Yesterday I went to hospital for my mid-fortieth chemotherapy treatment. It’s been a long time I’ve been doing this. You know I don’t look forward to it and yesterday was no different. Well, actually it was. I’ve been fighting tooth and jaw pains each day for the past week. It seems that hot and cold foods and chewing set off the pain—and the pain has been extreme. I’ve had to buy two boxes of paracetamol. If only all my drugs were only 4c a tablet instead of $120 a tablet!
I arrived at hospital feeling a little under the weather. Each time I have chemo they test my blood pressure, review blood tests for white cell count and other things, and test my urine for protein. Everything needs to be right for me to proceed. The truth is things are never totally ‘right’ but nothing so far has prevented me from having chemo—until yesterday.
My protein count was much too high, my blood pressure was up, and they were wondering about the tooth situation. So after ringing the oncologist, I was informed that I would be given the Alimta, but I could not have the Avastin. It seems my kidneys need a break from the Avastin, and they were concerned that my teeth scenario might not improve if I was on the drug.
It was a little strange not being able to have Avastin. I didn’t mind the whole experience being over in half the time. But it was another reminder that I’m a patient, that I’m being treated for cancer, that the drugs are extremely powerful with potentially harmful and irreversible side effects. I’m praying that the kidneys and protein in the urine situation will settle down, that there won’t be enduring damage to my kidneys, and that whatever treatment I am able to receive does its job of keeping the cancer at bay.
macarisms 
More “things” to deal with this dreadful disease. I’m so sorry Dave. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
oh Dave so reminds me of those powerful verses in 2 Cor 1 : for i do not want you to be unaware….thank you Father for the warning…..thank you Dave for the awareness….and thank you Jesus for your strength and power ….that we may not rely on ourselves but your mighty power that raises the dead. thank you Paul for the reminder to ‘help us by prayer’
we are praying for you Dave
Thank you Penny and Leslye
I was thinking of you yesterday. My last chemo I had to have Avastin
but couldnt do a urine sample. I sat there in the chair all hooked up for 5 hours till I could finally do one!!! Things we have to go through. Just finished your book that you sent yesterday. Again another wonderful read. It was really good to talk on Sunday. Hope I can make it again on Sunday although I didn’t wake up till 10.30 today. Rest up. Leanne
It was great to spend time with you and Georgia on Sunday. I look forward to connecting again soon.
Dave,
Looking forward to hearing more detail of the other project we discussed over coffee.
Prayers my friend….Ironically 8/28/14 I was to do Alimta Maint number 25 when my creat showed 1.6….my doc said no tx. Ok no one recalled the recent conversation of me saying NO MORE contrast as it makes me very ill…as I have found out since, this is the cause of the high creat count along with likely Alimta making it worse. Just thought odd timing mine and yours no go!!! Much love and prayers
What a fine balance is needed to maintain the human body. I wish so many didn’t take it for granted. Hoping things settle for you, and praying your spirit stays healthy.
Praying for you Dave. His grace is sufficient.
Hey Dave, that sux that your teeth are hurting. I am praying for relief and that things will settle down. 40 rounds??? Is that some record? You are awesome for hanging in…X0
hope and pray the complications diminish, Macca, and that your trust in our Father grows deeper.