Chemotherapy was canceled again today – while the shingles rash is slowly healing, it’s not healed enough yet. I don’t have to take much pain medicine, just Tylenol and maybe one Aleve a day when the sharp stabbing hits my back, a definite improvement. I keep speaking to it, just reminding my skin, nerves and muscles to be at peace and “Stop that.” Mostly the rash itches and I’m doing my best NOT to scratch it.
Today’s blood work was a good bit better than last week but still not quite good enough levels for chemo either. Dr. Bajaj didn’t seem very concerned, he just said with a smile that I’m a slow healer so to be patient and “we’ll defeat this cancer.” I answered, “Yes, indeed we will.”
Fatigue is still a bit of a problem, although I no longer have to stage chairs to stop and rest in around the house everywhere. Sunday was the first nearly normal day I’ve had since the last chemo session three weeks ago and it felt good. Yesterday was pretty good too and I didn’t nap during the day, but today the tiredness returned somewhat. Walking from the car into the building and up to the doctor’s office was slow going.
Now, good news — Dr. Bajaj says he no longer feels any sign of the tumor although he knows where it was, so the three chemotherapy sessions I’ve had have definitely worked. (Prayer plus speaking God’s word with authority to the tumor and my body are essential keys.) I’ll see him again next Tuesday morning and have chemo right afterward if things have improved enough.
I discovered from some online research that chemotherapy patients actually need over 50% more calories (particularly protein) than normal in order to heal efficiently, which may explain why I’ve lost even a little more weight since last week despite eating 5-6 times a day. I’ll adjust my grocery list accordingly.
The Holy Spirit spoke strongly and clearly to me the other day when I was griping to myself about feeling so tired. He said with emphasis, “My word shall not return to me void! It shall accomplish what I please and prosper where I sent it!” (Isaiah 55:11)
He reminded me that “He sent his word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20), that Jesus is STILL the Word of God, and that he “went about doing good and healing ALL that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38).
You can imagine my immediate response: repentance, worship and thanksgiving for the Word of God, the person of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the love of Father God.
For all those who are praying in faith with me and for me, thank you. Keep on keeping on, please!
I am standing with you and speaking His life over you daily. He is faithful. Does lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s sound good? Would love to take you!
Diane