Putting Together a Plan

It's been a while since I've last touched base with you all which, I guess, is a good thing.  There's been nothing much to report as John has continued his recovery from surgery.  He went back to work full time right after the fourth of July and is happy to be back amongst his fellow oenophiles (fancy word for "wine geeks).
Last Tuesday, July 5, was our appointment with John's oncologist Dr. Nestor.  And yesterday we met with radiotherapist, Dr. Taylor.  John was "remapped" for accurate radiation targeting and a new mold was made of his body.  He has lost about 35 lbs. and his previous mold was no longer accurate.  (He's gone down a size-plus in pants.  His old jeans are looking a bit like "Bozo pants."  We did get him some new ones so he doesn't look like a walking advertisement for Depends.)  Dr. Taylor wants John to have a CT scan due to the radical change in his esophageal/stomach structure.  Since radiation is extremely precise, Dr. Taylor wants to make sure that they have the clearest picture possible so that treatment can be accurate to avoid damaging healthy tissue such as lungs, heart and -- of course -- all of his new internal "connections."  John's having his CT this afternoon.
Next Tuesday, July 19, John will have a new picc line inserted and chemo/radiation will begin the following day.  The plan -- hopefully the last "plan" in this miasma -- is for 6 weeks of chemo/radiation therapy followed by up to 9 weeks of just chemo.  Initial chemo treatment will be the same as John had prior to surgery.  Because the tumor and lymph nodes that were targeted were destroyed, doctors are using the same approach in the hopes that any remaining undetectable cancer in the chest area -- if there is any -- will respond in the same manner.  Post-radiation chemo will be a "systemic" recipe that will target John's entire body (his "system") in an attempt to nuke any unseen cancer cells that may be lurking elsewhere.
So John's personal chef-chauffeur-valet-assistant-nurse (aka wife) will be back on full-time duty.  You've heard of soccer moms?  Well I'm cancer wife.  I think after this year-long "Driving-Miss-Daisy" gig, I should push for a new car; say a sexy little convertible.  But I think that will have to wait until we win the Lotto.  Truth be told, John's good, steady progress towards beating this disease is enough Lotto for me.  And there are perks to this job.  The Bellingham Cancer Center has a beautiful new jigsaw puzzle of hydrangeas, roses and pansies waiting for me.  And we have a terrific 2000 piece Coca-Cola memorabilia puzzle from friends Mike and Kathy Wright just itching to be put together.  I will continue to keep you posted...continue to keep you with us as we walk along...and continue my prayers.  I thank you, as always, for yours...Nancy.