Post-Surgery Chemo

On Monday I met with my medical oncologist. We actually spent most of the time discussing faith, hope, and spirituality. He commented that I must have someone working in my favor. I assured him that even if I did not make it that I still had someone working in my favor. Then we talked about how spirituality has helped me with this process. He also shared with me how he understood the often dual focus of religion/spirituality and science/medicine. It was a good conversation and I am glad to know that my doctor feels the way he does about some of the subject matter. Not that I would hold it against him if he felt differently, but it was comforting to know that we both felt comfortable to speak openly about how the crossroads of spirituality and cancer have affected our lives.

On the topic of chemo, he wants to see me back on February 4th. I will have recuperated from surgery and will begin my first treatment that day. The good news is that I am only receiving two infusions of the medication that makes me extremely sick. The rest of the three months will be the medication that I previously took that was in pill form. Unfortunately, however, is that my second infusion (the one most likely to make me the sickest) will be the day before my birthday. So, I am potentially looking at Christmas in the hospital and a chemo hangover for my birthday. But I will have plenty more Christmases and birthdays to celebrate after my chemotherapy is complete.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I move closer to surgery. I am certain that this is a routine procedure for the surgeon and his residents, but I am still nervous. I have never had a major surgery and most of you who know me can understand why I am a little nervous about anaesthesia.

Hope to talk to everyone soon!
Josh