This New World
We're halfway through our first round of chemo. We're halfway through discovering a new way of living. And I think I can safely say, we are both exhausted.
It has been a round of hospital visits, chemo pumps, lack of sleep, new routines, and diet restrictions. The good news is that the side effects have not been as dreadful as anticipated - yet. I know that they are cumulative but this first week gives me some sort of hope for the longer term.
It has also brought wonderful love - from all corners of our lives - cards, gifts, calls, prayers, and needed wisdom from those who have gone through this. I feel like we are being fortified for the journey.
There has also been the unexpected - the need for some to bring up old wounds needing healing. This has been difficult, and beautiful but have they been helpful? Jim's energy has drained just when he needs to create reservoirs for the battle ahead.
And it is a battle. I am a realist. At this stage of this cancer, the five year survival rate is 11%, statistical expectations are 30 months. However treatment has improved greatly over the last 5 years. Treatment can be specifically targeted to the individual. Next week, we will get further lab results which enable the medical team to do this. This I find encouraging, this is what we are hoping for 5 years and better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1KrnP67Ny0
It has been a round of hospital visits, chemo pumps, lack of sleep, new routines, and diet restrictions. The good news is that the side effects have not been as dreadful as anticipated - yet. I know that they are cumulative but this first week gives me some sort of hope for the longer term.
It has also brought wonderful love - from all corners of our lives - cards, gifts, calls, prayers, and needed wisdom from those who have gone through this. I feel like we are being fortified for the journey.
There has also been the unexpected - the need for some to bring up old wounds needing healing. This has been difficult, and beautiful but have they been helpful? Jim's energy has drained just when he needs to create reservoirs for the battle ahead.
And it is a battle. I am a realist. At this stage of this cancer, the five year survival rate is 11%, statistical expectations are 30 months. However treatment has improved greatly over the last 5 years. Treatment can be specifically targeted to the individual. Next week, we will get further lab results which enable the medical team to do this. This I find encouraging, this is what we are hoping for 5 years and better:
"The current survival rate for stage 4 colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society is 11 percent. That said, a 2017 study found that those with stage 4 colon cancer with liver metastases, who were candidates for removal of the liver metastases at the same time as colon surgery, had 5-year survival rates of up to 70 percent. There are more people living longer, even disease free, with stage 4 colon cancer than ever before. If you have colon cancer with liver metastases which are treatable, there are many people, such as country western singer Wade Hayes, who are living evidence that sometimes stages 4 colon cancer is survivable." https://www.verywell.com/dealing-with-stage-4-colon-cancer-796545The other thing about this week, I am always full of unexpected tears and even more ready for a hug.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1KrnP67Ny0
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