Port implant - December 19...

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

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....

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CT Scan

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!!

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....

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...

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