round two...

For Thursday 04-16-2009

Just completed 1st round of 2nt Chemo series & met with Chemo Doctor assistant. He is more concerned with side effects than I am this time around as we've added a new drug to the mix (Taxotore), But as before I've got Meds to counter the uglyness beforehand. Good news from today is.....I've gained another 5 lbs, Blood Chemistry going in is Better that it was in January which gives me some breathing room as the counts will drop with this round.
The REALLY Good News is I have Nurse Billie doing the IV stuff. She makes it almost easy.
I'll do Blood work and meet with Chemo Doctor on the 24th (no treatment) for comfort level on both sides.
My next REAL Chemo session will be 21 days after this one (due MAY 7th 2009). I'm still in a great mindset & ready to do whatever.

CAT results

***** dad got his results from the CAT scan he just had on the 23rd**************
No "cured" as yet, but things are looking good. Output from last Friday Doctors meeting is NO surgery is going to be required. Chemo Doctor wants to do one more round of treatments starting in about a week. These will not be the BIG DEAL the first round was, and no RAD stuff required. Think of it as building on my progress so far. We remain close to putting this thing to bed, but not yet. I'm OK with his plan & remain in good spirits.

results of the CAT scan

**** Got this email from dad this morning****
It looks like GOOD NEWS, but I don't want to use terms like "remission or cured" as yet. Early results of my last CAT Scan are quite good.....big time change (for the better) from last Scan. Both my Chemo and Rad Doctors will be meeting with the entire Cancer Team this Friday to review client status. The REAL answer for me will follow that session. Cross your fingers !

Update

****Update******
Had 4 week follow-up session with RAD Doctor Friday (3-20). She continues to be pleased with my status. Next scheduled visit is in 4 months.
My next gate is the CAT Scan on Monday (3-23). This will set the base-line on where we are, and what is next. I don't expect any output till later in the week as both the Chemo and RAD Doctors need to review the results, them confer with me.
Mental health here remains good, but somewhat nervous on test results & next steps.

update...

***update from dad ***
Good session with Chemo Doctor yesterday. Blood chemistry continues to improve, gained a whole pound.
Next steps are RAD Doctor follow-up on the 20th, and a CAT Scan week of the 23rd. Results of the CAT Scan will determine where we are, and next steps. Still in good mental health.

**I wanted to post this picture because I think it is a good one of dad, Lindsey and Rich at dad's 66TH birthday .***

Birthday Boy

Today is dad's birthday! I would like to wish him a very happy birthday and many more to come! Like fine wine and cheese you get better with age, or is that you get stinky? Oh well, happy birthday 'ole man!
much love- Elizabeth

YEA!!!

*** Dad is doing fantastic! I saw him over the weekend and he looks great. He has gone through all the treatments with ease and has remained upbeat. Thank you to everyone who have been so supportive of him and the family. As usual dad sends me the doctor updates and I have found out that it is easier to just post what he sends to me in his own words. So here is the most recent update from "the Don".
-Elizabeth *************

Another Mile Stone !
Last Radiation treatment done Monday (2-16). Follow up with RAD Doctor was positive (I'm doing good). Next visit with RAD is in 4 weeks just to check side effects (if any).
Chemo Doctor remains pleased. Next check up in 2 weeks. At that point he will set the date for CAT Scan to confirm results of Chemo & RAD treatments, but could be as late as late March for report and next steps (if any).
My mental health remains fine..........side effects are darned few.

Ole Man