Health Update 2-26-09

Hello everyone - the health updates are a little fewer these days just because there's not much of a change.  I have now had three rounds of chemotherapy and am trying to notice and pay attention to patterns of side effects so that I'll know what I can and can't do and when I can and can't do it.

The next big date is March 30th - I'll have a CT scan then and will know if the tumors are shrinking.  Actually, I won't know on that date - I'll probably know the next week when I see the doctor, so tune in the first week of April.

I have learned that the regimen I am on is designed to go for 6 months so that puts us at the middle or end of July.  At that point we just evaluate how I am and go from there.  I could get more chemo, maybe a different regimen, or I could get a break.  And of course we are all praying that the cancer will go into remission along the way. 

Lots could happen along the way, so that's not set in stone.  For instance, right now my white blood cell count is very low, which is to be expected (btw - heads up to all of my friends who are local - this means that if you are ill it's not a good idea for me to be around you, but don't worry, I still love you).  I got a shot yesterday that is supposed to raise the white blood count.  If it gets too low I may have to postpone a treatment or so till I can get it built back up, so that could throw the schedule off.  Also, I am having a side effect called "hand and foot syndrome."  Basically, I have a few fingers that are turning red and they get a burning sensation and the skin peels like on a sunburn.  I have had a little bit of it in the pads of my feet - I had to wear my crocs when I went to our small group meeting because I couldn't take hard soled shoes or floors.  So far it's been mild, and has only lasted a day or so.  If it gets to the point where it affects my daily living they said I may get a drug holiday or a lower dosage of one of the medicines. 

So, needless to say, there's lots that could throw the treatment schedule off.  If I could ask for one special prayer request from you all it is this.  The PCA General Assembly is in Orlando this year the second week of June.  I'll still be in chemo that week but I am hoping it will be an off week and I can go.  I met and married my wife in Orlando, was ordained in the Central Florida Presbytery and I also have lots of other friends in and around Orlando, so I am really hoping to go this year, so if you could pray for this I would appreciate it.

Other than that, we're starting to settle into a routine.  Besides the side effects just mentioned, I deal with fatigue - it's usually bad from Wednesday through Saturday of chemo week.  But, I'm at home and Lynette takes great care of me and it's a pleasure to be home with her, even if I'm not feeling great.  She has been terrific through all of this. 

And speaking of terrific, I haven't missed a Sunday preaching.  I only missed the two Sundays immediately after my surgery in December, so I am very thankful to the Lord for giving me the strength to do that.  And the church has been terrific.  Our members have rallied around me and the family and have been a great source of strength and encouragement.  And, through all of this we've seen a lot of new folks coming to the church, so it's great to see God working in all of this.

Comments

[nancy]

you have not missed a preaching!!!?? amazing!

[Bonnie]

Thanks for the update, and prayer requests -- it's nice to have specific things to pray for. Glad you are managing the chemo well, and staying upbeat :-)

[Chris]

David, thanks for taking the time to post. I am reading these posts --reflecting on what you have to say. And, I praise the Lord that you have been able to preach. I do ask that God would be pleased that you could attend the assembly in the Orlando.

[Terry]

I continue to pray for you. I'm praying for healing.

[Lisa Hoffman Davidson]

Dear David, absolutely we will pray for specific needs and comfort through the chemo process. I know in my heart, you will make it to Orlando for the meeting and much fellowship there with friends.

Everything will work out - God is in control. You are doing great!

[J.]

It's wonderful that you have a loving wife. Take advantage of this period, ask her to give you massages and rent movies you want to see.
~:)