UNEXPECTED SIDE EFFECTS

UNEXPECTED  SIDE EFFECTS
By Sherry, November 13, 2010

The list of side effects for cancer treatments include common ones such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, body aches, hot flashes -well let’s just stop there.  We were told about most of them, but there were some side effects no one mentioned.  These included a new appreciation for our family and friends, and a deep tenderness between Terence and I.  And new sense of gratefulness to God for the simplest of things!

Everyone has been fabulous; sending cards, gifts and encouraging emails.  But what astonished me was how we felt their prayers.  There are many times either Terence or I are awake in the middle of the night- just lying there.  He, suffering one of the many side effects and me, dealing with the uncertainties of tomorrow (sleep robbers/peace stealers).   The next day,  I would run into to someone and they would excitedly say, “I was praying for you last night when I got up to pee!”.

Ah.  The Powerful Pee Prayer!  Why this isn’t a chapter in  the many “how-to” prayer books, is beyond me.  That middle-of-the-night appeal whispered between getting out of and getting back into bed.  A prayer said while performing a humble bodily function; the opposite end of the spectrum from having an entire High Mass said for you.  I think Jesus likes this.  It’s totally up His alley, right up there with the manger and lowing cattle.  Ordinary.  Simple.  And powerful.

 Between nuclear hot flashes and systemic itching (for which Terence can find no relief), the yellowing of his skin and 4 hour naps (all of which are ‘in your face’ reminders-the cancer screams “I am here! I am here!”), we have no choice but to press in to Christ who is our Peace in the midst of  mayhem.

A sigh of relief comes over us when we remember how simple  it can all be.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Praise God.  Move on.  Pray while you pee.  He hears. 
A side effect commonly overlooked: SIMPLICITY.

 

MEDICAL UPDATE
Recent blood draws show continued strain on his liver.  Not necessarily alarming, however it is directly related to the experimental drug TOK-001.  And that has consequences.

Our last conversation with the clinical trial team was in regards to whether Terence can continue on the trial due to the strain on his liver.  Meanwhile, he is still on the same phase I dosage of 1,950 mg of TOK-001

until further notice.  I think one, two, three or four things will happen in the near future: (1) Dr. M and the TOKAI team will remove T from the trial due to danger to his liver, or (2) T will make the decision to get off of the trial- not willing for his liver to be compromised any further or (3) a miraculous healing will happen (we still believe in miracles people), and (4) the unexpected (not sure what it is).

Outside of TOK-001, there is no known treatment for Terence, but we will wait and see  what comes up the turnpike-  as usual, we are in the somewhat dreadful “wait and see” situation. All things out of our control.  But I am hoping that the delay in action will provide the opportunity for a miracle (miracles usually happen when we are waiting and looking the other way).

Medical schedule-
Nov.16- Pain management review
(T is allergic to all the approved opiods). Re-scheduled!

 Nov.17- Blood draws (local office).

 Nov. 29- New bone/CT/MRI scans (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance)-review of old tumors, on the
  lookout for anything new.

Nov. 30- Oncology appt.(University of Washington Urology oncology), TOK-001 review.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

~Sherry & Terence