August 31, 2011

An update on Larry's recent doctor visits.
He went in to CCI yesterday for a MRI of his brain, no results yet, maybe on Tuesday. Also met with Dr. McCarty, radiology oncologist, and he explained how the radiation will work. Basically, once a day, 5 times a week, for 3 weeks.
Today we met with the neurosurgeon who didn't feel that surgery on Larry's back would be a good idea, that radiation would be the better choice.
We should find out for sure tomorrow about the radiation, but for now we have an appt on Friday to get 
marked for radiation.
Otherwise, Larry is still doing quite well, his back is giving him some pain, but that is about the worst of it. He seems to be eating much better, another good thing.
Thanks and love to all.

Chemo Day, August 23

Larry is still doing quite well, although the chemo seems to be taking its toll on his energy level. He is always tired now. But that is the worst of the side effects, so far.
Today's treatment was the last in cycle 3, next week we go in for a brain MRI and consults with the neurosurgeon and radiology oncologist. Those appointments are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. We are also hoping that Larry can get a port for his  treatments.His poor arms have just been so beat up by all of the blood draws and i.v.'s., and we know we will have at least 3 more cycles of chemo.
Larry also gained just over 2 pounds last week, which makes everyone happy.
Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers.

Chemo Day and more test results.

Larry has had a good week, he is eating well but doesn't have much energy.
We went in for chemo today, he had lost 2 pounds last week, but all of his blood work is good.
The MRI results showed that Larry has a compression fracture on his spine. We knew he had a "spot" on his spine, and apparently the spot has weakened the bone and caused the fracture. We will see a neurosurgeon for a consult for a possible surgery. We will also meet with the radiation oncologist to determine when he will begin radiation.
So last week's good news about the tumors shrinking was somewhat dampened by the MRI results. But as Dr. Shreeder told Larry today, "You look really good for a guy that is as sick as you are". And to me, Larry still looks quite healthy, even with the weight loss.
More next week.
Good night to all!!!

Chemo and Good Test Results

Sorry again for the long lapse in blogging.
After my lost blog about Larry's nephew dying, we just felt so sad. A week later my cousin died from cancer that she had battled for 13 years. God bless them and their children and families.
As for Larry, he is doing well, all things considered. He is eating better and is more upbeat. We had last week off from chemo, but did go in Friday for a ct scan. And the fantastic news is that the tumors, both the lung and adrenal glands, have SHRUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is a spot on his spine that the doctor wants to investigate, so Larry had a MRI this afternoon after his chemo.
Funny, we were both so worried about the ct scan results, but didn't really talk to the other about our fears. I guess it is the theory that if you speak the words, it might make it real? At any rate, we were both so relieved to get the good news. We are still a little concerned about the MRI results. But since we have to wait until next Tuesday, hopefully we can just bask in the good news that we have now.
Larry did gain a pound this time, which is good. His blood counts are still very good and blood SAT level is still remarkable(97-100%).
And once again, I have to mention that the all of the folks at CCI are just fantastic!!!
Thanks for all of the prayers and good thoughts.
Good night to all!!!!!!!