Advent 4

Many of you are probably familiar with the use of labyrinths in Christian tradition as a tool for meditation and spiritual insight. This past week, as I was drawing one to decorate with so-called 'zen doodles' I had an "aha" moment: Although labyrinths are walked linearly, they are created wholistically. If walking a labyrinth is symbolic of our spiritual pilgrimage, perhaps drawing one is symbolic of a "God's-eye view" of that journey.

We are limited by our understandings and experiences of space and time; God is not. I'm reminded of N.T. Wright's (who is not my favourite author by any means) lovely description of the incarnation as where God's space intersects with our space; where God's time intersects human time.

 

I decided I needed to head over to Trinity Anglican Church in Cambridge and walk their outdoor labyrinth. Reaching the centre, I was struck by how oddly spacious it seemed to be.

This time I was reminded of the psalmists words '[God] reached down from on high and took hold of me ... [God] brought me out into a spacious place" (Psalm 18). Also incarnational, I think.

And when you get back to your car and find a parking ticket on the windshield? Well, you say a bad word of course, and get on with your day. If you know anything incarnational about that, let me know.

Advent 3

Sometimes I draft a post in my head, but when it comes time to putting it down on 'paper' the timing or tone just doesn't feel right. And instead of putting in the effort it takes to get it right, I went for an extra massage appointment that opened up at the last minute. Sometimes true grace comes from the hands of a skilled RMT.  The tightness and scar tissue in my arm and shoulder and chest would make a grown man cry, but Sheila works her magic and gives me hope that things will keep heading in the right direction. Thanks, Sheila!

So for now, I will keep reflecting on last week's thoughts. Works fine for me - making room for the incarnation doesn't happen overnight, it seems. Funny thing, life.

Advent 2

In his lovely book on St. Francis, Richard Rohr writes that "much of Francis's genius was that he was ready for absolute 'newness' from God, and therefore could also trust fresh and new attitudes in himself. His God was not tired, and so he was never tired. His God was not old, so Francis remained forever young." This leads Rohr directly to the mystery of the incarnation - the essential union of the material and spiritual worlds. This is Christ.

Rohr goes on to say "Our outer world and its inner significance must come together for there to be any wholeness - and holiness. The result is both deep joy and a resounding sense of coherent beauty. What was personified in Jesus was a manifestation of this one universal truth: Matter is, and has always been, a hiding place for Spirit, forever offering itself to be discovered anew." Richard Rohr in Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi, p.xiv, Franciscan Media, 2014.

I think of some of the tired and old attitudes that I find within myself. Am I open to discovering the Spirit hiding in plain sight, offering itself to be discovered anew? Can I make room for the Incarnation? Something to ponder this week.

Advent 1

The Reverend Fleming Rutledge, in her book The Bible and The New York Times wrote, "The authentically hopeful Christmas spirit has not looked away from the darkness, but straight into it. The true and victorious Christmas spirit does not look away from death, but directly at it. Advent begins in the dark" (Fleming Rutledge, The Bible and The New York Times, Grand Rapids: Wm.B.Erdmans, 1998]).

On my cool-down lap in the cemetery recently I encountered an elderly man on his morning walk. “Trying to stay out of this place?” he asked. Well yes - yes I am. “For as long as possible, anyway,” I said, “although no one gets out alive.” Ha ha. “I already own land here” he said, ignoring my weak jest or maybe elaborating on it. He began to list everyone from his family buried around us - great grandparents, grandparents, parents. It was a little tough to understand him through his scarf, but I thought he ended with “and great grandson.” “Did you say great grandson?” “Yes. Stillborn." Ah. I’m sorry. 

So there it is. A perfect stranger, and in less than 5 sentences I’m privy to at least a fraction of the sorrow he carries on his morning walks. It seems you don’t have to scratch anyone’s surface very hard to find something similar.  So I resonate with Reverend Rutledge's words. I trust I will have the courage to look straight into the darkness, knowing that Christmas points us toward the light that shines in our darkness, and will not be overcome.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

I found the graphic and information that follows this post via another blog and found it very clear and helpful. It's also a tad depressing - those of us who have gone through the experience read it and say "yup, uh-huh, yup ..." Radiation exacerbates these side effects. The blogger who posted it is an amazing athlete. She recommends exactly what I found to be the most helpful in trying to mitigate the effects of cancer treatment - exercise, and good nutrition (even if I won't be mountain bike racing like she does!) You can find her here.

I would emphasize one more recommendation, and that's good support for the emotional side effects through counselling. Cancer treatment seems have a knack for finding the weak links in your thought processes and coping strategies, because they're stretched to the absolute maximum and beyond. A good counsellor who understands the impact of cancer treatment can make a world of difference. Don't wait until you're actually depressed.

Speaking of exercise, this is me after a run in an epic rainstorm that turned my gor-tex runners into mini swimming pools. I literally poured the water out of them. I've never been wetter. The photo doesn't really capture just how hard it was raining, but grey streaks slanting past my face do give you a hint :)

Just a wee bit damp.

THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY ON THE BODY

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also can harm perfectly healthy cells, causing side effects throughout the body.

Chemotherapy in the Blood

Chemo Brain

Mouth Sores

Digestive Distress

Balding:
The Signature Side Effect

Fingernail and Toenail Trouble

Chemotherapy and Fertility

Chemo in the Kidneys

Swollen Hands and Feet

Anxiety and Depression

Chemotherapy and the Heart

Muscles and Motor Skills

Nausea and Vomiting

Loss of Appetite

Skin in Need of Soothing

Sexual Dysfunction

Fast-Tracked Menopause

Chemo Effect on the Bladder

Chemo's Long-Term Effect on Bones

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also can harm perfectly healthy cells, causing side effects throughout the body.

The Side Effects of Chemotherapy on the Body

Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells. Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment.

Factors that play a role in side effects include other ongoing treatments, previous health issues, age, and lifestyle. Some patients experience few side effects while others feel quite ill. Although most side effects clear up shortly after treatment ends, some may continue well after chemotherapy has ended, and some may never go away.

Chemotherapy drugs are most likely to affect cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles,bone marrow, mouth, and reproductive system. However, cells in any part of the body may be damaged.

Circulatory and Immune Systems

Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. This can result in several problems. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, making you feel extremely fatigued. Other symptoms of anemia include:

• lightheadedness
• pale skin
• difficulty thinking
• feeling cold
• general weakness

Chemo can lower your white blood cell count, which results in neutropenia. White blood cells play an important role in the immune system: they help fight infection and ward off illness. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, but a low white blood cell count raises the risk of infection and illness. People with an immune system weakened by chemotherapy must take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs.

Cells called platelets help the blood clot. A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, means you’re likely to bruise and bleed easily. Symptoms include nosebleeds, blood in vomit or stools, and heavier-than-normal menstruation.

Some chemo drugs can weaken the heart muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy, or disturb the heart rhythm, causing arrhythmia. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Some chemo drugs can increase the risk of heart attack.These problems are less likely to occur if your heart is strong and healthy at the start of chemotherapy.

Nervous and Muscular Systems

The central nervous system controls emotions, thought patterns, and coordination. Chemotherapy drugs may cause problems with memory, or make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. This symptom sometimes is called “chemo fog,” or “chemo brain.” This mild cognitive impairment may go away following treatment, or may linger for years. Severe cases can add to anxiety and stress.

Some chemo drugs can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Muscles may feel tired, achy, or shaky. Reflexes andsmall motor skills may be slowed. It’s not unusual to experience problems with balance and coordination.

Digestive System

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy involve the digestive tract. Mouth sores and dry mouth can make it difficult to chew and swallow. Sores also may form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in the throat. Mouth sores can make you more susceptible to bleeding and infection. Many patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth, or a yellow or white coating on the tongue. Food may taste unusual or unpleasant.

These powerful drugs can harm cells along the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is a common symptom, and may result in bouts of vomiting. However, anti-nausea medications given in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs can help alleviate this symptom.

Other digestive issues include loose stools or diarrhea. In some people, hard stools and constipation can be a problem. This may be accompanied by pressure, bloating, and gas. Take care to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Side effects involving the digestive system can contribute to loss of appetite andfeeling full even though you haven’t eaten much. Weight loss and general weakness are common. Despite all this, it’s important to continue eating healthy foods.

Hair, Skin, and Nails (Integumentary System)

Many chemotherapy drugs affect the hair follicles and can cause hair loss (alopecia) within a few weeks of the first treatment. Hair loss can occur on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. As troubling as it can be, hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several weeks after the final treatment.

Some patients experience minor skin irritations like dryness, itchiness, and rash. You may develop sensitivity to the sun, making it easier to burn. Your doctor can recommend topical ointments to soothe irritated skin.

Fingernails and toenails may turn brown or yellow, and become ridged or brittle. Nail growth may slow down, and nails may crack or break easily. In severe cases, they canactually separate from the nail bed. It’s important to take good care of your nails to avoid infection.

Sexual and Reproductive System

Chemotherapy drugs can have an effect on your hormones. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. They may become temporarily or permanently infertile. Women on chemotherapy may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. The chance of developing vaginal infections is increased. Chemotherapy drugs given during pregnancy can cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm sperm or lower sperm count, and temporary or permanent infertility is possible.

Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations may interfere with sex drive in both men and women. So can worrying about loss of hair and other changesin appearance. However, many people on chemotherapy continue to enjoy an intimate relationship and an active sex life.

Kidneys and Bladder (Excretory System)

The kidneys work to excrete the powerful chemotherapy drugs as they move through your body. In the process, some kidney and bladder cells can become irritated or damaged. Symptoms of kidney damage include decreased urination, swelling of the hands and feet (edema), and headache. Symptoms of bladder irritation include a feeling of burning when urinating and increased urinary frequency.

You’ll be advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush the medication from your systemand to keep your system functioning properly. Note: Some medications cause urine to turn red or orange for a few days. This isn’t cause for concern.

Skeletal System

Most people—and especially women—lose some bone mass as they age. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause calcium levels to drop and contribute to bone loss. This can lead to cancer-related osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women who have been treated for breast cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture. This is due to the combination of the drugs and the drop in estrogen levels. Osteoporosisincreases the risk of bone fractures and breaks. The most common areas of the body to suffer breaks are the spine and pelvis, hips, and wrists.

Psychological and Emotional Toll

Living with cancer and dealing with chemotherapy can exact an emotional toll. You may feel fearful, stressed, or anxious about your appearance and your health. Some people may suffer from depression. Juggling work, financial, and family responsibilities while undergoing cancer treatment can become overwhelming.

Many cancer patents turn to complementary therapies like massage and meditation for relaxation and relief. If you have trouble coping, mention it to your doctor. They may be able to suggest a local cancer support group where you can speak with others who are undergoing cancer treatment. If feelings of depression persist, professional counseling may be necessary.

- See more at: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body#sthash.pmnAZycY.dpuf