Pain in the XXXX

One of the permanent affects of the Chemo Therapy is neuropathy of the extremities.  In the past I have described it as a "fuzzy" feeling in my finger tips.  I have also been noticing it slightly in the bottom of my feet.  The fuzzy feeling is affecting my fine motor skills that require manual dexterity.  I notice my printing is now looking like my handwriting.  For those of you unfamiliar with my writing, I have printed ever since they stopped giving me a grade in handwriting.  I barely squeaked out Cs throughout grade school.  My printing has become somewhat distinct as it has evolved into a certain style.  It's current legibility is comparable to my 4 year old grandson's writing.

It has not detrimentally affected any other manual function.  Typing on the keyboard is a little strange.  The tactile feel is not quite there, and I have trouble using a track pad.  This will be a permanent result of chemo and one Dr. has recommended vitamin B12 as a possible aide in lessening the affect.  Time will also diminish the neuropathy, but to what extent is unknown.

Overall it is a small price to pay.  It is also a constant reminder of the cancer and it's possible comeback.  I'm currently reading a book by Phillip Yancy,  Where is God When it Hurts.  The first section is on the value of pain, and how it is a warning system.  It also goes into how pain enhances pleasure.  Interesting concepts.

Larry H Parker

I noticed recently that the lawyer commercials have changed over the years.  They were once dominated by Larry H Parker and Jacoby and Meyers.  Now its Joseph Emrani and a assortment of firms soliciting clients for various ailments.

It is now been two weeks since my last round of chemo pills.  Now I wait for the chemo drugs to filter out of my system.  The past few days I have been feeling better but still feel the affects of the drugs.  I still tremble when attempting to write,  Fuzzyness in the finger tips, slight tinge of the taste buds,  and fatigue.  

June will be my appointment with the oncologist to compare the scheduled tests with my baseline.  Those tests include a CT Scan and colonoscopy.

Today I met with the surgeon.  Interesting info.  He removed 40% of my colon.  Essentially everything is functioning well with a few adjustments in the bowel process that are permanent.
He did mention that the tingling in the hands will probably diminish with time but never go away completely as a result of chemo.

i did just get through watching an episode of Charlie Rose on cancer treatment.  Immunology Therapy appears to be the next frontier.  Apparently with colon cancer they are experimenting with applying it after chemo.

As with the lawyer commercials, cancer treatment will evolve.  (didn't think I would be able to tie those two together!)