Another BIG day......
Today started with not hearing anything from the oncologist's office...we called a couple of times...got the report onto the doctor's desk..but nothing. In his defense, it was a busy day. So, we got in the car and drove to his office....and were ushered into an exam room...and "wah-la" ...the doctor appeared. He came in and in his unique style reported NO CANCER IN THE BRAIN, STOMACH OR ADRENALS.....to put it mildly, we were much, much relieved.
After talking it through, he talked about what the chemo program would look like and said "let's start Monday".....we started to say "Nooooooooo" and he immediately said, "I'll be right back" and soon we were ushered up stairs to the new infusion room to begin the chemo process.
What is the deal? A minimum of 4 three week sessions.....with three anticancer drugs on day 1 of the first week....one anticancer drug on day 1 of the second week and then the third week off. so today was day 1 with three drugs infused into Linda by IV.....the other "day1's" will be February 27, March 20 and April 10. At the end of that time, the sessions will stop, continue or a oral anticancer drug provided...that decision will be made at the end of the 4th session.
The drugs: Carboplatin, Gemzar and Avastin. Avastin is also the drug given at the beginning of the second week. It is particularly interesting in the fact that it is a new type of anticancer drug....it is a "targeted " drug which which halts blood vessel development in cancer tumors which are so critical to the growth of the cancer......remember cancer is growth (cell division) out of control, robbing the normal cells of nutrients..ie "life".
So that's about it..we have to be very much aware of nausea, nutrition, and other side effects. Linda has nausea medications, etc. etc.
More as things unfold.....
ps..we were to leave on a cruise to the Caribbean Sunday...and here we are in Oregon..the good news is we were able to "sell" our cabin and got most of our money back through some quick action today....now we are focused on selling our Daytona 500 tickets and our George Jones concert tickets (both in Florida if you are interested!).
Friday, February 6, 2009
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10 comments:
Good evening;
That is good news from the further tests. Now you know with what you are dealing and can proceed with the plan. May all go well.
Love, hugs and prayers,
Ruth Ann
Yipee! Good news. I am sure you were both glad to get on with the treatment as long as you were there anyhow. Now that a plan is in place, Dave, please remember to take care of yourself, too.
Marilyn
Phew! I was worried about what those scans were going to say. So very glad they were clear!!
Okay, so here we go. We're all out here, going through it with you, so use us when you need us. We'll help you to keep believing and keep moving forward.
Both of you take care of yourselves and each other. My best, most positive thoughts are with you every day.
Love to you both, as always.
I am glad to hear you have started on your treatment.
I do wish you were in Portland or Seattle. I would even like to see you at the top lung cancer clinic where ever that may be, I know there has to be one.
Do not let them delay anything.... Time is the essence as you already know.
I love you both
I am always here for you.
I tried to call Jim several times today and he did not answer:( Not sure what is going on there.
I hope Janine is there to give you loves....
I miss you
Julie
Honey, why not call the Cancer Center in Seattle for information?
http://www.cancercenter.com/seattle-clinic/cancer-treatment.cfm
They're supposed to be "top-notch" and I'm sure we'd all feel you'd be getting the very best treatment.
I love you both bushels.
Oodles of hugs....Mom Wood
Good morning-That is great to have the dr. move so fast. I am sooooo glad it did not spread. that right there is a good sign I hope.
Love and prayers.
Janet
We are glad that you are home and proceeding with treatment. We will be emailing for a good time to bring chicken soup.
Love,
Liz and Jack
The thing I love most about you two is the way you take charge! I would still be waiting for the Dr. to call....this is why you are going to be with us for a long time. I BELIEVE and I know you do too...
Good for your doctor. Sounds like a good Dr. Knows what he is doing and gets busy. I will be chiming in alot to keep spirits up.
I love You guys and and all my prayers are with you two, for a speedy healing and recovery.
Remember ALL things are possible in Gods world.
Vicky
Gemzar and carboplatin -- I'm familiar with those names. (insert a wry smilie face here... some of Mom's chemos...)
OK. So. Now we know what the playing field looks like this time. And you've already taken some positive steps and are on your way to perfect health. ... Keep the stress level down to a bare minimum, boost the laughs and hugs and love up to the maximum and let's get 'em!!! I've got ya' wrapped in that golden glow.
hugs,
Susie
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