Things are somewhat quiet while John continues to heal from surgery 4+ weeks ago. He's doing well, able to eat "soft" foods that are a step up from previous "custard-consistency" foods. Tonight's dinner was pasta bolognese. He's still limited to one-cup measured meals and he continues to get the bulk of his nutritional requirements via overnight "bag-o-meal" tube feedings. But that is gradually changing.
We have an appointment June 23 with Dr. Joseph Rosales, an oncologist at Virginia Mason who specializes in thoracic and urologic cancer. We want to get a second opinion on how to best approach John's post-surgical chemotherapy. Dr. Nestor, John's Bellingham oncologist, seems to favor a treatment plan that relies heavily on 5FU (the drug that put John in-hospital in February). We'll see if Dr. Rosales might have a better alternative plan.
Dr. Low (surgeon) and Dr. Taylor (radiation) are both in agreement about post-surgical radiation being a good option for John to pursue. While John MAY be cancer-free right now, there is no way to know for sure. Since cancer cells were found in sample lymph nodes taken during surgery, there is a fairly good chance that cancer cells still present.
After our consult with Dr. Rosales next week, we'll hopefully have adequate information to make the very best decision possible for John. He will definitely undergo radiation treatment in Bellingham. Chemo what/where is still up for discussion. I will let you know.
John's hair is growing back; a little grayer than before and with a slight wave. Kinda sexy, actually. It will go away AGAIN with further chemo. (Maybe it will come back blonde a la Robert Redford this time?)
Summer seems to be approaching. I hope you will forgive me for saying that I am looking forward to Christmas and winter, when all of this will be behind us and we can look forward once again. This journey would be much harder if not for your friendship, support and prayers. You are all in my prayers...Nancy
Quiet is good.
ReplyDeleteLove you two,
Amy & Kevin