The Cycle

I completed on July 17th my 9th treatment cycle

Every three weeks the same cycle repeats itself

Kind of...

1. Cindy and I first meet with my oncologist to discuss my progress or concerns

And if there are any changes that need to be made to my treatment plan.

2. I have blood work done to ascertain the impact that treatment is having on my body

Positively or negatively

Things like my white blood count, red blood count and tumor markers.

3. I have my chemo and immunotherapy infusions

Where I sit in a large room with about one or two dozen other patients

Hooked up to IVs

Each of us receiving our prescribed treatments for our particular cancer.

It's pretty much the same cycle every three weeks

Lasting about 4 hours or so

Every third Friday

Rain or shine!

This part of The Cycle is pretty routine and easy

Listening to music or an audio book or doing a bit of work

While enjoying the snacks that they provide!

The ramifications are what makes The Cycle challenging:(

The Physical Ramifications

The 7-10 days following each treatment are especially tough

Due to the side effects of the chemicals that are pumped into my body at each treatment

And the additional chemicals (i.e. medicines) prescribed to counteract those side effects

That I also need to take after each treatment...

That cause other side effects!

These side effects include:

Nausea, constipation, body pain, extreme fatigue, high blood pressure, headaches, etc...

Or to sum it up...just feeling basically yucky!

With some of the side effects carrying on all the time:(

The Mental Ramifications

This might be the hardest aspect of The Cycle...

The battle in my head!

The stark realization that at least one to one and a half weeks

Out of every three weeks

I am going to feel nasty

And as the chemicals continue to accumulate in my body

The side effects and fatigue that I now live with

Will continue to be a part of my daily existence

And that this cycle...The Cycle

Is going to last a loooong time

At least two years or more

Depending on how things continue to progress!

The mental battle

With discouragement

Can be overwhelming:(

Which might seem pretty pathetic to some of you

Who are thinking

"He should just be thrilled to be alive!"

And I am

But...

So, till next time

Thank you again for listening and praying and encouraging!

I still need it:)

P.S. My last tumor markers were great, being solidly now within the normal range!

Blessings,

Dave