Results...kind of...chemo time

Here we sit waiting to check into the hospital for chemo round #3....

Dad had his MRI this morning at 9:30am, had his blood work drawn up & his appointment with all the drs wasn't until 2:30pm. Mom, Dad, Tiffany, Tory, Michael, Amber, & Uncle B all dined at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse for lunch. It's the first time dad's stomach actually growled & he wanted food (he's been having to force himself to eat). He had a large plate of spaghetti w/marinara sauce, salad, lots of bread & shared a piece of double chocolate fudge cake & ice cream w/his daughters.

From there we headed on to the appointment (lots of time to spare). We sat in the waiting room & played many games of Outburst Remix. Great way to pass the time! Aaron & Andy came to join us at this point, as well....Yep, the drs got the entire family!

The MRI results came back...they showed no change in the size of the tumor - this is very good. The tumor has destroyed dad's bone & the bone will never grow back (we already were aware of this) so the MRI shows abnormalities. The problem with this is that the test results can't tell us if the chemo is working or not. The drs all agreed that, with dad & where the tumor is, they would have to determine if the chemo was having positive effects by dad's feelings & activities. Because dad's pain has decreased so much & he is able to walk so many miles a day, they felt quite optimistic about the treatment so far.

We met w/Dr. Hayden first (the orthopaedic surgeon that performed the open bone biopsy). He gave us more information about the surgery that could be used to remove the tumor. With all the information & his recommendation not to...we decided that this is not an avenue we are willing to explore at this point in time. He was very impressed with how dad looked & his activity level.

We next met with Dr. Hung (the radiation dr). He was quite impressed with dad as well. He said that he was going to push for a few more rounds of chemo. He reiterated that we needed to go by how dad was feeling & that it seemed as if the chemo was having a positive effect on that darn tumor. He then went over the radiation treatment dad would undergo (when the time comes). Dad will do about 7 weeks of radiation. It lasts for about 15 minutes & is every day. He will begin this treatment about 4 to 6 weeks after his last round of chemo.

Then Dr. Ryan came in (chemo dr). Dr. Ryan said that he & Dr. Hung reached a consensus that they would perform 2 more rounds of chemo. Usually, 4 rounds of chemo is what the number is for angio sarcoma patients. This way the patients get plenty of chemo, but also are able to start with the radiation therapy quicker. He said that he was going to reduce the amount of Iphosphomide (you happy, Michael? :) I know I didn't spell it right, but at least I attempted this time - you know I love you & your teasing) by 20% & is also going to give dad the Metholyne Blue the entire time (this flushes out the Iphosphomide & makes it a little less potent) in hopes of curbing some of those horrible side effects (the shakes & confusion).

Dad is now checked into OHSU for the night. They are going to pump him with fluids (also hoping this helps with the side effects) tonight & start the chemo tomorrow late morning, early afternoon. He will be there for the 3 24 hour IVs & we are hoping for a release on Monday - keep those fingers crossed! He is back in isolation so mom gets to wear those beautiful long sleeve yellow aprons & purple latex gloves at all times. Fun times! :)

In summary...MRI results showed the tumor has not gotten bigger. Bone is permanently damaged. Drs, dad, & family are all feeling good that the chemo seems to be producing positive results (we know, daddy, it totally sucks while you're going through it). They are going to decrease the pain meds even more. He has 2 more rounds of 3 day (in the hospital for 4 - 7 days) chemo treatment. Starts radiation after the 2nd round. Radiation is for 7 weeks.

Heeeeeeeere's the annoying daughter....please try to refrain from calling mom & dad for a few days. It's not easy for either of them to talk on the phone while they are in the hospital. We know it's difficult, but please know that we will communicate everything on the blog & it's very much appreciated (just one less thing for them to worry about).They would love to communicate via the blog & email (much easier because they can answer when the time is right) - both will be checked many times throughout the day! By the way, dad says "this thing is @$#*!!!!"

Thank you thank you thank you to all of you. We can't even begin to tell you how much we appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, love, support, cards, words, & you & your families. Without each & every one of you, we would all be lost. You have all offered so much of yourselves & your lives...dad has the most wonderful support system. Please know that a day doesn't go by that you each aren't thought of & appreciated. Your friendship & words are a very precious gift, so thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.