Radiation Update

Yesterday Joe and I had a very long day at Strong! We saw the nursing staff and then Dr Chen, the radiology oncologist to determine if Joe can/should have radiation on his spine as his back has been in a lot of pain. Dr Chen observed the area that Joe indicated was hurting and she concluded it was more his rib area than the spinal area. She ordered a bone scan on Monday the 16th to see the level of involvement in his rib area. She also has to speak to Dr Kohli and weigh radiation treatments during his chemotherapy treatment - it may be a one-or-the-other choice. Joe will have the bone scan and determine the outcome after that. Dr Chen indicated that she would only give him 1 treatment on either side to help manage the pain.

Joe then went to the clinic for a blood transfusion as he is anemic again and has a low platelet count. This was anticipated with the chemotherapy treatment. It took longer than planned due to the delivery of the blood to the clinic after he'd been typed and crossed, and his PICC line is very small so we had to deliver the blood slower than when he had his central line. Dr Kohli's nurse took a sample of the ascites fluid in his abdomen as it has changed color (it's pink) and we're concerned about internal bleeding. All in all - it ended up being a very long day.

He's feeling better today - enough to fire nurse #3 - and raise hell with the nursing service! Thank you Kathy for staying until Phyllis comes at noon. She is working out wonderfully (thanks Marsha and Dave for the recommendation).

The latest plan is to see Dr Kohli on Monday the 23rd and be admitted to the hospital on Tuesday the 24th for his second round of chemo.

Gina is snowed in in Buffalo -and tonight Tom has a soccer game in Irondequoit. Never a dull moment!

I just read Bill's and Paul's note. Thank you!

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom