Chemo Kickoff
Started chemotherapy this morning at 10 AM. First hour was getting my blood taken and sent to the lab to be sure I was ready. Second hour was an infusion of anti-nausea medications and steroids. Hours three and four were an infusion of chemo drug Oxaliplatin.
And they sent me home with a party favor: what looks like a large lemon filled with 230 ml of a drug called Flouracil IV (see below). Over the next 48 hours I will wear this “lemon” in a waist pack and it will pump the drugs into my chemo port. I will be free to walk around, drive, and generally carry on with life while the drug goes into my system. Pretty cool lemon!
My doctor is telling me this is the first of 12 infusions: one every 2 weeks for the next 24 weeks. I have been told to expect some nausea, fatigue, and probably some numbness in my fingers and toes (neuropathy). Most patients feel the worst on days 6, 7, and 8 of their 2-week cycle, but everyone is different. And I have been told I will almost certainly keep my hair (certain follically-challenged friends on the Casa board have told me not to worry about this ;-)).
Physically, I am feeling very good. I was able to run 5 miles this weekend and do a medium-intensity body-and-resistance-band circuit this morning before going in for the infusion. Docs are encouraging me to stay as active as possible, so I am going to try.
Jesus has been ministering a sweet peace to my spirit. The prayers and encouragements of so many of you have been a massive part of that. Stage III cancer focuses the mind on “the big stuff” and celebrating my risen Savior Who has conquered sin and death and hell for me was especially powerful last week.
Please keep the prayers coming!
- For the Lord to continue ministering His peace and joy to my spirit
- For the Lord to heal my body completely
- For the Lord stave off the nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and other chemo side effects
- For the Lord to minister His peace to my kids and family
- For the Lord to grant an extra measure of grace to my fantastic team at Casa del Lago, who are praying, encouraging me, and picking up some of the slack for me
Inicio de la Quimio
Comencé la quimioterapia esta mañana a las 10. La primera hora fue para sacarme sangre y enviarla al laboratorio para asegurar de que mi cuerpo estaba listo. La segunda hora fue una infusión de medicamentos contra las náuseas y esteroides. Horas tres y cuatro fueron una infusión del medicamento de quimio Oxaliplatino.
Y me mandaron a casa con un recuerdo de fiesta: lo que parece un limón grande lleno con 230 ml de un medicamento llamado Fluorouracilo IV (ver arriba). Durante las próximas 48 horas llevaré este “limón” en una riñonera y bombeará el medicamento a mi puerto de quimio. Podré caminar, manejar y, en general, seguir con la vida mientras el medicamento entra en mi sistema. ¡Un limón bastante genial!
Mi doctor me dice que este es el primero de 12 ciclos: uno cada dos semanas durante las próximas 24 semanas. Me han dicho que espere algo de náusea, fatiga y probablemente algo de entumecimiento en los dedos de las manos y los pies (neuropatía). La mayoría de los pacientes se sienten peor en los días 6, 7 y 8 de su ciclo de dos semanas, pero cada persona es diferente. Y me han dicho que casi con certeza conservaré mi cabello (ciertos amigos “capilarmente desafiados” (es decir, calvos) de la mesa directiva de Casa me han dicho que no me preocupe por esto ;-)).
Físicamente, me siento muy bien. Pude correr 5 millas este fin de semana y hacer un circuito de intensidad media con bandas de resistencia esta mañana antes de ir a la infusión. Los doctores me animan a mantenerme lo más activo posible, así que lo voy a intentar.
Jesús ha estado ministrando una dulce paz a mi espíritu. Las oraciones y palabras de ánimo de tantos de ustedes han sido una parte enorme de eso. El cáncer en etapa III enfoca la mente en “las cosas grandes”, y celebrar a mi Salvador resucitado, Quien ha vencido el pecado, la muerte y el infierno por mí, fue especialmente poderoso la semana pasada.
Por favor, sigan orando.
- Que el Señor siga ministrando Su paz y Su gozo a mi espíritu
- Que el Señor sane completamente mi cuerpo
- Que el Señor aparte la náusea, la fatiga, la neuropatía y otros efectos secundarios de la quimio
- Que el Señor ministre Su paz a mis hijos y a mi familia
- Que el Señor conceda una medida extra de gracia a mi fantástico equipo en Casa del Lago, que está orando, animándome y cubriendo parte de mi carga
26 responses to “Medical Update #1:”
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Josh.
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strong brother.
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We continue to pray for you Pastor Josh. We love you.
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praying for you, Josh! Great job, Jonathan!
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GOD IS LOVE
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Josh – will continue to pray for you and thank you so very much for keeping so many of us in the loop…so very helpful!
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Josh,
You are in our prayers every day, and it is so encouraging to see how joyful you look and sound in the face of true adversity. We love you and your precious family and will be checking for updates on how we can continue to pray and help.
Love,
The Woods
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Dios lo siga quidando y Bendiciendo y lo sane pronto Pator’seguimos Orando
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May the blessing, love, and mercy of the Almighty be manifested in your healing for His honor and glory. My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family. 🙏
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Dios está con usted, usted dando tanto se recuperará que Dios le ponga a la mano las herramientas para su salud. Le recomiendo fundación despertar un grupo donde el mentor maneja extartegias mentales fabulosas que usted se que entenderá y le apoyarán en estos momentos. Este es el enlace. A mí me ayudó mucho y espero a usted también. Soy Mari Moran mamá de la niña de los zapatitos de piña Kathy un abrazo. Únete a este canal en Messenger: https://www.messenger.com/channel/FundacionDespertarSC
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Prayers already answered in seeing you are getting the needed medical care. Be strong and courageous, Josh. Looking forward to seeing what God does through you in this valley. You are already and encouragement to many!
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Hey, Josh! Thanks for sharing. Stay strong. We’re praying for you.
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bendiciónes y no importa el diagnóstico dios tiene la última palabra dios bendiga las manos que lo tocan
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Josh, you’re a fighter a soldier of Christ, you’ll overcome! 🙏
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Loved seeing the update and your smiling face! Not surprising that Jonathan wanted to be with you as support. He is a great kid! Of course, we continue to pray for you and your kids on this journey.
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Hi Josh
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Hi Josh,
I really appreciate having access to your blog to keep track of how you are doing and the progress you’re making. The first thing that comes to mind: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
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Hi Josh, I really appreciate having access to your blog to keep track of how you are doing and the progress you’re making. This comes to mind: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
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I know you know this😊but “dream” should read as “soar.” Not sure how this happened😁.
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Praying constantly for you Josh. The Lord is our Great Physician and our Jehovah Rapha—the God who HEALS 🙏❤️. Becky and Bob McCamey
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What a beautiful testimony — that through it all, you experience a grace and peace that surpasses all understanding. Many years ago, in trying to reconcile my father’s death at 39, I stopped asking why things happen the way they do. I can’t begin to understand the mind of God but I can understand his love, his tender mercies and his grace.
A few weeks ago, a couple of young men asked me to explain God and I replied that I could only testify to what I’ve seen in my own life, the miracles of a child liberated from addiction, the endless patience and love the Lord shows me, the undeserved blessings. We fight on knowing that this life is not real, is not our home, and that one day we will be home with the Lord.
Having your children, Sophie and Jonathan, with you is such a blessing. Fathers are so important. Families fight this fight together and, I believe, grow stronger from the struggle. Your example is a light to the world.
Know that people across the country are prayering for you and your family. God has a plan
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Praying for you, Josh, and thanks so much for letting others join with you on this journey. Praying for healing, for peace, for your family, for tender mercies, for special times with the Lord as he draws you closer.
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;cancernotes 
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