Healing Hands

While the current regime of drugs is doing wonders re battling the nasty bits that are overtaking my body, the cumulative side effects are becoming something of a trial in themselves. The blisters that plagued my hands and feet a few short weeks ago have given way to callouses and cracking, neither of which can be relieved by the prescribed cream no matter how much is applied. Hence my silence of late - it was just too darn painful and awkward to type. In an effort to provide some relief, my oncologist gave me this past week "off" the Capecitabine - since the skin issue will only get worse over time, she felt it best to get things under control sooner rather than later. I'm happy to say things have improved, although my right thumb and index finger continue to lack much in the way of feeling around the tip. As a result, my handwriting looks much as it did in the third grade. I was trying to do a bit of sewing yesterday, and had to pick the needle up with my left hand, and then transfer it to my right (dominant hand) to do the stitching. Things may be a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but they aren't painful. I see the oncologist again tomorrow. If she deems the Capecitabine "holiday" a success, I will resume the trial drugs as before albeit with another reduction in the Capecitabine.

This trip to Vancouver could prove to be a tad challenging for another reason. My friend Dan is arriving from Halifax tomorrow and is due to land at the Sechelt float plane dock at 5pm. If the Cancer Agency's pharmacy is as slow getting the meds together as they were last week (it took four hours to bundle 35 pills that were already pre-packaged in blister packs!), he might end up sleeping on the dock! On the upside, I might have a chance to take in the Vancouver Public Library's annual book sale before hopping the bus back to Horseshoe Bay.

Despite the challenges of cracking finger tips, I continue to enjoy life. In fact, this was one of the most enjoyable Easters I have in some time. The Easter Sunday service at St Hilda's was very uplifting. Felt so energized, I hosted a dinner for "Easter orphans" including my mother, Jon, and Jill. While the beer-infused onion soup, chicken in wine & mushroom sauce, and scalloped sweet potatoes with spinach were all well received, it was the "bunny cake" that proved to be the highlight of the meal. Inspiration came from the Easter cakes Momzy made for the family when I was very young.