Fr. Tony Update
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Thai-Bound

Fr. Tony Update:

Fever seems to have subsided, but aches and pain from peripheral neuropathy (PN) still an ongoing issue. PN is a side affect of the chemo, especially when the Vincristine is used. Had I not ended up with a severed nerve, when my Daisy bit my finger, I'd not truly understand how painful nerve damage can be. My thumb, after a month+ has healed, but during that month, I went from complete numbness in the area (like someone had injected Novicane), to a pins and needles/nails poking feeling, to a burning sensation. Not pleasant at all.

What is peripheral neuropathy, you may wonder?

Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body.

More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of development, and prognosis. Impaired function and symptoms depend on the type of nerves -- motor, sensory, or autonomic -- that are damaged. Some people may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired.

Causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy include physical injury (trauma) to a nerve, tumors, toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, and vascular and metabolic disorders. Acquired peripheral neuropathies are caused by systemic disease, trauma from external agents, or infections or autoimmune disorders affecting nerve tissue. Inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy are caused by inborn mistakes in the genetic code or by new genetic mutations.

In most chemo related PN cases, the PN will subside, but it can take quite a bit of time. This is simply **another** of those side affects one learns one must deal with, when undergoing chemo. Sadly, there seem to be legions of RX with their own unique side affects, and one can't help but wonder at times if the cure is worse then the disease.

As most may know, Tony's ankle problem seems to have resolved itself. We're so mightily thankful this particular problem has passed, and it may be due to the Fosomax drug. But, we recently learned that this same wonder drug **can** burn a hole in your esophagus! Tony had been experiencing some burning pain down the center of his chest, thus making eating difficult, prior to recent Dr. visit. Doc said "stop taking the Fosomax!", then told us of the possible damage it could cause. Geeee, if it's not one thing, it's another!

Tony continues to muddle through each day, coping with his uncomfortable aches and pains, which is compounded by the lack of sleep, due to same. Poor Guy!

THAI BOUND

Got an email from Abbey. She and Lee arrived safely in Bangkok, Thailand! They should shortly be catching the overnight bus to Mae Sot. Abbey's first report....

Hello from Bangkok! Well, we made it in last night right at about midnight and got into the city with no problem...and the best part....OUR BACKPACKS MADE IT! Hooooray! As everyone knows, i have the kiss of death when travelling, so we were expecting some problem to pop up...oh wait, I spoke too soon. Our hotel that i booked and confirmed and reconfirmed didn't have our room, which was supposed to be a double bed with ac. But the good news is, they DID have a single bed with a fan in the room. Hmmm, not quite the same, but let's get this authentic experience started! Who knew it was possible to sweat so much in the late hours of the night? But we got a decent night's rest, just ate some breakfast, locked up our backpacks and are off to the bus station to buy tickets for the bus ride tonight out to Mae Sot. After we hit the bus station, the plan is to try and go see a couple of Temples and just check out the city, get our bearings, and take it all in.

Will email more once we're in Mae Sot.
Love to all!
Lee and Abbey

Tony's first comment to Abbey's wonderful report, "I guess they don't realize a fan **is** air conditioning, in Thailand" grin

Have to keep this entry short and sweet... must get to cleaning... bishop's due to arrive some time this morning, and don't want him carried away by dust bunnies!