 |
| Seven days after first chemo (above) |
In the last blog, I mentioned about the first chemo treatment causing some pain and redness in Rob's right arm above where the IV was. However, his right arm continued to worsen even after we left the hospital last week with antibiotics. We will see the oncologist again today (Tuesday) and find out from her what she thinks happened. Treatment #2 last week was given in an IV in his left hand, with no problems at all (thank goodness!).
Rob and I have our own theories about what happened that first week...
 | ||
| Eight/Nine days after first chemo (above) |
We don't believe it to be an infection, as there is no warmth around it and he's not running even a slight fever. Which leads to a couple of other possibilities: Either the two chemo drugs were too hard on the veins and caused the "atrophy" we were told about, or some of the chemo drugs leaked out of the vein, killing the tissue in that area. The latter would explain the pain he felt, which was different from the "burning" sensation the nurses spoke of that come with the chemo. Either way, I don't think they'll be able to use that arm anymore. You can see in the pictures the way the redness is following the vein lines. As of today, it still looks like the last picture (below), only not quite as red. We're just hoping for NO port. Rob doesn't want any more surgeries of any kind. Ever. I can't say that I blame him at all.
 |
| Ten/Eleven days after first chemo (above) |
These are scary days for us. This is all new and confusing, and it would be so nice to just wake up and have this not be real.
But it is, and it's really okay.
We are being strengthened through God's grace, to climb these mountains and wade through these valleys. And we're doing well. Your prayers are definitely keeping us in the right place. I believe we'll be stronger, and more patient, and more compassionate because of this. Our priorities will be in better order than they were. And the important things in life will really be the important things. This we are already finding to be true.
Be blessed, be happy, enjoy all that you've been given, be thankful for all that you have, love and be loved, share and help and care.
These are important things.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
Lord, Abba, Our Great Omnipotent Dad,
ReplyDeleteThank-you for your presence with Cheri and Rob and the assurance that you will never leave their sides. I stand in prayer with them this morning, believing that you will be their all in all and divinely guide them through this trying time of their lives.
Although I have never been in the place where they are at this time, I understand the reality of being in a place where the uncertainties of all my tomorrows rest solely on you. As Cheri has stated that these are "scary days" for them, Lord, remind her and Rob that you are and will be in each day with them. Render peace, mercy, great grace, and a calm to their storm in this hour.
Lord, we ask that you would isolate the work and effect of this chemo and cause it to function only in the place where it is needed and not do any harm to the other areas of Rob's body. Touch his arm, Lord and bring a quick healing in that area.
Daddy God, as they face the new challenges of the effects of chemo treatment, let them do it with grace. Specifically, when Rob's hand becomes more familiar with his hair than his head, let him face it with a smile ~ realizing that chemo and hair don't work well together. So, the hair is getting out of the way so the chemo can breathe; and make way for new hair growth at its appointed time.
Lord, in the waiting, and when they've done all...and, are standing, may your supernatural hand of grace rest heavily upon them with assurance that you are in this with them. Cause them to look upward, often, as a reminder that Jesus is sitting at your right hand making intercession for them; all will be well.
Thank-you, Abba, for grace; great grace; supernatural grace; divine grace in this hour of need.
In JESUS Name. Amen