As you know, the first plan for chemotherapy for me was not working. They stopped that regimen mid-December and I took a break from chemo to let my body recuperate. I started my new chemo treatment with new drugs on Jan 14th. They were giving me two new kinds of treatment. The first drug was an actual chemo drug and the second was a drug designed to work in tandem with the chemo to stop the flow of blood to the cancer cells.
After one treatment (Jan 14) they discovered I have a high sensitivity to the chemo. I began losing feeling in my fingers and feet. This is an expected longer-term side effect, but it happened to me very quickly. My doctor was very concerned and looked me straight in the eyes and said, “You need to understand that what I am telling you is very serious.” He went on to explain that I am currently experiencing neuropathy of the sensory kind – loss of feeling. He said it might heal but is often permanent. But the next stage of neuropathy involves my motor skills. “You may not be able to hold a pen, button your shirt or even walk if this gets worse.”
With that warning, he canceled my chemo for last week (Jan 20th) and wanted to see if the neuropathy got better. It did not. In fact, it has gotten worse. The loss of feeling has traveled up my left leg to my knee and has started moving up my left arm. Because of this, they canceled yesterday’s chemo as well (Jan 27). Instead, they just gave me the secondary drug.
We will be skipping all treatment next week (that was supposed to happen anyway as a rest week) and we will see if the neuropathy has subsided the following week (Feb 8). If it has, they will consider giving me a 50% dose of the chemo to see what happens. If it has not gone away, we need to come up with another kind of treatment for the cancer.
The good news is that when I don’t have chemo, I am more productive and feel better. The bad news is that when I don’t have chemo, the cancer is going unchecked. At present, I am on 24 hour pain management.
I’m not sure what any of this means for a timeline. I do know I have today and I’m thankful for that. My family, friends, work, neighbors and church are all a blessing. Cancer can’t and won’t take that.
We’re praying for you guys. Sharing your story and godly attitude through all this is really encouraging. Your family is seeing a strong testimony lived out and something they’ll have with them forever. God bless you and our love to you guys.
Wes,
I’m so sorry, sad that the side effects are so bad. I think you made the right decision to stop the chemo you were using. Praying for another solution, praying it works! Praying for peace as you walk through each moment. Praying for a new doctors that are in research that they would find something new that they hadn’t thought of.
You are so loved and covered in prayer.
Praying the joy of the Lord continues to be your strength,
Louisa
Praying the neuropathy clears and you’ll be able to restart treatment to keep that cancer in check. Praying for the entire Coddington Tribe! Sending our love.
Continue to pray for a miracle!
We pray everyday for you and your family, Wes!
Mark had side effects just like you. He did lose his motor skills. Neutopothy was also a side effect. Have Karen do some massage on you, try to keep moving. I pray for you guys continually.
I am so sorry to hear this. I am in constant prayer for a miraculous healing for you.. and praying for strength and comfort for all. If our Heavenly Father cured the blind, the sick and I know he will cure you of this Cancer !!! Sending love ❤️ to all
Cristina
My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as your family during this difficult and trying time.
Praying they can come up with a treatment plan that gets you on the right path.
Praying for you and your family Wes. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your fellow pilgrims are encouraged by your authenticity and transparency. Jesus is glorified.
We are praying for the neuropathy to lessen and for a chemo treatment that doesn’t
devastate you. We are praying for your family too that the Lord will strenghthen your faith and hope in Him day by day.
Wow, Wes! You have been on my mind all day today and several times I have reached for my phone to message you but have been interrupted. I have prayed for you more today than I have in a few days as a result of you on my mind so much!
Your body seems to be uniquely wired in all the things, so it somewhat makes sense that even in this, you are a puzzle to be solved. Praying wisdom for all of your team to know the best and wisest course of treatment for you. Praying for you and the family as you journey this together.
Tell that lady of yours, I miss her so much on Sunday mornings and her chair sits empty next to me in the bookstore. Sometimes those mundane things are the things we miss most in life and people.
Love you guys dearly and praying God’s will be done.
Oh Wes – no words come. Just prayers and love and hugs
We are praying for you guys continually at the Rustrum house. Comfort, Peace, and Clarity are the three thoughts on my heart for you today.
We and are church family are praying for you and your family! Paul & Paula Limato (Jamie’s parents). Poplar Ridge Baptist Church Bedford, Ky
I am so sorry this started to happen, Wes! I am praying you get full feeling back after taking a chemo break! Sending hugs, love and all good vibes your way! ❤️ God bless.
Wes, thank you for the updates. I am praying for a miracle for you, Karen, and your kids. As unconfortable as it is, I join with you in praying for God’s will and his glory no matter the outcome. Thank you for sharing your journey, demonstrating faithfulness admist difficult trials, and providing us with an example to follow. You continue to build your legacy and honor Jesus and our Father as you do.
Hi Pastor Wes,
I’m so sorry to hear this! I pray that God will give wisdom to your doctor(s),
so they find the right treatment combination to beat the cancer, and minimize
– and even reverse – the negative side effects.
And I pray that you keep trusting in Him, and that your faith and testimony will continue
to draw others to Him.
Praying for you all thru this!
Just love you so much. He loves you more.
I am sorry your side affects are so bad but I am encouraged by courageous way of how you are handling in a godly way. It continues to give me hope in my life as I deal with my trials and tribulations. But I know God triamphs like no nothing else can. God has healed me from cancer several times of different types. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Praying for you continually my friend. I hate the complications and the complexity of the battle for you. I pray recovery over the next “rest” week and continued healing with the lower concentration of chemo. You need to get better for the next 15 years!
Love you Wes,
Joe
My heart just hurts …
Praying for strength for your family
Lord, help our unbelief! But, having said that, we are believing God is in control and, our prayers continue. Bless you, Karen and family!
I just want you to be healed. Plain and simple. Your faith is rock solid. It is amazing to me. I pray for you and your family often.
So sorry that the Chemo is so rough on you. Praying for you and your family. We love you all!❤️🙏🏻
Sending love—and prayers. ❤️
Continued prayers for you my brother. You have endured so much already. We plead with our good Lord to extend continued grace and strength to you, Karen and the kids. Keep fighting the good fight, the prize is well worth it. Love you Wes
Thanks praying for a full recovery . Thanks for sharing your journey. I’m a friend of Linda’s from Canada.
Darren
Thanks for following his story but more importantly for praying for him!
I don’t have any words… praying and heart broken…
Prayers for God’s peace to reign over everyone involved.
Praying for you, brother.
So So sorry. But I know God is using you and your testimony for HIs Glory. I pray for God to continue to work in you and use you as He wills. Praying for comfort and courage for you and your family as you face a challenging road ahead. May we see the miracle of the healing of God in your life and body. God Bless!!
Praying every day for you, Karen, and the family. I do know what it is to try to manage day-by-day while fighting cancer with Don. It is not pleasant and can be down right scary. So thankful that you folks know the Lord who does care and who promises to be “with you.” Love, much love!
It is good to see your doc is sensitive to the universe of issues surrounding chemo. It is clear that we all react differently to our dietary practices. Sorry your reaction is so drastic. To a lesser degree I suffer from neuropathy myself. It was painful and running out of control until ran across a pill called Nerverenew. Except for an old ski injury my pain and sensitivity have returned to normal. If you and your doc are ok with Nerverenew l will send you some to give it a try. At this point in my neuropathy journey l am taking three tablets in the morning and evening. That sounds a bit much, but no pain is worth it.
Wes and family: I am constantly praying for you and your family. I am happy that you are keeping your eyes on Jesus, Fight hard. You are dearly loved.
Blessings
Carolyn Smolen
Keep fighting, Wes! You are a remarkable man and your faith is strong. Your parents are special and they have raised a special son. My prayers are with you for God to watch over you.
Thank you for continued updates. Helps us know how to pray specifically for you! You have such a positive attitude, Wes! Such an inspiration.
That was a tough one to read, Wes. Jackie and I just got done praying for you.
I’m humbled beyond words . . .
Continuing to pray.
Dave and I continue to pray for you and your family. The Lord is in control. He is your strength and your portion…a very present help in need. He has all the answers to such difficult questions and we know His arms of love are around all of you.
Dave and I continue to pray for you and your family. The Lord is in control. He is your strength and your portion…a very present help in need. He has all the answers to such difficult questions and we know His arms of love are around all of you.
We are continuing to pray for you and your family. Much Love ❤️ Dave and Lorrie McKeon
Continuing in prayer for you and your family……
I am sitting here with Sam and Goose (Tucker) and Sam asked, “who are your writing to?” And I said, “Uncle Wes.”
“Who is Uncle Wes? I don’t know who Uncle Wes is.” Probably the saddest statement he could make :-). Seriously, I do hope they get to meet you and Karen soon – but if not, I am encouraged that I have the privilege of sharing with him the stories, videos and pictures that I have of you and your family.
We continue to pray for you and the family. Thanks for the update – and I do pray that things turn around for you.
Love you guys – hope to see you again soon.
Wes and family. Praying daily for all of you .
You are all a testimony of God’s strength in our weakness and His Light shines out.
🙏🏻🤗
Love you so much bro, praying !
Wes, saddened to hear about the seriousness of your body’s reaction to the chemo. Praying for you and Karen in this awful journey. May you experience the Lord’s presence, peace and wisdom in powerful ways
As I read through all of these comments, know your family, life, and story are already a testament and testify God’s love, strength, and grace. We are continually grateful to your family and the parts your paths played in our lives. Serving and helping create us to be followers of Christ. God is at work through you, all over the US. He works with and through all of us just by knowing you & praying . Thank you for the updates, and sharing your story. Praying for wisdom, and healing to come to you and Karen, and family.
With love,
The Erler Family
Dear Pastor,
I am Carolyn Smolen’s former Pastor, and she recently shared with me about your situation. I am personally praying for you (and your family), and as you know better than anyone, indeed, that “all things” (whether they be good or bad) work together “for the good” for those who are called and love their God–that applies to you (Rom. 8:28)! Why do things work for your good? Well, as you also know, the sovereign hands of God are completely supporting you and your precious life and hundreds of people are praying for you day and night–interceding for you before His throne of grace. Indeed, with this Almighty God who knows you by name and smiles upon your life, all things are possible, and hence, we know that you will continue to be hopeful and optimistic and keep pressing on, dear Pastor! We all are standing in the gap for you with great affection within in our hearts for you! Blessings! Bruce
PS: Check out my song when you have time–I wrote it for my sweet brothers and sisters like you. I pray it brings you comfort!
YouTube Video
Pastor Bruce De Soto: Will You Heal Me (“Danny Song”)