering most everything still tires me out somewhat. I’m about 60-70% improved in that regard but not yet back to feeling normal.
Still, all in all, the therapy is working, according to Dr. Bajaj. The tumor (which I can’t feel but he can) is definitely shrinking, as it is supposed to. And every time I feel weak or see a loose hair, I thank the Lord the cancer cells are “shrinking, shriveling, dying and disappearing!”
Dr. Bajaj asked me today if I was also speaking to the shingles rash and pain and I said yes – I tell the front rash (lower chest just above my waist) to not itch, burn, or hurt, and whenever the stabbing pain hits from the shingles lesions on my back, I tell those nerve endings and muscles to be at peace. (I think that’s why I don’t need stronger pain medicine.) Dr. Bajaj knows I take this seriously and so he is too. Good.
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