Disconnect Day

Yesterday was disconnect day – meaning the portable pump I was tethered to for two days had finished its work by 10 am  Friday.  So I have officially completed the first of these treatments.  One down, eleven to go.  (after that there will be follow up treatments of a different sort.)

So, how am I doing?  Amazingly well.  I’ve got some unrelated digestion issues since surgery but the other side effects have be mild.  (You don’t really want to hear about the 40 minute bowl movement do you?  Didn’t think so.)  I’m currently in the stage where my white blood cells have been knocked down and around day six will start to build back up.  They give a shot to help with that.  The shot costs $4,000 each! Do the math, as they say.

As good as round one went I am reminded that Chemo has an accumulative effect.  Neuropathy (tingling and loss of feeling) in the hands and feet is to be expected, aversion to cold – bringing on neuropathy --  nausea and fatigue are some of the issues.  So I would appreciate prayer regarding those specific side effects and that I will remain free of infection as my immune system is compromised.

We spent a very long time getting educated by an incredibly bright Chemo nurse with 12 years experience.  She took the time to go through all of what to expect, what to do, etc, etc.  Lonni works to keep it all straight while I try to sound like I understand.  The time the staff takes with a patient is quite incredible.  That is because the success of the program depends as much or even more upon what the patient does.

 Following the diet and nutrition regimen is extremely demanding (not to mention expensive.)  which was reinforced by our extensive time with the dietician.  We went over my extensive blood work to see where I was out of whack and inhibiting healing.  This is amazingly specific in the connection between nutrients and how they impact the specific biological aspects of fighting cancer down on the cellular level.  This helps greatly in understanding why all this diet and nutritional stuff really matters.

And now, to fortify this all with an amazing tale.

I know you are going to get sick of my praises for the Block Center but I’m afraid I must.  This time in the way of a testimony.  One of the big benefits of the BC is meeting others and hearing of their journey.  This is inspiring because they are not cherry picked testimonials rather whomever happens to be there and wants to talk.  It seems to be quite common that patients are happy to share their journeys.

Lonni and I met Nancy – only bad thing here is that she too is from Packerland – actually, from the belly of the beast -- the heart of Mordor itself -- Green Bay .  Nevertheless, I am compelled to tell her story.  Nancy was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and pancreatic cancer.  She had tumors with tentacles spreading across her abdomen and into most organs.  She went to Mayo, but they said there was nothing they could do, she probably had three months left so they sent her back to Green Bay.  The best oncologist in GB refused to take her if she was going to use nutrient supplements and bluntly said, “Lady you are terminal.  Get your affairs in order.”   Hopeless.

Nancy found her way to the Block Center and to make a long story short is completely cancer free!  Can you see why the BC is a hopeful place?  Reading the success stories is great but talking with a real person is quite amazing.  BTW that same doc now refers patients to the BC.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not believing this to be a miracle machine.  Yet miracles of healing are not uncommon, even for those cases that seem beyond hope.  Next I’m going to muse about how I see all this connected to God’s healing power.

This is long enough. Those of you who made it down to here go ahead and treat yourself to some fresh vegetables!!