Quick update after first chemo infusion

I know you must be anxious to hear from me. I will write in detail (from my notes I'm taking along the way) when I feel better but right now, I can only muster this much...

In a nutshell - I survived my first chemo infusion on Tuesday. A total volume of 542 ml of an Oxaliplatin and glucose concoction infusion was successfully administered intravenously over just two hours. The ice pack cover over the infusion bag was dubiously labeled "CAUTION CYTOTOXIC DRUG - Vesicant". They may as well have simply put the pirate's skull-and-cross-bones sign across it! I'm currently experiencing the worse end of the possible side effects described in the literature:
1) Severe pins-and-needles sensation in both hands (versus "tingling at finger tips"). Hands are very stiff - I can't curve my fingers over my computer-mouse. I'm typing only with my index fingers!
2) Extremely sensitive to cold - touching a doorknob or cup is like holding a block of ice in my bare hands! Sensation is HIGHLY exaggerated.
3) Throat seems to have shrunk at least half in size and the membranes seem to have wrinkled up like crushed paper - apart from liquid, everything I try to swallow seems to get stuck just two inches behind my throat :( I've come up with a solution - think giraffe!
4) Appetite nowhere to be found - actually forgot to have lunch yesterday 'cause didn't feel hungry at all :( Sad when you think how much I love my food...
5) fatique, Fatique, FATIQUE - this needs no elaboration. Branson must be annoyed to have to share the bed with me ALL day versus the norm of having it all to himself during the day!

Will be interesting when the rest of the possible side effects set in i.e. memory loss! Hahahaha! Might be a good idea 'cause I won't even remember the reason for popping those huge tablets!

Please continue to pray for Jack. I've not seen him so worried...

p.s. Buddy should be completing his Topsham tour and leaving the UK to embark on his world tour beginning with the USA by mid next week.