RIP Papa D July 25, 1946 ~ June 2, 2012

My father passed away at his home on June 2, 2012. He passed away of congestive heart failure. This blog helped by dad get through his cancer being able to share his fight and progress. Thank you to everyone for there prayers.  Sincerely his daughter Tanya Leighton of Limestone Me. my email btleighton72@att.net

Last of the triple dose of chemo and GOOD NEWS!

     On the 9th of April, 2012 I had the last of my triple dose of chemo and was told by the doctor that I will have my usual weekly blood work for the next three weeks and on my last day he will tell me what if any other procedures will be done. As before on all of my treatments still no problems, I feel good and actually got a full nights sleep.

Good news:
     Tuesday 10 April, 2012 I had a routine visit with my pulmonary doctor, which included a chest x-ray. From that x-ray and my previous CAT scan he told me as far as he can see the mass is gone and he only sees scar tissue in the area where I had the radiation, I asked if that meant remission and his words were "unofficially you are in remission" but he will let the chemo doctors give me the official finding in three weeks. He also said that my body accepted the treatments very well! This was the best news ever and it was what I had hoped and prayed for over the last 5 months. Once again thanks to every one who has followed this and sent me well wishes and prayers! God bless you all!

For the record I also got my last Neulasta shot Tuesday so I will be going through the usual discomfort for the next few days, but I will be able to grin and bear it considering the news I just received :>)

Second Phase of Treatments ~ Third set of treatments

      On Monday 19, March 2012 I had my third set of infusions with the triple dose of chemo and experienced very little reactions and for the first time actually got a good nights sleep. The following day I got my third Neulasta shot and didn't have any adverse reactions this time until Friday, but the pain was tolerable after taking Tylenol, I'm trying to not take the prescription pain pills if at all possible.
     The doctor I saw Monday said I will probably get another PET Scan some time after my next and last triple dose of chemo on the 9th of April. I still feel good and I'm keeping my weight, however it does take about a week before my shortness of breath gets better from that shot.
     I have a follow up visit with the radiation oncology doctor Thursday 29, March 2012. I'll update as I learn more. Thanks again to all who are following this blog.
Papa D

Second Phase of Treatments ~ Second set of treatments

     On Monday 27, February 2012 I had my second set of infusions with the triple dose of chemo and experienced very little reactions, which I feel were due to the fact that they reduced the amount of  Benadryl this time as the full dose gave my a nervous reaction the last few treatments. I still had difficulty sleeping that night but felt good the next day. On a side note Doctor Stone did say that 2 more of these treatments should be the end of this.
     Tuesday 28, February 2012 I also had my second Neulasta shot about 4 PM and didn't feel any reaction until about 12 hours later with some pain in my wrists, thankfully the pain in my joints and muscles is minimal this time compared to the first time and Tylenol is working great so I won't have to fill the prescription that the doctor gave me for Hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Vicodin) a narcotic pain reliever.
      I will post updates in a couple of days on how I'm doing with this last shot, so far so good :>)

Friday 2, March 2012 update:
     I spoke to soon about the pain not being as bad this time as some time during Wednesday night the pain intensified and stayed with me throughout the next day and became even more painful early Friday morning about 2 AM, on a scale of 1-10 this was an easy 10, mostly in my knees and shin bones, by daybreak Friday the pain had subsided to about a 4. As this day continues the better I am feeling, so hopefully the worst is over this time. I WILL be getting the narcotic pain reliever before the next shot in three weeks.

 Wednesday 7, March 2012 update:
     Today is the best I have felt since the last shot, pretty much back to normal. I had blood work done on Monday and my counts were good and if any thing my white blood cell count was high, so the shot did what it was suppose to do! As a side note, after a month since my first triple dose of chemo the hair loss is in full swing, I should be totally hairless in about a week ;>)

Second Phase of Treatments

    Today I started the second phase of my treatments, which is getting the same medications as before just a higher dose of the Paclitaxel (Taxol) a three hour infusion vice the one hour. My blood work was very good and I had minimal reactions to the infusions, mainly unable to sleep and heartburn. I will get the Neulasta shot Tuesday afternoon, which stimulates white blood cell production and the most common reaction is joint and muscle pain for about 4 days. I'll get these treatments every three weeks, two or three more times.
     I'm scheduled for a CAT Scan Wednesday to see what kind of progress these treatments have done, I'll know the results next Monday. I also have a follow up appointment with the Radiation department Tuesday of next week. I'll update when I know more from these appointments.
     I still feel great and have gained 4 more pounds ;>)

Thursday 9 February, 2012 Update:
     After the first shot of Neulasta on Tuesday the 7th of February, 2012, I experienced an increase in shortness of breath and stomach cramps the first night and the next day very severe joint pain, mostly in the legs, neck and ribs and occasionally just all over in general, on the third day I still have pain in most of my joints and leg muscles but not as bad as yesterday. Hopefully this will pass on the forth day as I have read. Tylenol has helped make the pain tolerable! The positive aspect to this is that I won't miss my next scheduled chemotherapy infusions.
    
Wednesday 15 February, 2012
     The office visit to the cancer center went well Monday, Doctor Stone said my last CAT Scan showed "significant improvement" :>) also he was impressed with how good my blood work looked since I just had the Neulasta shot. After telling him how that shot effected me he said he will prescribe some pain medication that will work better than Tylenol when I get the next shot on the 28th of this month.
     Follow up appointment at the Radiation department was pretty much routine to see how I was feeling and to let me know they want me to get another PET Scan in six weeks. I'll post more after my next chemotherapy on the 27th of this month.



                                 

Week Nine

      Today started off good, I was informed by the radiation oncologist that today was my last radiation treatment not Friday as I had previously posted, because I have reached the total amount needed. I have a follow up appointment on the 14th of February.  

      I want to to thank everyone at the St. Vincent's Mary Virgina Terry Cancer Center for their friendly and professional treatment and service I received over the last nine weeks, specifically but not in any order ~ Cathy at the front desk who always had a warm smile and pleasant hello when I checked in everyday ~ the Nurses Cathy and Jennifer who handled my weekly doctor consultations ~ Dr. Snead and Dr. Ossi who always explained all of the procedures and results in a clear and precise way that made it easy for me to understand ~ Radiation Therapists, Sylvia, Janie, Ruth  and Linda who also greeted me every day with a warm and friendly smile and made sure I understood what procedures they were performing. The external beam procedure was a different experience as were the Pet and Cat scans but I will have to say that the Brachytherapy was the most interesting and I'm glad I only had to have three of them. Thanks again to a great staff of highly skilled and professional people. 

     I also reported to the cancer oncology center for blood work and consultation with the doctor, he said that my blood counts were good enough to receive my chemo infusions today and then I'll come back next Monday for follow up blood work then phase 2 of my chemotherapy starting on the 6th of February which will be the same pre-meds and a stronger dose of the same chemo infusions, I'll receive 3 or 4 of these cycles every three weeks. 

     Still no adverse side effects from today's infusions, just a little tired. I'll update next Monday with any further information.

Week Eight

     This will be a routine week for my radiation treatments and I will have my last treatment on January 20, 2012. I had my weekly consultation with the radiation doctor and she said pretty much the same thing that my pulmonary doctor said, that everything is looking great!
     Well I didn't get my chemotherapy infusions today as my white blood cell count is too low, it was 1.5K/ul and normal range is 4.1-10.9, so the doctor said I'll get my last of these infusions next Monday, then a month off followed by some scans and then 3 cycles of stronger infusions every three weeks. I'll update more later if anything changes. Thanks again for the support to all who are following my progress :>)
 

Week Seven

     Week seven started out on Tuesday January 3, 2012 with my third and final bronchoscope with brachytherapy catheter placement for the internal radiation procedure. The bronchoscope also revealed that the right upper lobe blockage is now open and looking good. The outer mass (tumor) is still shrinking.
     Wednesday thru Friday I had my standard radiation treatments using the narrower field of radiation. After today I will have 7 more treatments and then I will be finished with radiation treatments. Wednesday I also had chemotherapy infusions, with minimal side effects. My blood work was good.
     Thursday I had a follow up appointment with my pulmonary doctor and he is quite pleased with the outcome of my treatments so far. He said I'm doing great and my system is reacting really well to the treatments. :>)
      I still feel great and my breathing is the best it has been for some time.

Week Six

     Week six started on Tuesday 27, December with my standard radiation treatment, 24 of 38, then over to the cancer center for my blood work which was good, only a slight decrease on my red blood cell count, then a short consult with the doctor who said I'm doing great and after my last treatment, third week of January, I will get a 1 month break then more scans and next phase of chemotherapy treatments, they are the ones that will knock the hair off my head ;>) then I went to the treatment room for my 5th set of infusions, as before no adverse side effects, just extremely tired for about 4 hours, also only able to sleep for about 5 hours.
     Wednesday I had my 25th  radiation treatment and a consult with the doctor who also said I'm doing great, gained 3 more pounds, yikes! Once I finish these treatments I will be done with radiation and will only receive chemotherapy for a few more months.
     I still feel great, have a good appetite, and other then the night after chemo I sleep good. Thanks to all who have been following this blog, I appreciate the support.
     Here is the new field for radiation to the tumor and lymph node areas for the last half of my treatments.

Week Five

     Today I had imaging and my 19th radiation treatment, was unable to see the doctor because of  my chemo appointment time. They said I will see the doctor on Wednesday.
     All was good at the cancer center for my chemo infusions, blood work was good. Still no adverse side effects, a little tired but I still feel great. Here is a photo of me getting my premeds.

     Tomorrow I have to be at the surgery center at 7:00 AM for a Broncoscope to insert the catheters for my second Brachytherapy treatment, High-Dose Rate (HDR) internal radiation therapy. I'll update more when I get home tomorrow.

    Tuesday December 20, 2011 Update: The Broncoscope with catheter placement and the Brachytherapy treatment both went well, with some great news, the Broncoscope also reveled that the nearly obstructing (greater than 90% obstructed) mass found proximally in the right upper lobe is now only about 20% obstructed :>)
Also informed that the outer mass (tumor) is shrinking :>)

     Once the catheters were in place I was moved to radiation oncology for the Brachytherapy treatment. Here are a couple of pictures prior to me going into the procedure room.

Today I had my CAT scan, here is a picture prior to the procedure.

After the CAT scan I went to the radiation room for my normal external beam radiation treatment.

Saturday December 18, 2011

After my CAT scan on Thursday I had a PET scan on Friday so the radiation doctors can see how much my tumor has shrunk and reduce the area of radiation for the last half of my treatments. I'll know the results Monday.

Week Four

     Monday was imaging and radiation at the radiation oncology center. They have set me up for another CAT scan on Thursday so they can reduce the field of radiation to the tumor for the last half of my treatments.
     Then I reported to the cancer center for my infusions of premeds and chemo which including blood work takes about 4 1/2 hours. My blood work was good and the only reactions from the infusions were a headache, feeling tired and heartburn, also on the night after chemo even though I'm tired I have a hard time sleeping. Nice to be retired as I can take naps ;>)
     Today I had my routine radiation treatment and informed I will also have another PET scan on Friday. These two scans are used to measure to see how much the tumor has shrunk and adjust coordinates for the external beam radiation.
     I still feel great, have a good appetite and only feel the fatigue on Monday and Tuesday, by Wednesday I'm my usual happy grumpy self  >P)

Week Three

     Monday started my third week of treatments, starting with my 9th of 38 radiation treatments, also had a brief visit with the doctor who was pleased to see that I have gained 10 pounds as most people loose weight. Then I reported to the cancer center for my 2nd chemotherapy infusions. Once finished I didn't have any adverse side effects, just felt a little tired with a slight headache.
     Tuesday I had my Broncoscope so as they could insert catheters for my HRD Brachytherapy, the first catheter was placed in the right upper bronchial lobe ant segment and the second catheter was place in the post segment, then I was transported to radiation department for the catheters to be hooked up to a machine that deliver the radioactive pellets, this procedure lasted about 5 minutes. This treatment is for the nearly obstructing (greater than 90% obstructed) mass that was found proximally in the right upper lobe. I will have this done again on the 20th of this month and again the 3rd of January. I will continue with the external beam radiation treatments for the external mass that is around the outer part of this lobe area.
     I still feel great and keeping a positive attitude.

HDR Brachytherapy

     I have been scheduled for High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy next Tuesday instead of my routine radiation treatment. I will also have this procedure done on the 20th of December and the 3rd of January. The other days I will still receive the external beam radiation therapy. 
     High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation from implants placed close to, or inside, the tumor(s) in the body. This technique ensures the maximum radiation dose is given to cancerous tissues, while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. The implants are inserted through a catheter which is positioned in the lung by means of a Bronchoscopy, during the procedure, the doctor passes a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through your nose (or sometimes your mouth), down your throat, and into your airways through this tube the catheters are positioned and the bronchoscope is then removed and the catheters are hooked up to a machine that deliver the radioactive pellets, here is a excerpt from "Cancer Treatment Centers of America" web site that furthers explains this procedure.
           

How Does HDR Brachytherapy Work?

Because cancer often affects organs that are essential to daily functioning, it is important for radiation treatment to be tightly focused on tumors to avoid serious side effects.

• Before each HDR brachytherapy treatment, we check the position of the catheters with millimeter precision.
• During treatment, our doctors insert tiny, hollow catheters directly into tumors to deliver a precise, three-dimensional dose of radiation.
• Next, a series of radioactive pellets are inserted into each catheter. Computer guidance controls how far the pellet goes into the catheter and how long the pellet stays in the catheter to release its radiation dose.

With a few well-placed catheters, HDR brachytherapy can provide a very precise treatment for cancer in just a few minutes.

Advantages of HDR Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy offers a quicker, more effective way to give radiation treatments for some patients. For many cancer types, the entire brachytherapy treatment takes 1 to 2 days, instead of 5 to 7 weeks for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, brachytherapy may be combined with other treatments, which can vary treatment times. In many cases, brachytherapy is a promising alternative to surgical removal of a tumor or the affected organ.

     Being my cancer is not operable I am looking forward to this procedure. I will update more as this goes along.

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.