New One On Me:
Howdy friends,
So there we were attending my 3 monthly follow-up appointment with my dermatologist when he prescribed for me another drug.
Yep, another drug!
This drug I had used before, but only for a very short time and in only one area near to the tear-duct of my right eye.
However, on this occasion it would be for a wider surface covering different parts of my body:
My right arm and hand:
Left arm and hand:
Scalp:
Face:
Right thigh:
And left shin.
The treatment: Topical chemotherapy.
The reason: A multitude of pre-cancerous lesions.
The length of course: A few months.
I speculate it’s a new one on you.
It was certainly a new one for my dad!
My sister-in-law too!
They had never heard of it!
What is topical chemotherapy?
Basically chemotherapy is the use of chemical agents to treat or control disease.
Topical chemotherapy means that a thin layer of anti-cancer medicine would be put directly onto my skin instead of being taken as a pill or injected into one of my veins.
And yes, you’ve guessed it, I’ll be doing it myself and at home.
We were told that because the drug does not spread throughout the body this therapy does not have any side effects that normally occur with other types of chemotherapy.
And so, with Rachel’s help, I have to apply the chemotherapy cream once a day for several weeks.
What’s more, I have to be meticulous with the treatment hence the length of time for the course.
3 weeks for my right arm and hand.
A further 3 weeks for my left arm and hand.
And so on.
Management with topical chemotherapy will make my treated skin red and very delicate for a while.
Apparently, my skin will take a week or two to heal after treatment comes to an end.
Now I realise it’s only a cream.
Some may be thinking: Why the song and dance?
Others: Why the unrestrained expression of emotion?
Many ask: Is this something and nothing?
Well, listen up!
It seems that this kind of lesion starts so small that it is recognised by touch rather than sight.
But, if untreated, the lesions could progress to squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer.
I first had this type of skin cancer way back in 2011 along with basal cell carcinoma.
Unfortunately, I’m susceptible to re-occurring squamous cell carcinoma after having an aggressive form of it 21 months ago.
For those who didn’t know, the cancer spread through my right shin with a possible threat of it advancing into my lymph nodes.
It was so bad, causing one specialist nurse to approach the subject of amputation.
Thankfully that did not happen!
Yet, the healing process continues today.
Anyway, as you’ve probably imagined, as a totally blind kidney and pancreas transplant recipient the health challenges I face are wearying.
It takes resources deep within, and a clear faith.
But listen friends, I will never let difficulties define me!
Never!
Remember this, with God’s help, I have already defied medical science and the opinion of some specialists.
So, in light of this news we would appreciate your prayers.
Just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.
Hey, I’m living proof of the power of prayer!
God can do it again.
We turn in trust toward Him.
Say, yes!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – Hearty Neighbour – & Internet Pastor:
E-mail david@newday-prince.me.uk.
Committed to loving God and loving people.
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