Dr. Roa: "we're in a good place, we're really crusin"
*sigh*
The tumor in Dad's lung has not decreased much in diameter from the scan in May, however, the center has become photopenic (less dense where light can filter through; consists of floating dead cells; is breaking up and is visually much like a donut hole, or perhaps swiss cheese). Most important - no new spots!
Doc says we have reached a point of "maximum response" and now our plan is to maintain this progress by reducing chemo treatment based on how Dad is feeling. At this point, the toxicity of treatment can become greater than the benefit, therefore Dr. Roa has taken Dad off Carboplatin and has given us 3 options:
1 - Gemsar + Erbitux
2 - Erbitux
3 - Tarceva (an oral treatment similar to Erbitux, very new - need to read up on it)
Dad has been getting some pain on his left side, arm and chest - he's passed all tests to rule out any heart condition, we also thought maybe it's scar tissue forming around the IV port. The CT shows bone erosion from the part of the mass that butts up to his 3rd & 4th rib. On Friday, he will go to Morristown Memorial (outpatient) for radiation to "zap" that area and get the pain under control. He will not receive Gemsar during radiation because Gemsar makes radiation very powerful. We will know more Friday about his radiation schedule.
While today was another positive meeting with Dr. Roa, the reminder of "it's not curable, it's treatable" has been hard to chew. However, there is something to be said about my Dad's strength and courage. Instead of putting it in my own words, I will share his:
"whatever I need, I can take it"
"give me more fatigue, I can take it"
"...in for the long haul - whatever it takes"
"I can tolerate a lot"
I say my son is my hero... so is my Dad.
Thank you everyone, over and over for everything. We are feeling the love for sure.
peace and love,
Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)
MorristownPatch (donate blood, get a free movie ticket)
Free To Breathe: Fundraising for lung cancer research and awareness
Great news!!
ReplyDeleteThis is from my Dad:
ReplyDeleteKeri you do a great job with this blog what I can only think of you can always put into words the right way.
Also I like to say that my strength and courage only comes having my family there and all they do for me.
And from all the support my family and friends and all the people that have supported and say prayers.
I like to say thank you to each and everyone one of you God bless you all for being there.
My mom always told me when a sickness hits always look at it that you will win. It seemed to work for her to the lord called her home.
Now it is my turn and I think my mom tells the lord my family in heaven are not ready for yet.
Look out devil we are winning!!!!!!