After John's usual 11:15 AM radiation treatment today, we had our weekly appointment with Dr. Yao, the radiation oncologist. He says things are progressing as expected and there are no signs of any damage from the treatment, as far as skin or mouth sores....always a good thing.
John did have a rough night Sunday. The air in the room was so dry (due to the winter weather), and he was in the early stages of a sinus infection, combining to make it difficult to breath. Our medical staff was right on top of that the next day, ordering a Z-pack immediately. That, combined with the humidifier I purchased for the room, made last night much more restful for both of us.
So thankful for the warmer weather this week, making our daily walk to the hospital far more bearable.......from wind chills of -13 last week to 50 degrees today!!
We were treated to a pasta dinner tonight prepared & served by some members of a sorority from Case Western Reserve University complete with spaghetti & meatballs, salad, italian bread, & brownies for dessert. In addition, one of our fellow residents made delicious homemade apple pies. There's always something yummy around here......this may not be good for the waistline! Good thing we walk to & from the hospital everyday.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
We're Baaaack!!!
We're in week #2 at Hope Lodge of what could be a 4 - 6 week stay, as John is receiving another round of radiation....this time on his chin. But more about this later, first a recap of the last 6 months (since I don't think I've had an entry since July).
John continued on the clinical trial (Belinostat) through the end of September.....one week out of every three. In September, he was re-scanned and, though things were no worse, there was no improvement. Due to this stability, it was decided that he had probably reaped as much benefit from this treatment as he was going get. However, in the midst of the last few treatment weeks, he developed some bladder issues. A thickening of his bladder wall had been seen on previous scans and, although they continued to monitor the situation, it was decided not to take any action based on his other issues. That rapidly changed one morning in September when we arose at Hope Lodge and he was bleeding. We headed to UH at our usual time for the infusion, however, when we told our nurse about the situation she said no infusion and we were directly sent upstairs to see the urologist. To make a very long story short, he was in surgery the next morning. When the pathologist examined the tissue removed, he was hard-pressed to find any cancer cells. However, due to John's history, they've decided to treat it as a low-grade cancer.....no real treatment, but he has to be re-scoped every three months. He had his 1st re-scope in December and I'm happy to report all is clear!!
After that incident, and because all was "stable" in his last scans, the oncologist decided it was a good time to give him a break from treatment....which is what we did for the next four months. We were able to enjoy a more "normal" life for a change. We made three trips to Notre Dame for footballs weekends and enjoyed time spent with dear friends. In December, we returned to Cleveland for follow-up appointments and it was then decided that this small, superficial spot on his chin should be addressed.
So here we are, just beginning week #2 of electron radiation. Dr. Yao (radiation oncologist) feels it is very early & superficial and is confident this can be zapped. Also, as this is a different radiation than what he had last winter, they don't feel his side effects will be quite as severe, as far as interfering with his ability to eat....thankfully!!!
It's like old home week here at Hope Lodge, being back with some of the same people we saw off and on all summer. And the Lodge is doing it's usual great job of providing diversions......last week that included potluck dinner one night, music therapy on another, and bingo on yet another. When we returned Sunday evening (after our weekend at home) there was a group of kids here from Capital University (Columbus) sponsoring a bingo night and making fresh cookies for us. We hear so much of the negative stuff going on in the world, it's so refreshing to see this group of young people willing to drive 3+ hours one way to provide a nice evening for these cancer patients & caregivers. With every stay here, I am touched by just how much people really do care and want to help in any way they can....big or small.....and it is so very appreciated by all.
Thanks to all of you out there who care enough to want to read my ramblings.......I just think it's great therapy!! But most of all thank you for keeping us in your prayers.....there truly is nothing more important you can do for us. Stay tuned!!!
John continued on the clinical trial (Belinostat) through the end of September.....one week out of every three. In September, he was re-scanned and, though things were no worse, there was no improvement. Due to this stability, it was decided that he had probably reaped as much benefit from this treatment as he was going get. However, in the midst of the last few treatment weeks, he developed some bladder issues. A thickening of his bladder wall had been seen on previous scans and, although they continued to monitor the situation, it was decided not to take any action based on his other issues. That rapidly changed one morning in September when we arose at Hope Lodge and he was bleeding. We headed to UH at our usual time for the infusion, however, when we told our nurse about the situation she said no infusion and we were directly sent upstairs to see the urologist. To make a very long story short, he was in surgery the next morning. When the pathologist examined the tissue removed, he was hard-pressed to find any cancer cells. However, due to John's history, they've decided to treat it as a low-grade cancer.....no real treatment, but he has to be re-scoped every three months. He had his 1st re-scope in December and I'm happy to report all is clear!!
After that incident, and because all was "stable" in his last scans, the oncologist decided it was a good time to give him a break from treatment....which is what we did for the next four months. We were able to enjoy a more "normal" life for a change. We made three trips to Notre Dame for footballs weekends and enjoyed time spent with dear friends. In December, we returned to Cleveland for follow-up appointments and it was then decided that this small, superficial spot on his chin should be addressed.
So here we are, just beginning week #2 of electron radiation. Dr. Yao (radiation oncologist) feels it is very early & superficial and is confident this can be zapped. Also, as this is a different radiation than what he had last winter, they don't feel his side effects will be quite as severe, as far as interfering with his ability to eat....thankfully!!!
It's like old home week here at Hope Lodge, being back with some of the same people we saw off and on all summer. And the Lodge is doing it's usual great job of providing diversions......last week that included potluck dinner one night, music therapy on another, and bingo on yet another. When we returned Sunday evening (after our weekend at home) there was a group of kids here from Capital University (Columbus) sponsoring a bingo night and making fresh cookies for us. We hear so much of the negative stuff going on in the world, it's so refreshing to see this group of young people willing to drive 3+ hours one way to provide a nice evening for these cancer patients & caregivers. With every stay here, I am touched by just how much people really do care and want to help in any way they can....big or small.....and it is so very appreciated by all.
Thanks to all of you out there who care enough to want to read my ramblings.......I just think it's great therapy!! But most of all thank you for keeping us in your prayers.....there truly is nothing more important you can do for us. Stay tuned!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)