Remembering chemo

Though I haven't mentioned it in a while I carry with me a constant reminder of chemo. Neuropathy in my fingers and toes. It is with me everyday and they (doctors) don't know how long it will last. One woman I read about has dealt with neuropathy for 8 years. Sometimes it is not too bad and sometimes it is really bad. Like right now. I have toes on my right foot -- I'm sure I do, but I can't feel them. I am praying for Natalie's mother who is experiencing the same thing because of chemo. Would you please pray for both of us that God would touch us and take this neuropathy away -- -- quickly. Thank-you!!

One of these days I will discuss the emotional and mental effects that chemo has on a person. Not today but one of these days. Things along the line of depression, loneliness, suicide and personality changes. These things can creep up on the patient with the patient never really being aware that something has changed. If you have friends or relatives who are under the 'chemo gun', keep an eye on them and if you notice personality changes make sure that the doctors are made aware. So one of these days, probably not too far down the road, I will discuss my experience with these.

There is nothing nice about chemo. It is designed to kill all fast growing cells, regardless of..... and it is very good at its job. Chemo is not a cure. It is supposed to kill all of the cancer cells and hopefully it does. But it takes its toll on everyone who has to have it. Fatigue, nausea, being slow witted and discomfort are constant companions of chemo patients.
So if you know someone who has to have chemo, be patient be understanding be helpful. Make the phone call, send the card but don't expect cheer in return. Some chemo patients can pull off cheerful but for many of us the only thought is to get to tomorrow. We don't mean to be glum but it comes off that way.

I'll give you more of my chemo thoughts 'one of these days'.

In the middle of it all --- God is good all the time!!
jim

p.s We have a new family verse Song of Solomon 6:11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, KJV :O)