Today's visit with the two oncologists resulted in a mixture of feelings for both of us.....a real up and down day. We first saw the chemo oncologist who told us last week's chest CT indicates the small spots on John's lungs have increased in size....Example: one of the spots was 3mm in September and is now 5mm.....however, the fact remains all the spots are still very small. This indicates additional treatments to come in the form of a different chemo.....and possibly a clinical trial. While this is not devastating news, it wasn't exactly what we thought we were going to hear....or maybe it just wasn't what we wanted to hear. I don't know about John, but I went into that appointment with a positive attitude and such high hopes, only to be extremely shocked and disappointed. At any rate, we left his office feeling like we'd been kicked in the gut.
Our visit with Dr. Yao (radiation) yielded better news and the fact that John is no longer symptomatic indicates the radiation was quite successful.
So, the plan is to return in 2 weeks, giving the Docs time to research all our options (including the clinical trials) and start all over again. I was just SO hoping he wouldn't have to endure further treatment and we could return to a life where we can confidently make plans and have a reasonable expectation that we won't be forced to change them. I guess that is not the plan.....yet!!!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Six weeks post-treatment
It's been a long, hard road since John completed his treatments. We returned home on New Year's weekend with John unable to taste or eat much at all. For several weeks, he lived on Carnation Instant Breakfast, puddings, soups, etc. and managed to lose at least 10 pounds (not that he needed that). He also suffered from a complete lack of energy and did not sleep well.
I am happy to report that, within the last 2 weeks, things have started to improve. As some of his tastebuds and saliva production has returned, we've been able to add fish, chicken, salmon, cottage cheese, applesauce, cheese & crackers to the menu.....and last night he had a hamburger patty!!! As for the energy, he has a cirle track inside the house (from the foyer, thru the livingroom, diningroom, & kitchen, then back down a hallway to the foyer) that he's been walking everyday and building up some strength. That is supplemented with outdoor walks, when the weather permits. The other good news is that the skin infection & radiation burn have both cleared up, so those are no longer causing him any discomfort. Though there is still a long road ahead, through the Grace of God, he is much improved over 6 weeks ago.
Last friday (2/3) we went to Cleveland for a chest CT scan to check the status of the small spots that were on his lungs. We see the Doctors tomorrow for the results of that scan and, I assume, will find out when they plan to do the head/neck scan so we'll know just how successful all this treatment has been. Praying we hear only good news.
I am happy to report that, within the last 2 weeks, things have started to improve. As some of his tastebuds and saliva production has returned, we've been able to add fish, chicken, salmon, cottage cheese, applesauce, cheese & crackers to the menu.....and last night he had a hamburger patty!!! As for the energy, he has a cirle track inside the house (from the foyer, thru the livingroom, diningroom, & kitchen, then back down a hallway to the foyer) that he's been walking everyday and building up some strength. That is supplemented with outdoor walks, when the weather permits. The other good news is that the skin infection & radiation burn have both cleared up, so those are no longer causing him any discomfort. Though there is still a long road ahead, through the Grace of God, he is much improved over 6 weeks ago.
Last friday (2/3) we went to Cleveland for a chest CT scan to check the status of the small spots that were on his lungs. We see the Doctors tomorrow for the results of that scan and, I assume, will find out when they plan to do the head/neck scan so we'll know just how successful all this treatment has been. Praying we hear only good news.
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