Month: December 2014

Started radiation treatments last Wednesday and had my one cycle of chemo with radiation yesterday. Because of my allergic reaction last time, I was given extra Benadryl and after 3 hours at the Center and grocery shopping, I fell asleep in my recliner and slept ’til late afternoon! Woke up this morning feeling fantastic. That should last until Monday?

However, it has been an interesting week. I see the dentist regularly but found out on Monday that I will have to have a tooth pulled ( a cavity developing quickly under a crown) and I will have to fit that in with chemo. Ugh.

After Christmas, I will have two cycles of much more intense chemo with a three week wait in between and an evaluation to see how it worked.

What I am finding incredible is that the more open I am, the more outgoing – the more responsive and kind people are. Hugs seem to be the norm along with kind words, healthy curiosity and sharing. There is so much new information every day that being as open as possible at least alerts everyone to options they may not even know exist – not only about treatment but about sources for well being and emotional healing – as well as hints for health and comfort.

Once more, I am overwhelmed by the kindness of family and friends and cannot even express how much their support has meant to me.

I may not post until after Christmas – so, I m wishing you all Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a wonderful New year!

Lisa

The PET scan indicated that all areas responded to radiation and chemo . . . nodules smaller, activity lessened, etc. so the treatment is working. There is still a lymph node between the lungs showing some activity and because there are small nodules in the lower lobe and two larger nodules in the upper lobe the entire lung would have to be removed surgically . . . and there is no guarantee they would be able to remove all traces because they would have to be looking at all the lymph nodes as well . . . oncologist and radiologist recommending one more cycle of chemo and 8-10 additional days of radiation targeting the now smaller area. After chemo there is targeted therapy for this particular type of cancer. Not sure what that will involve since I have not spoken with the oncologist yet – but treatment begins again next week.

Well, here we go. It’s been nice having this break and I am hoping that I’ll be feeling okay for Christmas. My hair is even thinner – think Larry King. Actually pretty funny looking. Glad I found a couple of knit caps that are more comfortable than the wigs!

Did have the PET scan yesterday and did meet with the thoracic surgeon. Surgeon, radiologist, oncologist, and maybe even the gynecologist will discuss options and then present me with “the plan.” Admit to being a little anxious. Still feel “urpy” which could be either from the chemo or the radiation treatment. Although the surgeon looked over the scan he said it needs to be read by the radiology department to insure that they know what has happened during my course of treatment. I do know that several of the nodules are smaller in size. I will probably know before mid next week.