Some good news, some not so good. I'll get the not so good part out of the way....The spots that showed up on the CT scan last week are in fact cancerous. There are actually only two, both relatively small in size (1.5 - 1 cm). This means that the radiosurgery center will be welcoming my Dad back for 6 more rounds of radiation. Because the dose of radiation is high, they are unable to treat both sites at the same time. He will have three treatments in June to one of the tumors, and three treatments to the other in July. The first tumor that was found on his lung over the Christmas Holiday is gone now so that was GREAT news to hear and it is encouraging to know that the type of radiation they are using is bang on (I would say spot on, but maybe that's too much of a pun???). Other news from the PET scan is that the two skull tumors are DEAD and the skull bone in that area is no longer fractured. Sandi was able to go with my parents to the Dr. visit today and she described it as overwhelming to see the scan from a year ago compared to yesterday's scan. It drove home the point that we are incredibly blessed to have skilled Doctors on my Dad's case. The radiologist oncologist admitted today that when they first got my dad's file last May, they weren't at all sure that they would be able to wrap themselves around killing that tumor. Scary to think about, but glad we are sitting 11 months on the other side of it with good results. So while it is discouraging to hear of the new small lung tumors, they don't cause alarm to the Doctors in the over all scheme of things in the cancer world. Accordingly, a treatment plan is once again in place, and we keep pressing on.
As far as the edema around his eye.....well, its possible that it may never go away due to the scar tissue that is now built up in the area behind his eye. It is extremely difficult for him to open his eye and he is going to explore the possibility of wearing an eye patch so that he is not constantly straining to see out of. I'm sure he will look mysterious and debonair :) Another bit of news today is that he will likely be on prednisone from here on out. He will be attempting a different dosing schedule to try and cope with some of the side effects he experiences from it and we hope that will be helpful.
I'll end with this last piece of news - the anniversary trip to Arizona will take place as scheduled and it should be a great visit with the Western side of the Daniel Family!
Thanks for checking back in and for the continued prayers - we are hoping that his next 3 month scan will be all clear and provide a needed break from treatments! Love ~ The Daniel Family
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
A little late in the day, but Happy Easter wishes from all of the Daniel family. We are much slower to update things these days, as we find ourselves in the lull between tests. Please know that even remembering my dad in the most general of prayers is always, always much appreciated.
Last week my Dad had a CT scan to take a look at the function of his remaining kidney. The good news is that the kidney appears to be functioning well, the not so good news is that there were an additional three nodes that were seen on the base of his lungs. We don't know if the nodes are cancerous, as the scan was done without contrast, but on Tuesday of this week, a PET scan will be done that will light up if these nodes or any other areas found, are a spread of the cancer.
Of course we hope that cancer has not spread further, and we appreciate all of your prayers for this. Also, my Dad is very tired from the radiation treatments and his taste buds seem to have been affected from the radiation treatments. He has lost weight due to this, and he is trying to sock away more calories through yummy milkshakes etc.
As many of you know, my parents just celebrated their
50th Wedding anniversary and are hoping to make a trip back to Phoenix, where it all began, in a few weeks. We hope that medical treatments won't prevent them from traveling. Thanks for your continued support and love in all things - especially on this day as we are reminded that He came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the Cross - our debt to pay. From the Cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky...Lord, we lift your name on high! God bless you all - the Daniel Family
Last week my Dad had a CT scan to take a look at the function of his remaining kidney. The good news is that the kidney appears to be functioning well, the not so good news is that there were an additional three nodes that were seen on the base of his lungs. We don't know if the nodes are cancerous, as the scan was done without contrast, but on Tuesday of this week, a PET scan will be done that will light up if these nodes or any other areas found, are a spread of the cancer.
Of course we hope that cancer has not spread further, and we appreciate all of your prayers for this. Also, my Dad is very tired from the radiation treatments and his taste buds seem to have been affected from the radiation treatments. He has lost weight due to this, and he is trying to sock away more calories through yummy milkshakes etc.
As many of you know, my parents just celebrated their
50th Wedding anniversary and are hoping to make a trip back to Phoenix, where it all began, in a few weeks. We hope that medical treatments won't prevent them from traveling. Thanks for your continued support and love in all things - especially on this day as we are reminded that He came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the Cross - our debt to pay. From the Cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky...Lord, we lift your name on high! God bless you all - the Daniel Family
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