Shingles

 In case you are new to this blog

And think you accidentally landed on a roofing blog instead...

I'm not referring to roofing shingles in my title!

Unfortunately, I'm referring to the viral infection that can be quite painful.

For several weeks now I've experienced pain on the right side of my scalp

That's correct...only the right side

You could draw a line down the center of my scalp 

And the pain stops at that line.

Figuring that it was detoxing happening through my scalp

As the chemo and immunotherapy drugs were doing their job

We never mentioned it to my doctor

Until this past Friday before my infusion treatment.

Immediately, he knew what it was...shingles!

He'd actually wondered if I might get them...

I fit all the factors for having an increased risk of developing them:

1. Being older than 50

Which I know comes as a surprise to those of you who thought I was still a spring chicken!

2. Having certain diseases - you guessed it, cancer

3. Undergoing cancer treatments, i.e. chemotherapy

4. Taking certain medications, which I am taking as part of my treatment

I remember my father having shingles...

It was almost debilitating for him due to the severe pain.

Thankfully, Cindy and I both received the shingles vaccine a couple of years ago

Which seems to have greatly reduced the severity of the symptoms.

Yay!

Who would have guessed the many exciting twists and turns

This cancer journey would entail!

One final encouragement, in speaking with my doctor on Friday...

I asked him point blank again

If there was any case study of anyone being cured from my cancer?

His simple answer - NO - We are in uncharted territory!

I've mentioned this before

But, in the midst of all the ups and downs, hopes and discouragements,

We are in miraculous territory!

And I'm am so grateful.

Thankyou for walking this challenging and exciting journey with us!

Dave