Treatment Week 4: October 22 to 26

I was somewhat more fatigued this week and not quite as mentally sharp, but I have confidence that this will pass. Susanne has been doing such a terrific job with my nutrition and supplements that all the blood cell counts are staying stable from week to week. Apparently chemotherapy can often severely depress these, which is why they are checked each week. My wife is so wonderful!

The high point of the week was finally to have time with my son, David, on Friday that I have been looking forward to since August. We had many events occur in the meantime, including my second surgery, his second surgery, etc. I was dropped off at his house, by Matt Dunlop, who drove me to my radiation appointment. Dave and I went down the street to have lunch together. We shared with each other how the cancer and treatment process has been going for us and talked of many other things, particularly our relationship. It felt good to just be with my son!! We then went back to the apartment, where he lives with his wife and son, and Susanne came to pick me up. We all spent more time together, watching television and talking.

We had a frank conversation with the oncologist about the overall treatment plan as described in the September 19/20 blog posting. I noted that the September 20 MRI scan indicated that the swelling (edema) was significantly reduced and that there was no visible evidence of tumor re-growth. The plan is for another MRI scan to be done a month after the current phase of treatment ends on November 12. I asked if that MRI still showed no visible evidence of tumor re-growth, was the second phase of higher level chemotherapy, scheduled to start January 2, still indicated. He was very clear that the MRI would not be conclusive about the state of the cancer, and research indicates that the chemo will be necessary! I was disappointed, but I can accept the value of the fact-based clinical research behind his position. It is possible that chemo may not have to go the full 12 months as forecast, however. Originally the second phase would have been scheduled to start December 17. In order to allow us to go to Florida from December 20 to 27 (to speak at a conference and visit my step-daughter, Jennifer and her husband) unimpeded by the chemotherapy he had previously agreed that the start date could be moved back with no negative impact.

Had my final session of physical therapy. They indicate that my right front shin muscle is now fully functional. They provided a set of exercises that I should continue doing. It’s wonderful to have full use of my right foot back. However, I do still use a cane for some additional safety as I continue to experience numbness in the foot and leg.

I am continuing to work part-time at my job, mostly from home, which feels good. Since the daily chemo/radiation treatments take up most of the morning, and I’m needing to nap each afternoon, it is seeming like 8 hours or so a week is the best I can do. I hope to ramp that up to at least 16 hours a week after November 12, when radiation ends.