The Treatment Process Begins...

Today was John's first appointment with his radiation doctor, Dr. Taylor.  He will be going back next Tuesday (Feb. 8) for his "simulation" appointment.  At that time, they will map his body to ensure that the radiation treatments he receives will be specifically directed only at the affected area(s).  Those areas would be the tumor at the base of his esophagus just above his stomach and a couple of nearby lymph nodes that are slightly enlarged and "look suspicious."  Next Thursday will be his first appointment with Dr. Nestor who will be his oncologist (chemo) doc.
John will be receiving radiation daily, Monday through Friday, for six weeks.  Chemo, we think, will be one day a week over the same period.  We're hoping to schedule chemo for Tuesdays as that is John's "Saturday" and he'll have Wednesday (his "Sunday") to rest -- other than get to his daily radiation treatment.  All of his pre-surgery radiation/chemo sessions will be at or next-door-to St. Joseph's Hospital here in Bellingham and should begin the week of Feb. 14.
At the end of his treatments, there will be a two-week resting period before he goes back to Virginia Mason in Seattle for another endoscopic ultrasound.  A surgery date should be able to be scheduled shortly thereafter.
On the upside...His chemo and radiation doctors don't want John to lose any weight.  I never DREAMED there was actually one doctor -- let alone TWO! -- who would tell either John or I, "Don't try to lose weight."  Of course they want him to keep up his exercise routine.  He's on the treadmill every morning.
So as John's cook, chauffeur, laundress, personal manager, head cheerleader, scheduler, press agent, etc., etc., etc., I want to assure you that he is in good hands...both medically and personally.  There is an outstanding cancer support system available for patients and family through St. Joseph's Hospital.  But it does not compare to the prayers and support from you.  Thank you...I'll keep you posted.