Our trip fighting lung cancer....

February 20, 2011

2011-02-19T16:07:00.001-08:00

As you can see, Paul has lost some weight! Otherwise, after being hospitalized three times since November, he is doing pretty well. It was not the cancer but congestive heart failure and COPD causing most of his trips to ER. Low BP and fluid retention two of the problems now resolved (I hope).

Winter has been tough here and we are confined to house most of the time. Now have visiting nurses and that helps.

Ten weeks to Paul's Veterans reunion in Texas. We are still hoping to go.

As for the lung cancer - holding its own and not spreading as far as we know right now. Has grown a little in lung but is a very slow growing cancer so no problems YET!

November 11, 2010

2010-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Paul looking good on Veterans Day. He was in the Army 20 years and two tours of Vietnam.

Doing so well now!

November 9, 2010.....

2010-11-09T17:02:00.001-08:00

Our resident pileated woodpecker!

Visit to oncologist went well today. Ct scan showed Paul still in REMISSION - 43 months since discovery! We are thrilled, of course.

He also saw dentist and she is making him dentures that fit better.

He has gained back the weight he lost but is just right now at 169 to 170.

He will return in a couple months for an xray just to keep eyes on things.

No more VA visits until December - crossing our fingers!

A good day!

Elaine

October 29, 2009

2010-10-29T17:45:00.001-07:00

Paul testing our his new lift and scooter for the van. He tried it out twice this week and it is working great for him - breathing better and not getting so tired after appointments, etc.

Yesterday he had his PFT (pulmonary function test) and much improved since last time - February. Pulmonary Doctor is pleased with how he is doing. Losing weight has definitely helped breathing and getting around.

Medications staying the same for the COPD.

Next week is ct scan and oncologist - keeping fingers crossed for the best news!

October 5,2010

2010-10-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Paul had his EMG test for neuropathy. The doctor said he has mild neuropathy and should not worry about it. Right now she gave him some Lidocaine cream which helps with the pain in his toes and it is helping a lot.

Paul drove to the VA (that is about 25 miles of city traffic and back. He did just fine. The new van is easy to drive. We stopped for a little lunch/dinner. A good day all around.

This morning his primary care NP called from his vacation to see that he remembered to get his blood test and check the potassium level. They really take good care of him at the VA hospital.

2010-09-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Paul ready to go to the doctors or wherever I will drive him!

We love the van and the lift for the scooter (which he got yesterday) will be installed soon. It will help make his trips to the VA hospital much better as well as parks, malls, etc.

Paul has lost weight but finally gotten his appetite back for most food so he is doing ok. Potassium pills are helping as his was low.

EMG (nerve tests) next Monday to see about his neuropathy and maybe some treatment options.

We are doing ok - one day at a time!

September 19, 2010

2010-09-19T18:00:00.001-07:00

Paul was approved for a scooter like this and we bought a minivan yesterday - getting it soon - that will fit inside with a lift. Should make it easier for him to get around stores, hospital, etc.

He is gaining strength but losing weight - today he ate better so soon should be back to better weight.

Nothing much else going on - just enjoying Fall in CNY!!

Next report after some more tests, etc.

Update....September 2, 2010

2010-09-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, all is going pretty good as far as cancer is concerned. Paul was in hospital with pneumonia a couple weeks ago and is weak but gaining slowly. He has tried the fentanyl patch for pain in his back for two weeks now and is having too many side effects. Intends to get off the patch as soon as his doctor recommends what to do then - avoiding withdrawal, etc.
We are not enjoying the hot weather and it is suppose to be cooler this weekend.
Ct scan on lungs in November so until then just hanging out and trying to stay on our feet!

July 30, 2010

2010-07-30T18:51:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Morgan and Matt's wedding on July 10, 2010...it was very nice!

Today we got the news of the recent ct scan and all remains about same - words of the oncologist.

Last week the NP for cardiology said Paul was "very" stable as far as congestive heart failure and his heart condition!

One day at a time and enjoying this beautiful summer weather.

Next week is my turn at the orthopedic surgeon about a knee replacement!

June 24, 2010

2010-06-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Short update on latest visit to VA. Paul saw cardiologist NP and he says Paul is "stable" as far as CHF is concerned. Pacemaker is now working great. All vitals good.

He saw vascular doctor who operated on his aorta aneursym 4 years ago. Doctor said all is ok and no signs of a new aneursym which sometimes happens about 4 years out.

So - for now - STABLE and under control.

June 10, 2010

2010-06-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

Paul had visit to the oncologist this week. All is same. He is scheduling the next ct scan for July 28. Starting his fourth year of lung cancer remission.

Paul also had his eyes checked and is getting new glasses. His pacemaker was adjusted but he went back and had it returned to original setting and feels much better.

Today was my visit to eye surgeon. Corneas ok, small sign of cataracts growing but nothing serious yet.

I guess we are all "tuned up" for now.

I turned 70 last week - not real happy but much better than the alternative.

This is the first rose on our large bush - more to come!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Another Memorial Day come and gone! I feel fortunate to live in this country where I am free and owe it all to our servicemen and women around the world who have fought for this country and some giving their lives. Some are still fighting and some are fighting for their lives at home through injuries and illnesses acquired in the service of America!

Thanks!

May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just a picture to show that Paul is doing fine. Pacing himself but doing his "chores".

Trip to Orlando - May 10, 2010

2010-05-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed 10 days in Orlando and at Paul's veterans reunion. Paul is now off oxygen and flying Jetblue was the best we have ever experienced.

Paul also has been in remission now over 3 years and counting.

Tomorrow he gets his port replaced as it quit working.

Couple pictures from Orlando...

March 3, 2010

2010-03-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well, the visit with the cardiologist did not go so well. Paul's heart is not strong enough to do the stent procedure. However, he is doing well with medications so will continue that way and see cardiologist 6 months for new ECG and maybe then they can do the stent. He is breathing much better - main symptom just getting tired faster than usual so slowing down is his only option. He rests a lot but does chores, etc. when he can.

Lung cancer is still stable with little change. That is good news, of course.

We are planning on our vacation end of April to Florida.

One hard thing is cooking and eating low salt but we are working on it. It certainly is helping me too.

This is is favorite hobby and Penny enjoys it too....

February 11, 2010

2010-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Just an update on Paul's lung cancer and heart problems. His cancer is still in remission.
Congestive heart failure is stable. His blood pressure is super low but doctor wants it that way as long as he does not feel sick. He is just so very tired.
Next week is NP in cardiology and maybe more medication adjustments, etc.
We are hopeful and looking for Spring.

January 11, 2010 - trip to ER....

2010-01-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Paul was having problems breathing and ankle swelling. Took him to ER and they kept him for tests. Episode of congestive heart failure. January 14 he had a heart catherization and one of his old grafts is 70% clogged. Doctors do not feel a stent is necessary now but maybe in the future. He will have a new ECG in a month.
CT scan showed his lung cancer same - good news!
He is home and getting his strength back - feeling better.

Last day of 2009....

2009-12-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

I went with Paul to see his cardiologist for routine check of heart, EKG and pacemaker. NP told him he is doing fine - blood pressure good, weight ok, and heart sounds good. Another year starts tomorrow - hoping for the best one ever!

(Even Penny is cold today)

A lot to be thankful for...

2009-11-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to add this note for Thanksgiving! A lot to be thankful for here. Paul's lung cancer - Stage 4 - has been in remission for over 2 years and will be 3 years in Spring. He is doing well - living as good as possible from one ct scan to another. Breathing is not as good but due to COPD a little worse. His back pain is still his biggest problem to live with.

I am doing better with my UC and looking forward to the holidays!

Happy Holidays to everyone who reads this.

Elaine

September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T16:06:00.001-07:00

Fall is here but my begonias still pretty!

Today was routine trip to oncologist which turned out to be a trip to ER. Paul was coughing, wheezing, etc. - doctor said "Paul, you look terrible!" So he went to ER. Good news is nothing new with cancer or no pneumonia, etc.

Just an exacerbation of his COPD. He will be on steroids a short time and antibiotics to stop any infection. He should feel much better in a few days.

Chest xray showed lung cancer the same!

That is good!

Update....September 6, 2009

2009-09-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

(our new car)

Two years ago Paul started radiation treatments. He has been "stable" since. We are so happy with the outcome so far. He had a recent ct scan and no phone calls about the results so assuming all is same. Enjoying this time as much as we can with his arthritis, back pain, etc. and my UC plus arthritis - bad knees and lack of energy.

Elaine

More good news...July 21, 2009

2009-07-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Smiling as he should be - on Amtrak from Syracuse to Albany. Nice trip!
Today Paul saw oncologist and cardiologist and all remains about same. Only comment was he could breathe a little better if he lost maybe 20 lbs. He is trying! Every day is "gravy" as I call it. Life is good right now!

June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Trip to clinic was the best news ever! All scans, bone and CT and xrays negative for cancer. It has been two years since diagnosis this week and still in remission. We are very happy.

First day with new car and loving that also!

Hope it is a LONG summer.

Have a fun one!

June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is our resident (sometimes) deer. She is injured and limps so we enjoy watching her and see that she is ok! She likes the grass and weeds in our backyard!

Paul had his routine ct scan and saw the oncologist last week. Results remain about same. No action to be taken right now. He did order a bone scan to be sure everything in the bones is ok. Lung cancer often spreads to bones in time.

Doctor noted that Paul had gained weight and we both are trying to do better in that department and maybe lose a few. Next appointment in 3 months.

Enjoy the summer.

2009-05-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

April 8, 2009

2009-04-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Trips this week to pulmonary doctor, ortho for finger and ortho for shoulder went well. Paul got cortisone for the finger and shoulder.

Pulmonary doctor did the breathing tests and all numbers about same which is good. A walking tests showed that his oxygen levels stay high enough without supplemental oxygen with normal walking.

Time for Spring to come and some work outside - I hope!

March 27, 2009

2009-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Paul went to oncologist by himself because just got word my Dad passed away.

Oncologist said he looked good, still "stable" and to continue what he has been doing.

His major problems still remain his shoulder and back - not cancer related. He will be doing physical therapy starting April 13 and seeing an ortho doc about his shoulder and trigger finger. All is good right now.

Still looking for Spring!!

March 18, 2009

2009-03-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Paul will be starting physical therapy for his back March 30 - a work injury of many years back. Maybe it will also help his breathing - strengthening his muscles, etc. He is feeling pretty good - trying to take off a few pounds which he put on this winter.

We still have snow but it is thawing and hopefully we won't have too much NEW snow before Spring.

WE still spend our days going to doctors, grocery store, pharmacy and occasional dinner out.

Paul walks our dog, Penny, who is now completely blind due to glaucoma. She runs into everything but is slow so no injuries yet.

I am still fighting ulcerative colitis and determined to win. On prednisone and 6MP right now and probably for months. I still want to have my knee replacement but has to be one thing at a time.

Elaine

UPDATE.....February 25, 2009

2009-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Well, today was Paul's visit to the primary care doctor. He had never gotten any call about the ct scan so knew it was ok but no details.

His PA, Alex, went over all his concerns with medication, etc. He called the NP from oncology while there and clarified that all is still STABLE! The tiny new nodule found in April in left lung is still same size - no change - wonderful news. Still could be cancer but not growing or spreading. No signs of mets to any other organs!

We all agreed that Spring will help with some of our concerns about being tired, etc. A little more exercise, better eating, etc. would be good. His blood work was perfect (and better than mine).

Waiting now for Spring and getting outside!

Elaine

Winter in central NY....

2009-01-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

Since the ct scan was postponed due to weather - thought some of you might like to see what our weather is like. It is pretty but we are getting tired of it.

All is well....January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

Paul Christmas......

Paul saw both cardiologist and oncologist past week. They both remarked how well he looks.

Blood work was fine, pacemaker doing fine and no new symptoms from cancer. Oncologist is scheduling a ct scan - soon and appointment end of March.

We are pleased with his progress and lack of progress of the lung cancer.

Ready for Spring but otherwise doing ok!

December 21, 2008

2008-12-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

Paul's pacemaker is working fine. Most bothersome is not being able to use it over his head yet but that will come in a couple weeks.

We are getting lots of snow and cold and staying inside when we can. Paul takes Penny out walking as fast as she will. Here is a picture of our "Santa's Helper". She is blind now but gets around just fine as long as we don't move too much!

Have a great holiday. A year ago we were not sure if Paul would be here or be as well. Just shows you what a positive attitude, great doctors and treatments can do.

December 3, 2008 - trip to hospital...

2008-12-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

Started out to be a routine trip to oncologist and primary care doctors. When giving blood for the visit Paul nearly passed out, got nauseated and dizzy. They rushed him to emergency room and from there - after many tests, etc. - group of cardiologist decided he was in need of a pacemaker. This is something we knew he might someday have to have implanted. He has been having minor problems with dizziness but, of course, with having chemo, etc. you never know for sure. An EKG found the problem.
So, next day he had the pacemaker implanted and is home healing now. Oncologist visted him there in emergency and said the cancer is still about same on ct scan which is great!
One more hurdle over!!

November 19, 2008 - ct scan results....

2008-11-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

Nurse practicioner called and latest ct scan shows still stable condition - no changes.
Good news indeed!
Now appointment in December with oncologist and another ct scan in probably 10 to 12 weeks.

Vegas vacation....11/08/2008

2008-11-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip with our two sons and a reunion with Vietnam buddies. We all stayed well for the trip. Paul now has a cold but nothing too serious. Here we are - our whole family (minus in-laws and grandkids, of course). Nice to spend a few days together...

September 3, 2008

2008-09-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Appointment with oncologist to find out results of latest ct scan. Seems that all is stable still. Only problem is some inflammation of the lung caused by radiaton that usually shows up months after. Area staying same or slightly smaller.

No new cancer on ct scan or growth! Good report.

Next ct scan and appointment in three months.

Every day is a gift!

Elaine

Tags: lung cancer, radiation pneumonitis, COPD

August 2, 2008 - visit from COPD internet friend...

2008-08-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Paul, Bob and Elaine

We were happy to have a visit from PennyPA while on her trip around the country with Bob, Sam the parrott and two doggies. It was nice to meet them in person. Here is a couple pictures we took. We would have one with the four of us if I could have figured out the timed setting. Of course, I figured it out as soon as they were out the door. Penny had LVRS in Spring and feels good and looks great...

Penny, Paul and Bob

July 19, 2008

2008-07-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just a short entry to tell everyone we are doing pretty good. I have not been able to get control of the ulcerative colitis but doing better and hoping! Since my son and family will be visiting in August from Chicago planning on waiting for knee surgery anyway.

Paul is enjoying "stable" and seems ok. No new aches and pains except the neuropathy which comes and goes in his legs and feet. Appetite is good and his hair looking better. At least I got him to smile for this picture. He sees the primary care doctor on Monday. Just a regular checkup.

June 25, 2008 - followup CT SCAN

2008-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy to report no change in his ct scan. All is still stable - tumors in both lungs remain same size - no spreading. Only problem is some after affects of chemo including some neuropathy in legs and feet. His hair has grown in nicely and he is keeping his goatee for now.

It was a very good news day. Followup in three months.

June 18, 2008

2008-06-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the followup ct scan to see how the cancer is doing or not doing as it may be!

We will find out at visit with Oncologist next Wednesday. Just trying to enjoy the summer weather and getting outside, etc. My medical problems are resolving (I think) and maybe I will still be able to have my knee replacement this summer or Fall.

More news next week.

Tags: lung cancer, ct scan, waiting

May 31, 2008

2008-05-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

My knee surgery was postponed due to complications of colitis. Having tests on Wednesday to decide on form of treatment so I can have the surgery in the future - soon I hope!

Paul is doing good - getting stronger. Still having problems with back pain (unrelated to cancer) and sinus and short of breath. He is, however, getting stronger. CT scan on June 18 will tell exactly how he is doing.

Update on his hair returning - that is good news.

Update - May 17, 2008

2008-05-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Just a note to update everyone on Paul's progress. He is gaining strength and getting ready to take care of me after knee replacement on Friday. His hair is growing back in - he was hoping for curly but probably not. And a lot more white is showing up than before...here he is...

Tags: hair loss, chemo, lung cancer

Paul's new toy....

2008-05-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

For now this is a "toy" but someday when we go on a trip or to the mall he will probably use it. He can walk pretty good - now if he only had a better back! Got a deal so bought it now....

Trip to oncologist and my surgery...

2008-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

May 5, 2008,

Trip to the oncologist gave us good and not so good news. Best news was the ct scan showed shrinkage in tumors - both lungs. Stable now!

Not so good was an area - probably small cancer in left lung not seen before. It is about 1 cm. and will be followed in ct scans in a few weeks. For now we are upbeat and trying not to "borrow" any trouble.

Paul is tired easily but most of the time feels pretty good. We went to watch our granddaughter play soccer on Saturday and enjoyed the outing very much. He has a little neuropathy in legs and feet but not too serious, thank goodness. We hope to do some rehab together after my knee replacement.

My knee surgery was postponed to May 23 but I am slowly getting ready and know that I have to go through with it if at all possible. Walking has become painful and tiring.

Updates as they happen.

Elaine

Tags: ct scan, neuropathy

Results of ct scan

2008-04-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2008 - Results of ct scan were great! Shrinkage of over 50% in tumors and no signs of spreading - considered STABLE disease right now. About the best news we could get.

Tomorrow followup with radiation oncologist. He just wants to see him one more time.

Paul is doing quite a bit around the house and some outside - working to get his strength back and on with life. It has been just one year since doctor found a "fuzzy area" on the xrays.

I plan on knee replacement May 16 so he will be taking care of me.

Come back for any updates.

Elaine

Tags: ct scan, chemotherapy, lung cancer

March 28, 2008

2008-03-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Paul had his last chemo treatment. CT scan on April 9 will tell how well radiation and chemo worked on the cancer. We already know the two tumors have shrunk. He is feeling pretty good. Chemo knocks you around for a few days but nothing he can't handle. He will be his old self very soon. We are looking forward to Spring (got snow today) and getting outside and doing some things - even if it is only a drive to the park.

I will report on results of Ct scan.

Elaine

February 26 to March 22.....

2008-03-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Third chemo treatments was February 28. It went well but he was sicker for a few days after than before. Feels like a case of the flu he says and spends a few days mostly in bed and not eating too much. Then he kept feeling better but found out that the nausea pills (zofran) made him more tired and some diarrhea so he stopped them quickly and feels so much better.

We are both wishing for Spring and warm weather. This Thursday is four and probably last chemo treatment at least for a while. Then he will have a CT scan a couple weeks down the road and determine how well the radiation/chemo has worked. We know it is working but hoping for lots of good news!!

Here is Paul and his buddy - follows him everywhere and keeps him active as he does the dog walking as much as possible...

Tags: lung cancer, copd, chemo

Winter in Central NY

2008-02-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Pictures of life up North. View today from my computer. Deer that often get to our bird feeder. Ice fishing on Oneida Lake!! Come on up everyone! Elaine

Delay in chemo....

2008-02-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

February 23, 2008...

Paul saw the oncologist and he confirmed that the CT Scan looked good and everything is "stable".

Chemo for the 13th was postponed until Paul gets over his "cold" - taking antibiotics and cough syrup, etc. He will return to oncologist Feb. 27 and hopefully he can have his third chemo treatment the next day or 29th.

Paul continues to be tired and we are wishing for Spring as it is very cold, snowy, etc. a lot of days. He does, however, remain able to do his chores, walk our dog, etc.

More later!

CT Scan preliminary report....

2008-02-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

Paul saw his PA today for routine checkup on all health matters.

VA hospital has all records on computer which is great. The PA read some of the CT Scan report - bottom line is "substantial shrinkage of tumors in both lungs" and NO evidence of spreading. The news we were hoping for. One day at a time. Next week is onocologist and unless he has changed the plan - two more chemo treatments for sure.

Elaine

Fighting a virus....

2008-02-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

January 31 -

For two weeks I have been fighting a head cold that went to my chest and now Paul has it. The doctor gave him medication and antibiotics to fight it off and

he feels better. His primary doctor says lungs are clear now.

He had the second chemo treatment January 18 and the same side effects - lasting about three days of fatigue and loss of appetite. He seems to not have lost more hair yet.

"Buzz" the head day....

2008-01-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Due to losing his hair in blotchy patches he used his electric trimmer and cut it really short - just fuzzy now. It will take some getting used to but is not upsetting him at all since he know that means the chemotherapy is working - cancer is leaving his body and that is what is important. He is just as handsome as ever to me!!

January 8, 2008 - hair loss day

2008-01-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

First hair loss. Nothing too dramatic - just thinning. I do believe he will cut it very short soon to avoid the "mess" when it falls out. He is losing it all over his body.

Family Christmas - December 29th...

2008-01-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Paul drove to my niece's house 100 miles north of here to have Christmas with my family of 34. He did well and I drove home.

Paul is eating well and gained a few lbs. which he does not need to do. No real side effects except aching and fatigue! He does lots of resting!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

We were able to go for a short visit and dinner to our sons house - 30 miles away. Third and fourth day after chemo - body aches but feeling pretty good. Pills of nausea helped that situation but caused constipation which he dealt with for a few days.

First chemotherapy treatment

2008-01-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

December 20 - Paul had his first chemo treatment. Premeds for allergic reactions and nausea made him sleepy so he slept a lot through the four hours of taxol/carboplatin. I stayed in the room with him - watched tv - they gave me a lunch tray. This was at the VA hospital in Syracuse, NY. Everyone was kind and helpful.

I drove home and we both slept a good night sleep.

Tags: chemotherapy, lung cancer

Port implant - December 19...

2007-12-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

I was the only one anxious. Paul was fine. We got there about 8 a.m. and he went in about 9 a.m. and finished by 10. They gave him Versid and pain meds. No problems - went well - no pain. As usual he was hungry and ate a big breakfast before we left for home at noon.

This port will make chemo treatments and blood draws so much easier as his veins are hard to find and deal with.

Tomorrow is his first chemotherapy treatment at the VA hospital in Syracuse. They are a special group of nurses and doctors there and he will be well taken care of. I will hang out and give support, etc. Just hoping side effects are minimal and we can celebrate Christmas as planned.

Happy Holidays!

Tags: port, chemotherapy, lung cancer

First trip to oncologist after Ct scan

2007-12-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

December 5 - Dr. Palozzi was impressed at how well Paul tolerated the radiation with very few side effects and obvious improvement to his breathing. He said there was "shrinkage" but a little early to know the final results as radiation continues to work weeks and months after finished.

Dr. set up date for implanting a "port" in Paul's chest to administer chemtherapy treatments. Treatments start on December 20 with one each month for probably 4 months. After a couple treatments he will have tests done to see how well the treatments are working!

Here is Paul walking Penny - his main form of exercise - going to get the mail....

CT Scan

2007-12-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

November 19 was Paul's first Ct scan after radiation. Doctor will get results and we will know at his next appointment to what extent the radiation has worked or is working - radiation continues to "work" for weeks after and sometimes months. His only side effects have been a little "burn" area on chest and back - doctor gave him cream for that.

He is more fatigues which is to be expected but nothing serious. Otherwise, he feels much better, breathing better, etc.

Celebration!!

2007-11-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day!

We celebrated the day by going out to dinner with our oldest son and family. My husband spent 20 years in the Army, two years in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart. We are very proud of him.

We do not have any results of the radiation yet - officially. However, we KNOW it worked - to what extent we will find out in a couple weeks. Today official results did not matter. Paul feels great, did not need oxygen to get to the restaurant - ate a big meal but brought enough home for tomorrow.

Attitude is good - happy is good and state of mind is everything.

Each day is very special!

Tags: lung cancer, radiation

LAST radiation treatment....

2007-11-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Happy that Paul's last radiation treatment is over. They gave him a cute diploma! They are so nice there. One girl said, " hope we never see you again" (not here anyway!).

Side effects are minimal - sunburn looking skin on chest in both spots and little on his back. Throat dry and a little uncomfortable but no pain. Some intermittent short pains in his chest which will get better. Some stomach upset but not all the time.

He will return for checkup 4 weeks - which means November 19 is CT scan and December 5 appointments with both VA oncologist and radiology oncologist.

We are going to try and relax until then - do other appointments - dental, etc. and spend some time with family.

More after results! Probably chemo next!

Short update...

2007-10-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of the last 10 treatments. Everyone is encouraged that the tumors have shrunk. Paul is feeling generally GREAT! He still has periods of fatigue, little skin itching but nothing serious. He uses his oximeter to test his oxygen levels often and is able to go without any oxygen most of the time. He still uses it at night and will until he talks with his pulmonary doctor.

I am going with him and driving home from his treatments but yesterday he drove to our sons and back - 30 miles - for dinner and some football and climbed our sons stairs with no oxygen and no problems with short of breath. Of course, mainly because of his bad back he has to move slowly anyway. He also has been having problems with his ankles and not sure what that is related to but will keep an eye on it and have it checked out.

CT scan is November 23 and Doctor report on December 5. We will enjoy the Fall and expect only the BEST news then.

Good news!

2007-10-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Paul saw three doctors today - radiology oncologist, oncologist at VA and pulmonary doctor.

All were pleased with progress 1/2 way through his radiation treatments. Only side effect worth talking about is itching where radiation goes in - doctor gave him some cream to help!

At VA he had pulmonary function test and number were generally better than last time. His blood test also showed no anemia, etc. His oxygen levels were high even without oxygen.

Three weeks after radiation is finished he will have a chest CT scan to see how the radiation worked (we know it is working) and then he will see oncologist about chemo treatments.

We are very encouraged and although tired of driving and riding to radiation every day - we are doing fine.

Elaine

Four weeks to go ....

2007-10-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here he is mowing after 17 radiation treatments. Definitely feels better physically except for fatigue (less short of breath) - he has to rest more. Still drives to treatments and I usually drive home. No really bad side effects from radiation - little skin itching. We both get tired but rest a lot and don't worry about little things - like mowing the lawn. Today he felt like doing it - we do things as we feel up to it with family and friends helping. Radiation treatments end on November 2.

Until later! Elaine

Starting radiation treatments...

2007-10-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

September 13... first radiation treatment. There will be 37, then 3 weeks tests to see if it worked (we know it worked). Everyone at the radiotherapy clinic are great, friendly and helpful. Only takes about 15 minutes for the treatment. Just the long drive - 25 miles one way - tiring but very doable. More later.

Trip to primary care doctor...

2007-09-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

Went to Va for primary care visit. His NP (who is a very nice young man) looked over all blood tests and other tests unrelated to lung cancer. Diabetes three month test (A1C) was very good. Thyroid is normal.

He saw no reason no to go ahead with epidural for chronic back pain tomorrow.

First step....

2007-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2007

Husband went for simulation and initial CT scan and placement of marks for radiotion therapy. Took about 45 minutes and will be "tweaked" on next visit after radiology oncologist and his staff - techs, etc. make decisions on treatment length and amount.

First appointment with radiology oncologist

2007-09-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Randall seems very nice, soft spoken, and answering all our questions. He has not received the PET scan yet but looking over the written results and recommendations from the onocologist at the VA hospital he is considering treatments 5 days a week for 7 weeks.

Treatments are...

The Theraplan 3D Conformal Treatment Planning offered by Radiotherapy Associates gives patients the best of cancer control. After the patient undergoes a CAT scan, the anatomical information is entered into a specialized computer. The sophisticated treatment planning computer program helps define the technique for delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing the dose to normal surrounding tissue. Your physician’s expertise coupled with advanced computerized 3D technology creates the possibility to control and cure of cancer with amazing accuracy.

Friday he goes for CT scan and "tatooing" where radiation will be administered. Hoping all goes well so he can start treatments next week. Sooner he does - sooner it is GONE!!

Tags: lung cancer

Second visit with oncologist

2007-08-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2007 - second trip to oncologist to find out results of latest CT scan and bone scan. CT scan showed slight growth of both masses - right being largest - left lung small. NO evidence of spread in CT scan or bone scan. That is the best news! He has appointment September 5 with radiologist oncologist at an imaging center to start radiation treatments. Probably some of the best news he could get considering cancer in both lungs.

Total bone scan

2007-08-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Paul went to VA hospital for nuclear total bone scan. Took about 3 hours - injection of dye, waiting and then scan. No problems there with scan. Results next week at doctor.

First visit to oncologist

2007-08-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

August 20 - extensive visit with oncologist to recommend path of treatment.

Paul has cancer in both lungs but oncologist has reason to believe it is two separate cancers - not spread from right to left. Therefore, he is going to start with radiation treatments - every weekday for several weeks to be determined by radiologist oncologist according to size and position of the two masses.

A newer CT scan is scheduled for Thursday and we can only hope nothing has changed. There has been no signs of spreading to any lymphy nodes or organs so far - hoping it stays that way.

More news later.

How it all began and progressed to now...

2007-08-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

This journey all started in December, 2006. Paul had surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. Due to that surgery his medication had to be adjusted for his blood pressure several times.

April 18, 2007 - Last time it took him by ambulance to the VA hospital, Syracuse, NY. He had a virus but not serious - just maybe a little dehydrated and dropped his blood pressure dangerously low. In the emergency room they took an xray of his lungs looking for pneumonia. That is the first appearance of a "fuzzy" area in his right lung - so the journey had begun.

May 2, 2007 -needle biopsy of "fuzzy" area (now called a mass) in the upper lobe of his right lung. Inconclusive results due to a partial pneumothorax and doctor could not finish the biopsy. He was in hospital about 3 days with chest tube to reinflate the lung.

May 21, 2007 - CT scan showed mass had grown to about 5 cm. (not sure from what size).

May 31, 2007 - PET scan at North Medical. Results showed mass to light up enough for his pulmonary doctor to request another biopsy.

June 14, 2007 - Second needle biopsy went well but was also inconclusive for cancer.

June 25, 2007 - Dr. Kaul, his wonderful pulmonary doctor, did a bronoscopy on the right lung with positive results for non-small cell squamous cancer. At least we now know what we are dealing with. However, CT scan also showed a small nodule on left lung. The doctor said Paul would need a biopsy to rule out cancer in left lung to have surgery to remove right lobe and right lung cancer.

August 3, 2007 - Needle biopsy on left lung at Upstate Medical Center showed cancer has spread to left from right lung. Therefore, it is in the blood stream and surgery not an option.

August 20, 2007 - Appointment scheduled with Oncology at VA hospital to review and decide on treatment options.

Journal

2007-08-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

I will be starting a chronological account of diagnosing Paul's lung cancer and treatments. I will try to keep it up and results, etc. to maybe help others. Stay tuned!

2007-08-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tags: Elaine and Paul - married 46 years