Short update...

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!

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 ....

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...

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...

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....

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

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