Neuropathy, continued

OK. We are what, nearly two years out from the last chemotherapeutic encounter with FOLFOX. And the idea was that after a certain period of time the tingling feet and the extreme sensitivity to cold in my fingers and throat would go away. And while I am certainly less tingly and sensitive, I am still aware of the peripheral neuropathy every day. Just yesterday, on my way to work, I had a strange itching sensation right above where my PowerPort used to be... and then today the itch was back again. I even thought that is was on the wrong side, but sure enough (I checked) it was the scar site.

So, what are we talking about here? I don't know. Except that the original purpose of this blog was to tell my story, and the story continues. My hands and feet are still susceptible to cold, though the tingling in my feet is confined to a very small area near the balls of both feet. I do not feel pain when picking up cold objects immediately, but I cannot comfortably hold cold objects for long periods of time in my bare hands. Swallowing cold drinks is not a problem at all. I have not "forgotten" how to swallow food/drink since the chemo ended.

That's the news for today.

Time to reinvigorate the blog...

2.5 years ago, I entered CancerWorld by way of a hyper-active glandular cell in my lower colon that forgot to stop growing. It has been excised, my immune system has been whacked and regenerated, and I have ridden thousands of miles on a bicycle. Time has passed, and I have completed two LiveStrong Challenge rides (40- and 100-miles in 2008 and 2009, respectively). I am very excited to Ride for the Roses with Lance Armstrong in just over two weeks - another 100 miles in the hills outside Austin, TX.

I stopped blogging for a while... but you already know that. I had tired of reflecting on the effect of a cancer diagnosis on my physical, mental, and spiritual health, and of the effort it took for me to write about those reflections. But I have found that being tired does not make problems go away. Be comforted that I am still "no evidence of disease" (NED), and that my exercise regimen seems to be a very good idea regarding recurrence. But cancer is patient and insidious, and I do not go a single day without thinking of possible futures involving more surgery, more chemicals, and the possibility of radiation. I am ready to take up the virtual pen again.

Two close friends recently detected recurrence of their cancers - one melanoma and one lymphoma... both are very nasty and agressive. And I am ready to maintain a blog of my thoughts on our journeys forward. I trust this meets with your approval. :)

Mamma Mia!

Just watched this on DVD with the daughterini - and I must say I hope I can be at her wedding. All the stresses and such that they go through in this silly musical ABBA-fest reminded me that nothing is assured in life, and that I would sure like to be available for the "giving away" part of the wedding ceremony.

Just sayin...