Radiation Therapy Plan

September 23: Today, Pat and I met with the Radiation Oncologist - Dr. Young. It was a comprehensive consultation regarding the last phase of my treatment. Radiation Therapy will begin October 10, Monday - Friday for 33 days. Next week, I will have a CT scan which will provide a clean map before Radiation begins. I will receive 4 permanent tattoos which will accurately provide the areas to be radiated. It is imperative that with each appointment, I am matched up with the beams which ultimately is aligned with the CT map.

I also learned today that the risk of developing lymphedema during radiation is very high. Therefore, I will be back in physical therapy. I did not plan on this, but I certainly want to respect the risk.

I have a decision to make based on new medical findings. Option 1 is to have Radiation to only the affected areas. Option 2 is comprehensive Radiation which includes the affected areas and surrounding lymph nodes. The advantage is that there is a 5 percent change that the cancer will not return. The disadvantage is that the risk of lymphedema increases between 30-40 percent. Needless to say, I have more reading to do and questions to ask.

Upcoming...

This past week was a wash. Fever, bone pain and nausea were present all week and I lost 7 pounds.

Next week I will have a CT Scan and Surgery to have the Port removed. In the meantime, I am counting on feeling better soon. I am done with the chemo side effects!

Please remember to sign up for 'Team MC' for the Susan Komen Race for the cure on October 23.

All Great News and Last Chemo...History!

September 17: I received the biopsy and blood results from two weeks ago. Both tests were negative for fungal infection. Once again, I stumped the doctors with this bizarre rash. The Dermatologist feels it may be dermatitis yet the Oncologist feels that it could be a chemo reaction. Although, the Oncologist did not initially feel this was drug related he agrees that these chemo drugs have presented very unique rashes for me. I am very relieved that the fungal infection did not return. Dr. Garg was able to write my final chemo orders. He pulled a few strings with the Infusion Center and my last treatment was Friday, September 16. :0)

The next steps...

My consultation with the Radiation Oncologist will be Friday, September 23. I already know treatment will be Monday - Friday. I just need to know for how many weeks. Dr. Garg told me that it is typically 5-6 weeks long. The good news is that the side effects should mainly be fatigue. This is still not great, but it has to be better than the chemo side effects.

My surgery to have the port removed will be in 2 weeks. It is risky to do this too soon because of the lower white counts from chemo. I want to be sure I am healthy and strong enough for the surgery; I do not need any setbacks.

Looking Ahead...

October 23: Susan Komen Race For The Cure, www.komenmd.org. Join Team MC!! Thanks for all the love, support, and prayers. Now, let's find a cure!!! Hope to see you there!!!

Last Chemo On Hold

September 2: It's been 3 weeks since I discovered a bright red/purple rash on my thigh. Initially, I thought I had a bad sunburn which I did not cover with sunscreen. My skin is super sensitive and I honestly thought I was not careful. Then, last week I had an appointment with Dr. Garg. The morning of my appointment, another site similar in appearance yet smaller appeared on my knee. I quickly determined that these two sites were related and that it was not sunburn. Dr. Garg's initial reaction was that it had the characteristics of a fungal infection. He asked that I followup with the dermatologist. The first appointment I could get was August 31. In the meantime, a third site appeared. The dermatologist biopsied the area and told me she believes it is a fungal infection, too. She prescribed a topical cream to use, twice daily.

Dr. Garg requested that I return to his office on September 1. He postponed my last chemo until the biopsy comes back. Dr. Garg was deeply concerned with my past history of Valley Fever. He knows that the spores are dormant and can be triggered at any time. My immune system is very compromised now and he expressed great caution. He also ordered the Valley Fever titer test which will take about 2-3 weeks. My Difflucan dose was increased from 200mg to 400mg. Dr. Garg is not able to write my last chemo order because the increase in the Difflucan and the Taxotere (chemo drug) would cause serious damage to my liver.

Another bump in the road... I do understand and agree that answers are needed before I can proceed. I pray that this latest issue is not related to Valley Fever. If so, Dateline NBC will be hearing from me! If I knew then what I know now...