At the Oncolosists (Plural)

Today was our first visit with the oncologists, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Close at the Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center here in Lubbock.  The plan for Howard's treatment is as follows.

1. Tumor biopsy and removal of some of the mass. (Completed)
2. Radiation/Chemotherapy Combo
3. Long term Chemotherapy Regimen

Ok. So we are on part 2.  Howard will have 30 days of radiation treatments - 5 days a week.  The radiation process is called IMRT.  It is very targeted, it takes 15 minutes each day, and has no side effects.  Running concurrently with the radiation is 42 days of chemotherapy - 7 days a week.  The drug is called Temodar.  It is an oral medication that is the latest and greatest for this type of tumor.  With it he will take an anti-nausea drug, although the side effects from this medication are usually milder than what usually runs with chemotherapy.  He will also take Bactrim (an antibiotic) three times a week.  The Temodar will compromise his immune system some, and so they want to prevent any pneumonias.

After 6 weeks, he will be on a long-term treatment plan.  He will still take the Temodar, but for 5 days with a break of 25 days between cycles.  This will go on for at least 2 years.  During that time, he will have MRIs every 3 months, and his "tumor board" will meet after each to discuss his progress. 

Today, Thursday Dec. 1, we will go in for his "Radiation Simulation". He will be fitted with a face shield that will hold him down to the treatment table.  Howard is calling it his "Hannibal Lecter mask."  They will inject him with contrast again and run him through a CT.  This is where they are doing all the calculations and targeting for the treatments.  It will take the longest today, after that it will be a "strap in and go" type of thing every day.

I need to add something about the fabulous treatment here at the JACC.  Talk about wonderful people.  This is how everyone should be treated at the doctor's office.  It seemed like everyone's primary job was to answer our questions and take care of us.  We have a special social worker, Jan, who is taking care of all the insurance work for us - "jumping through the hoops" so we can get the Temodar here as fast as possible.  I have direct to the desk extension numbers for about 8 nurses to answer questions any time I need them.  Dr. Close gave Howard a hug before he left....really super.

So..that's the plan.  Let you know what happens in 6 weeks. :)