Today we trekked to the Cancer Center for our first meeting with the radiation oncologist. She shared that Tony will NOT be having the radical neck dissection surgery at this time (hooray!) but WILL be getting a fantabulous cocktail of radiation and chemo (boo!). Her proposal is to do 7 and 1/2 weeks of treatment: radiation 5 days a week and low-dose chemo once a week.
He'll be going to see the dentist tomorrow (to rule out the possibility of any dental excavation before radiation starts). After that, we see the medical oncologist (chemo Dr.) on Friday, and after we get the green light from the dentist, we'll set up the planning session for the radiation.
Everyone we met today was very nice and very helpful; alas, both of us are a little...surly, shall we say? It seems that going to the Cancer Center made it all a little more concrete in our minds...after all, it is called the CANCER Center, and not the Happy House or Sunshine Station. And for a dude (and a wife) who have never had more than minor illnesses, this is a lot to process, ya know?
At any rate, we appreciate the prayers...keep 'em coming - we need all the encouragement we can get! ;)
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to imagine how difficult this is for you, but I do know that positive attitude and the strength you provide each other is one of the most effective ways to fight this!
I told Tony this morning that he is on our church's prayer list - he will be prayed for by name twice each Sunday by everyone in the church, and also by those who make that part of their daily devotions, and that will continue as long as he is on the list.
We're glad to have him back at work with us, and wish you patience with all this!
Nancy