CTScan on 12/22/10

We went to HMC on Wednesday and had a CTScan.
I talked to the head oncology nurse on Friday the 24th.
She informed us that the main mass in the esophagus showed no change but the lymph node by my spine showed some growth.
Unless she calls this week, we see the doctor on 1/12/11.

Hope everyone is enjoying this Holy season.

Love to ALL

Hershey Visit 12/15/10

Met with Dr. Jiang today. She canceled my chemo for 12/20/10 (much to my liking), is scheduling a CTScan and doesn't want (need) to see me for a month.
She also mentioned that my lymph node growths are "tiny".

All in all a GREAT visit.

Merry Christmas everyone and remember
Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas.

Hershey 11/08/10

Had an abbreviated chemo treatment today. Dr. Jiang (Jen) canceled the 5fu drug because it seems to be having adverse prolonged side affects on my condition ( strength, stamina and breathing). She wasn't thrilled that I now weigh in at 166 lbs. If I don't pick up weight, I am not sure I agree with, she is thinking of implanting a stent in my esophagus in hopes I can eat easier. Other than that all seems to be going alright.
THANKS to ALL for prayers and thoughts. THEY DO HELP.


Dan

Week of October 11, 2010

On Monday the visiting nurse came to the house to replace the needle and chemo cartridge for the 5fu 24/7 treatment. This was the beginning of week 3 of the 3 week schedule.
The nurse also had blood drawn for testing.

I received a call from the head oncology nurse at Hershey Cancer Institute around 4:30 PM informing me that my white blood cells were too low to receive chemo and she would arrange for someone to come to the house and remove the chemo and needle.
Nobody contacted me after that, so I called the nurse at Hershey and left a message.
She called back around 8:15 AM and was shocked that I was still receiving chemo.
Around 9:30 AM the visiting nurse arrived and removed the pump (box) that was attached for the last two weeks.

I had an appointment with Dr Jiang on Wednesday at 3:00 PM.
She decided to give me a break for a few weeks and I go back to see her on November 5th.
She scheduled me for the standard in hospital treatment on Nov 8th.
Good news to me is that she is considering not putting me back on the 24/7 pump.

Thanks to ALL for thoughts and prayers!

Hershey Cancer Institute 9/27/10

Nothing too much to say. I did have the chemo treatment and I am attached to the pump until 10.18.10. I will then get a week off and get another treatment and be reattached for 3 weeks.

The treatment is the original "cocktail" that I started with last year. It did give me hiccups for 2 days, which is murder.

I see the Dr on the 13th for further words of wisdom.

THANKS to ALL

Hershey Cancer Institute 9/1/10

We met with Dr. Jiang to review the results of Monday's CTScan.
Lymph node's have grown (minimally), but she is worried about one that is right next to my spine.
So, the day after we return from Notre Dame (9/27/10) I will have 4+ hours of chemo and have the pump attached for two 21 day cycles (24/7).
I expected nothing but good news after the 4 treatments that we just went through, so I am not a happy camper right now. BUT this will pass and WE WILL NOT LET THIS BEAT US!!!

Thanks for the prayers, comments and thoughts.
Peace, Love and God Bless America.

Hershey Cancer Clinic 8/24/10

Well another day another treatment.

My doctor upped the dosage this time (not sure why she dropped it last time). If it kills more bad stuff, all the better.
It was a long day. We arrived around 11:30 AM and left at 6:30 PM and I have the pump attached until 4:00 PM on 8/26/10.

Nothing much else to report. The nurses are all really nice, supportive and informative about the drugs. They also all ask for Danny and Hanna.

I am scheduled for a CTScan on 8/30/10 and a doctor's visit on 9/1/10.

Then we are off to DisneyWorld on 9/5/10.

We NEED it.

Thanks to all for prayers, support and thoughts!!!