Praise be! We just got the report of Lee's CT scan from the oncology doctor, The scan shows that Lee's tumor has reduced 50%. Praise be to God! The doctor said that this was unusual because most people did not reduce by that percentage after 6 treatments. Lee will continue for another six treatments and then another scan. They also said they would probably not have to do the radiation because it would scar his lung.
Since his treatments are every two weeks, the therapy will most likely extend until the middle of September before another CT scan. It is so good to know that radiation is most likely not going to be part of his therapy. We had been told originally that it would follow the chemo and that there would most likely be ten weeks with radiation therapy each day Monday-Friday. We were debating how we could handle that at Duke. So.......as of now, that may be something we do not have to be concerned about.
Lee's youngest son, Doug came up last night, and they left at 6:00 this morning for the long drive and long day at Duke. Today is Doug's birthday and I am so glad they get to spend it together! I told Doug that this had to be the best Birthday present! He agreed! It is hard for me and the children to contain our excitement upon hearing this great report. Now let's continue praying for that tumor to shrink, shrink,. shrink!
Thank you for all your prayers, concerns, cards and phone calls. We feel your love and your support has been encouraging.
More Later...................................................Brenda
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Turning Point
Once again I begin this blog with an apology for my late entry. It was not all my fault since our Wi Fi has been functioning on again and off again lately. Finally, two experts from AT &T replaced the router. It seems we had one that would no longer connect. A sick router, they said. Anyway, now that I am up to speed, I may be more dependable.
The title of this blog is aptly named "Turning Point" because one week from today, on June 19, Lee will have a CT scan of his lung to determine several things. (1) Are there any changes in the tumor?
(2) Is the tumor larger?, (3) smaller? (4) metastatic?. The answers to these important questions will be addressed by the oncology doctors and they will then meet with Lee to discuss the continuing course of treatment.
This, of course would include several possibilities: (1) continue the same course of treatment for x-number of weeks to continue to shrink the tumor (2) try another form of chemotherapy (3) the tumor has shrunk and may begin radiation with specifics to time.
I, of course, am only speculating as to what may or may not occur. We are praying that the tumor has responded to the chemotherapy and has reduced its size so that radiation will now be an option. My personal observations have been on the positive side because (1) He is not short of breath, which might indicate that the tumor has NOT increased in size, (2) He does not cough a lot and does not cough up blood (3) He does not complain of any pain, that might indicate tumor growth.
Again, these are my opinions and not those of any of the medical persons at Duke. We continue on with our lives as much as normal. We have enjoyed special time with friends and family and we are looking ahead to our family beach vacation over the week of the 4th of July. We are grateful that family will be with us during that time because at this stage of our lives we are limited with physical activity and must depend on them to help. I am still dealing with a knee that needs to be replaced. Even though I had the Synvisc injection last week, I have not had any relief.
We are all looking toward June 19, with great anticipation for good news regarding Lee's progress. This will also be the birthday of his youngest son, Doug, who will take him to Duke. Let's pray that on this special day for both of them there will be a wonderful celebration!
More Later........................................Brenda
The title of this blog is aptly named "Turning Point" because one week from today, on June 19, Lee will have a CT scan of his lung to determine several things. (1) Are there any changes in the tumor?
(2) Is the tumor larger?, (3) smaller? (4) metastatic?. The answers to these important questions will be addressed by the oncology doctors and they will then meet with Lee to discuss the continuing course of treatment.
This, of course would include several possibilities: (1) continue the same course of treatment for x-number of weeks to continue to shrink the tumor (2) try another form of chemotherapy (3) the tumor has shrunk and may begin radiation with specifics to time.
I, of course, am only speculating as to what may or may not occur. We are praying that the tumor has responded to the chemotherapy and has reduced its size so that radiation will now be an option. My personal observations have been on the positive side because (1) He is not short of breath, which might indicate that the tumor has NOT increased in size, (2) He does not cough a lot and does not cough up blood (3) He does not complain of any pain, that might indicate tumor growth.
Again, these are my opinions and not those of any of the medical persons at Duke. We continue on with our lives as much as normal. We have enjoyed special time with friends and family and we are looking ahead to our family beach vacation over the week of the 4th of July. We are grateful that family will be with us during that time because at this stage of our lives we are limited with physical activity and must depend on them to help. I am still dealing with a knee that needs to be replaced. Even though I had the Synvisc injection last week, I have not had any relief.
We are all looking toward June 19, with great anticipation for good news regarding Lee's progress. This will also be the birthday of his youngest son, Doug, who will take him to Duke. Let's pray that on this special day for both of them there will be a wonderful celebration!
More Later........................................Brenda
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