Monday, April 22, 2013

Week of April 7th and 14th

Nancy has entered into the radiation phase of her cancer treatment. This was supposed to be a much simpler phase than the chemo but has proven to be very difficult so far.

The plan seemed simple: the radiologist plots the areas to be radiated based on a CAT scan; then makes small markings on her body for the machine to radiate. Programmers then write software for the machine to follow. They said it would take about ten minutes for each treatment (roughly fifteen treatments).

 They make a mold for her to lay in similar to a bean bag that hardens when they let the air out. This allows her to lay in the same spot each time.

In reality she has multiple markings with various colors all over her chest (not the small dots they told us). So far each treatment has taken over two hours with Nancy having to hold still with her hands over her head the entire time. Two treatments were cut short because the program wasn't working correctly.

Last Friday they started all over and moved her to another machine. This time they had a physicist in the room along with the programmers and radiologist. We think they finally got it right. Suffice it to say she is disappointed and frustrated.

To complicate matters she had a stomach virus last week and a fever Saturday. Sunday she had flu-like symptoms and still ran a fever and the doc sent us to the ER. They ran some tests and did not find anything seriously wrong so sent her home with flu and cough medicine.  She is constantly fatigued and simply tired of being sick.

We have Communion each morning and pray together for renewed physical and spiritual strength to get through this phase. We appreciate all of the prayers and help we have received along the way. The support from family and friends continue to lift her spirits....please keep it coming!

Thank to all.

Bob



Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Week of March 31st

Nancy has been feeling a little better each day. Her hair is slowly but surely coming back to life. Her eyesight has improved enough to where she can drive local places like the mall and grocery store, so that is another improvement.

We had a great Easter Sunday with brunch at her mom's house and dinner at my brother's house. It is always great to be with family.

On Thursday she had surgery to fix the port as it had shifted. The surgeon ended up putting it on the other side because she could not get it re-adjusted. She was a little sore and bruised from the procedure but she seems to be doing well now.

Friday we met with the oncologist as there was some conflicting information on the radiation treatment and we were able to get that cleared up. She goes in this coming week for more markings and a "trial run".  Once the radiologist develops a plan they program the computer so that the radiation hits the exact spots on every treatment.

Saturday our whole family was in town as my niece got married and Nancy was able to attend the wedding and reception, so she is slowing regaining her strength. She hopes the radiation doesn't set her back as she is getting back to doing things she enjoys....like quilting.

Thanks to all for the continued well wishes and prayers.

Bob

Monday, April 1, 2013

Week of March 24th

Nancy was feeling a little better this week and was able to get out of the house several times.

We met with the radiologist team on Thursday. They made a mold for her to lay in while they radiate her over the next five to six weeks. She will go five days per week.

They also made markings on her so each time she goes in, she lays in the exact spot so when they radiate it hits the exact spots the doctor maps out.

She also had a follow up CT scan. The radiologist noticed an internal part of the port has moved (which Nancy already knew)  and asked to have it fixed;  meaning another surgery this Wednesday.

The radiologist said it may take her ten days to develop a plan of how she will radiate the cancer.

Once the markings and mold are made, a computer program is developed so they radiate the exact spots the doctor has determined need to be radiated. The system will hits the exact spots each time during radiation.

The radiologist also gave Nancy approval to start back on her eye medicine so we are hoping her eyesight will come back.

Thanks once again to everyone for the continuing prayers and support.

Bob