My day at the Cancer Specialists facility.

     The day started off at 4:30 am so I could get to the center by 7:45 am. That gave me time to take care of things at home before leaving and getting some breakfast and of course COFFEE. Once I had checked in I was called back for blood work followed by a 30 minute presentation to help explain how chemotherapy treatments worked and what side affects I may have. Next was a brief visit with one of the cancer doctors to explain the first phase of my chemotherapy treatment, which will be once a week for the next six weeks or as long as my radiation treatments last. Also I don't need any special diet at this time.
     Once in the treatment room they started giving me my infusions (IVs) here is a list of what I was given and brief description of what they are for:
 Palonosetron (Aloxi) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur
within 24 hours after receiving cancer chemotherapy.
Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a corticosteroid, used to treat certain types of cancer.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl iv) Helps control nausea.
Randitidine (Zaniac iv) Used to help with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Paclitaxel (Taxol) A chemotherapy drug used for ovarian, breast and lung cancer,  it works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin) A chemotherapy drug used against some forms of cancer (mainly ovarian carcinoma, lung, head and neck cancers).
     These infusions took about 4 hours, only because they were my first treatments and they wanted to make sure I didn't have any reactions to any of the medications. My next infusions should only take about 2 1/2 hours. So far I haven't had any reaction to anything other than being light headed for a brief time during the initial infusions.
     Once finished with the chemotherapy I had my radiation treatment and home at 3 pm. I still feel great and am very pleased with the outcome of the day. Now I am going to relax with a couple of ice cold adult beverages and have some leftover turkey and fixin's for dinner.

Radiation Oncology

     Today I started my radiation treatments. I will have 38 treatments over the next few weeks, Monday thru Friday and nothing on week-ends or holidays. The treatments last about 15 minutes, which includes getting me positioned and line up on the table, the procedure is similar to an x-ray, just a lot more centrally located.
     Every Monday in addition to my treatment they will take x-rays, followed by a consultation with my Radiation Oncology Doctor to explain how things are progressing and to see if I am having any side effects, which could be a sore throat, skin irritation and fatigue.
     Each and every person I have come in contact with at this facility has been extremely friendly, positive and professional. I will post more next week after my first chemotherapy treatment on Monday the 28th.

     

Radiation Oncology and Cancer Center appointments today.

     Radiation Oncology appointment consisted of another CAT scan to verify the location of the mass in my right lung and set up location points on my chest and sides so as to pinpoint where the radiation will be directed once I start radiation treatments, which is tentatively scheduled for the 21st of this month, pending what the Cancer Center Doctor assigns for my treatments.
     The Cancer Center appointment was primarily paper work for insurance purposes, blood work, vitals and a brief consultation with a Doctor to explain the up coming treatments which will be 6 months of on and off chemo and radiation treatments, the first phase of chemo will start on the 28th of this month and will not cause any hair loss, phase two of chemo (in a couple of months) will be total hair loss. The Doctor did tell me that this a Stage 3 lung cancer and Stage 3 is considered a “locally advanced” cancer, meaning the tumor has not spread to distant regions of the body but has spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the body as the tumor which I have a few in the same lung.
     The results of the MRI was good, but did confirm that I do have a few loose screws LOL 8>) I will update when I know more. Thanks for all of the well wishes.

Results of Radiation Oncology consultation.

     November 10, 2011. Today I had my consultation with the Radiation Oncology department of the cancer center. The results of the PET scan were good, no cancer in any other part of my body. They have scheduled me for a MRI tomorrow to verify that there isn't any problems in my brain which the PET scan won't show very well.
     On Monday I have an appointment with the Cancer Specialists of North Florida for a consultation about chemotherapy treatments. I also have another appointment Monday with the Radiation Oncology center to get things set up for radiation treatments, which will probably start after I start chemotherapy, as they want the cancer mass to shrink before performing radiation to minimize lung tissue damage. 
     I still feel great and am impressed with the positive attitude of the Doctor about these upcoming treatments. I will post more next week.

Papa D's new chapter in life.

     October 27, 2011 I had a chest x-ray because I was coughing up red/pink phlegm (I have COPD) The x-ray showed a mass in my right lung. I was advised to check into the hospital for further evaluation. There I had a Bronchoscope which revealed Right Lung Abnormalities: A nearly obstructing (greater than 90% obstructed) mass was found proximally in the right upper lobe. The mass was endobronchial and fungating. The lesion was successfully traversed and is likely malignant. Endobronchial biopsies were performed in the right upper lobe and sent for histopathology examination, routine cytology, AFB analysis & culture and fungal analysis. Protected brushings were obtained in the right upper lobe and sent for routine cytology.
     I spent 2 days in the hospital and was given antibiotics and steroids to combat bronchitis. After being discharged I was given Prednisone and more antibiotics. The bronchitis has cleared up and my breathing has been better than ever.
      November 4, 2011 I saw my lung Doctor and was given the results of the biopsy which was confirmed as being lung cancer (Squamous Cell stage III A) one of the two most common lung cancers. It is not operable because of the location of the mass so chemo and radiation will probably be my treatments. Appointments were set up for me to have a PET scan, consultation with a cancer doctor and treatments.
    November 8, 2011 I had the Pet scan. The procedure for the PET scan consisted of having my blood sugar checked, then I was given a radioactive solution into my blood stream followed by about 40 minutes of relaxing before being put through the scanner which took about 25 minutes taking several scans of my body head to toe. The purpose for the scan is to see if I have cancer in any other parts of my body, I will know the results on Thursday. As for my present condition I feel great and am not in any pain. I will update this as I find out more.