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Not rambling at all; a really good reminder of truths it's so easy to forget.  The pain for growth thing is SO true!
Here's to your hair growing back beautifully with as little pain as possible! 
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Posted 04/01/2008 08:46am
Author: sarahl
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Nice blog and good point about the pain of growth and the fallacy of appearance of growth. There are many times I account some change in myself as "growth" but later realized it was actually regression because it was from the foundation of the carnal mind, oops, well, guess we learn by the daily sorting out of the Holy Spirit of the true from the false as you stated. I am a bit fascinated by the "chemo-brain" syndrome you mentioned. If you ever decide to write on this, I'd love to hear about it. May your "glory" (hair) be more beautiful than it was prior to your loss.
:-p
Peace!
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Posted 04/01/2008 09:06am
Author: lmforrest
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Even if a person is declared "cancer-free" there is always the possibility that a cancer cell is lurking about undetected. It only takes one to make millions so... depending on the aggressive behavior of the original tumor, you may have to be treated with chemo and radiation even if there is no evidence of cancer...call it insurance.
Chemo drugs work by targeting fast growing cells (like cancer cells) and destroying them. The problem is, the drugs don't know which are the good cells and which are the mutant cells. Your fast growing cells include hair, nails, skin, the lining of your mouth, nasal passages, digestive system, etc. so damage to those areas can cause some problems. It also affects your blood cells so your immune system is compromised. I have to have a certain number of platelets, white blood cells, etc. or my treatment is delayed and that could cause problems. This is why my prayer partners pray for the rapid recovery of my body after each treatment as well as protection from the ill-effects of chemo. Aside from the usual fatique, God has protected me from the more dangerous side-effects such as internal sores and infections, gastrointestinal problems, heart trouble, etc. My immune system, while it is not at my pre-chemo levels, is still well within the range of low normal when it is time for me to have my treatment again so it is doing what it is supposed to do. Some readings are elevated but in my case that's good because it indicates that I am rebuilding and replenishing damaged red blood cells and my bone marrow is doing it's job. I praise God for that. We have amazing bodies!
Officially, chemo drugs do not have any affect on the brain. I don't understand it but the brain is supposed to somehow block these drugs. Unofficially, there are claims of diminished cognitive ability during and after chemo treatment for 1-3 years. None of this has been confirmed. While there has been some small studies done on this which has shown some diminished ability, there isn't a good baseline. All of the baselines occurred after the person was diagnosed with cancer and of course, stress is also a factor in diminishing cognitive ability.
So, the question is, is chemo causing the problem or is the problem due to the stress of having and undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer shakes your world to say the least. In addition to facing your own mortality, relationships can get shaken, jobs can be lost or financial crisis take place, people can lose their friends, homes, etc. On top of all of this, a lot of people develop cancer when their middle-aged. This is a time when we already know there is a certain amount of decrease in cognitive ability whether we like to admit to it or not. Is chemo brain just a part of that process?
Cancer can cause you to act a bit strange anyways. When you're confronted with your own mortality you often say or do things you normally would not have done. My husband was slightly concerned about me a few times until he went to my first cancer support group. He was relieved to find that I was behaving and talking perfectly normal...for someone who had been diagnosed with cancer. While everyone is different, probably 80-90% of the women sounded just like me. Whew! I'm not crazy!
Anyways, now I have this ready-made excuse for any bizarre behaviors I might have which I don't want to take personal responsibility for I can blame it all on chemo and say it's just my chemo brain.
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Posted 04/01/2008 10:25am
Author: kreynolds
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Bravo for you, thanks so much for the information as I know nothing about cancer or chemo. You sound like a really sane crazy person to me!!!!! I had a different type of illness that was like a train wreck 5 years ago, a nervous breakdown and a resulting diagnosis of bi-polar. My mind and body were affected dramatically and the healing process from the breakdown is not yet complete. I have neurological "issues" which are a real pain at times, involuntary movements and spasms in my spine, mostly now just when I'm relaxed and trying to fall asleep but I use to have head, arm and leg movement and twitches. My mind was affected profoundly by this and if it wasn't for the Word of God and Jesus, I'd probably be completely insane. I admire your spirit and intelligence and send you lots of love and healing blessings.
Peace!
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Posted 04/01/2008 05:26pm
Author: lmforrest
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K,
As I ponder the cancer treatment of my hubby's best friend, I am glad that he's able to find humor in it. He told my hubby the other day that his armpit is hot enough to "pop microwave popcorn" in less than a minute. 
I found out yesterday that I lost a former co-worker to leukemia this past Sunday. He was only sick for two weeks. That stunned me, to say the least.
Then this morning I find out that a co-worker who's been battling melanoma (yes, skin cancer) passed away early this morning. Again, another stun.
I keep reminding myself that God is the Author and Perfecter. Only God says when one of His creations leaves this earth. The time is written in His Hand.
K, you are in my prayers.
Much love in Christ,
V
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Posted 04/02/2008 08:22am
Author: happytoberestored
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Log Into Chatroom 
[bible]2 Peter 3:17-18[/bible]
