2025 – A Summer and Fall of Surprises – God has a Plan and Purpose for Our Lives – Part XI
I had my appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Tidwell, last Thursday, and his feedback was minimal weight loss, and tolerance of chemo was good. Changes in my voice concerned him, and he speculated the tumors enlarge due to immunotherapy, and could be obstructing my voice. The second treatment could shrink tumors, and my voice might be better as a result. I mentioned could the cancer spread to my brain, and he said he wanted to do an MRI brain scan to be sure. My immediate feedback was I was claustrophobic with an MRI, and meds would have to be given to calm me down.
Cravings for foods change during chemo. I just finished 14 days of chemo pills, and I enjoyed eating Frosted Mini Wheats with peanut butter toast. Before chemo, I enjoyed eggs and grits and an occasional Egg McMuffin from Mc Donalds. My usual snacks have been pretzels and cashews, replaced by brown sugar oatmeal and occasional instant cheese grits. Now that I have no more chemo until my infusion on December 29th, I will see if my food cravings will go back to normal.
I went to the bank on Friday and handled the teller a note with what I wanted, prefaced by my strained voice saying, “my voice is not working”. The teller appreciated the note and did the same at a fast-food restaurant I visited. I prepared notes for the oncologist appointment outlining how I am doing and concerns about my voice. Likewise, I gave Stephanie typed notes about coughing concerns she had to convey to a GI doctor on my behalf. Joey has forwarded to me examples of technology where I could have my tech speech read my notes, particularly with phone calls I have to make.
I view inconvenience as a problem to solve, and I remain calm facing both cancer and the unknown ahead. My voice got worse following the chemotherapy infusions on December 5th, so it’s likely that the chemo had something to do with my voice change. Prayers and God’s grace are sufficient, although I complain about the pains and fatigue experienced.
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Have a Blessed Week!
Joe
you are in my prayers