Things are winding down for the day. We have a 4:30 wake up and out the door at 5:30 to head to the hospital. The Mister’s lung biopsy at 8:00. He’s in good spirits about it all. We just want to know what’s what so we can meet this dragon head on! We’re ready to fight! 💜
All went well with the biopsy this morning. Home a couple hours now and he's resting. Now we wait again. Pulmonologist says results no earlier than Wednesday, and up to 7-10 days. She did state this hospital's record for speedy turnaround is very good.
PET did indicate the mass to be hot. Biopsy will tell.....the rest of the story.
Thank you all for your thoughts, good vibes, prayers and concern. We keep on..it's the way.💜
Pathology Results are in:
Poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma, immunostains supporting lung adenocarcinoma.
THE POSITIVES:
-Lymph nodes not affected
-Mass is primary tumor; 4.5 x 3.8 cm; right middle & upper lobe
-Metastasis not present
-No hypermetabolic adrenal lesions
-thoracic surgery resection likely if good candidate
Next steps:
-F.U with pulmonologist May 29 to discuss treatment plan
-Live life with appreciation
-Kick this cancer's ass 💜
His pulmonary function test is scheduled for June 5. Thoracic surgeon and oncology specialist consult appointment in process. Hopefully the PFT will indicate surgery will be a go. Things moving along since biopsy’s results in 7 days ago.
Pushing through the myriad of emotions. Recalling that felt when I went through this with mom’s cancer. In warrior mode still. It’s the only way. 💜
OH! Call just in. Oncology appointment set for the 5th in the afternoon after the PFT. THAT’S what I like to hear. Let’s get ‘er done!
Thoracic surgeon is out of the country but we’ve secured an appointment for the 12th when he returns. He’s the best there around.
So things gear up next week. We’re so ready to get this show on the road.
All things considered he’s holding up well. We’re keeping busy to keep minds occupied. Best medicine so far. 💜
My head is swimming....but we got through the Pulmonary Function Test & consult w/oncologist today.
Bottom Line: MRI of the brain is next 'cause lung cancer can metastasize there. Oncologist recommends eradicating tumor cells in mass & shrinking before surgery. 3 chemo/immunotherapy cycles @ 21-day intervals. Orders/approvals for in motion. Thoracic surgeon consul 6/12. After coordination w/Drs, results of MRI, FU w/oncologist 6.21 to put all in motion.
Now I have to eat, had nothing all day
Hey COSO 💜 It’s been a hot minute.
I just don’t know where all the hours in a day go! I’m cramming in a lot while I can with volunteer work, running the household and some occasional me time.
Appointments with the Mister have filled the calendar but all is moving in the right direction. Looks like chemo (possibly w/immunotherapy) will begin after the 21st. Minimally invasive surgery w/robotic assist soon after. The plan is set and the start gate opens wide soon.
Thinking of you all!💜
The MRI of his brain is completed. Now we wait, again. We are encouraged the results will be good as his base of skull to thigh PET scan showed only the lung mass to be cancerous.
As we await the results & subsequent follow-up w/his oncologist next Friday, know he's been a real trooper & mentally in a good place. That in itself is a real blessing.
Thank you all for your encouraging words, your concern for his well-being and the support you've extended to us both. It's appreciated so much.💜
His MRI brain results are in. The lung cancer has NOT metastasized there 💜
All required tests, procedures, probes and subsequent worrisome potentials are complete.
The venue has been selected and all that’s left is for the menu to be finalized. The meeting with the caterer is Friday. Soon this party will get started.
It's tough waiting but we're at that threshold again. Appointment today with the oncologist:
EGFR mass genetic testing results not in. Insurance hasn't yet approved chemo treatment. Rush & Follow up on both has been implemented. Intravenous rather than port delivery. Good deal.
Best case scenario is chemo (w/or w/o immunotherapy) begins sometime next week or week of July 1. TBD
One hurdle crossed. Insurance approved treatment. Awaiting pathology report for the last bio marker to determine if immunotherapy in combination with chemo is possible. Treatment begins immediately thereafter.
Our nurse navigator is on top of it and empathetic to his anxiousness to get started.
Me…my mind is away in a lavender field for all the calm it can produce. 💜
On this front, there's no new news. We're still waiting for the pathology report which determines if one specific genetic marker qualifies him for immunotherapy.
Doesn't the lab know we are the only ones who need attention to that detail right now? 😉
As I've told the Mister, we just gotta roll with the punches and take this time to relax before the real dynamics ramp up.
So...that's what we're gonna do. 💜
Good news! The pathology report for the EGFR mutation indicates it's negative. So---immunotherapy CAN be part of the Mister's chemotherapy treatments. Yay!
And...Wednesday, the 10th we have a patient education session w/the nurse navigator. His first chemo treatment is on Thursday, the 11th!
There will be 3, each 21 days apart w/the last scheduled for August 22! Then, surgery can be scheduled approx 30 days after and a clean PET scan.
ONWARD FOR THIS NEW CHAPTER! 💜
First step. Patient education. Here we go. Let’s get started. 💜
Today I worked through a rollercoaster of emotions that had been pushed aside since his diagnosis. I think it just caught up with me and they had to come to the surface.
It’s fine now and know it might not be the last time I face them again. But for tonight I’m stronger than ever. Ready to put my armor of support on to help him through it.
Tomorrow is a big day. First treatment with expectations all will be tolerated well. If not, we’re prepared and armed with defense measures.
Onward! 💜
Treatment #1 ✅
All went as expected with just over 6 hours of various infusions. A slight annoyance with Benadryl which excited his restless leg syndrome but it’s a common reaction. As was some cheek flushing from the steroid. But, no nausea, dizziness or other symptoms during the treatment. Tomorrow may be different, or it may not. Time will tell.
He’s rested, ate a good supper & hydrated. I found a few moments to enjoy the outdoors. A new day in the morrow. 💜
Pics by Tom
On this second day after his first chemo treatment, I'm happy to report all is really good. Side effects have been minimal and of insignificant concern.
The steroid given with his infusion has really alleviated his breathing and coughing issues providing him with much needed relief.
There are still delayed reaction possibilities, but today we're thankful for the little things, which are pretty big.💜
As expected, the follow-up with his oncologist one week after his first chemo was one of little concern. He is experiencing some neuropathy in his feet as a side effect. It’s minimal at this point and something she feels will pass after treatment concludes. She has ordered a compounded cream to apply should it be more bothersome.
His appetite has increased tenfold as a result of the steroid. But other than some days with more fatigue, he’s championed this go round well. We are thankful. 💜
As expected, the hair on his head and his facial hair is beginning to fall out. 12 days after his first chemo infusion. He's contemplating his next move.
He shaved his beard about as closely as it can be without being totally shaven. He decided atm on the buzzed military cut that will do well as it falls out. He totally looks like his official Army photograph taken all those years ago. 😍
Lab draw is complete ahead of his second chemo and immunotherapy infusion tomorrow. As expected his lymphocytes are low and he’s high risk for contracting any new infections. That comes with the territory while undergoing treatment.
The muscle and joint pain is minimal right now. The acetaminophen and Claritin have helped the inflammation. The compound cream does help the neuropathy in his feet. Fatigue comes and goes.
He’s ready for the 2nd of the three rounds. Onward!
Chemo day #2. A rough start trying to find a vein. One rolled. One blew. Third time a charm. BP a little high this time and pulse just a tad elevated for him. Otherwise he’s ready to get this party started. 6-8 hours to go.
Treatment #2 is done! He’s home and ready for a nap. Side effects nil at this point. The next 24-36 hours will be monitored closely as it’s this time frame when they manifest if they are going to.
His last infusion for this part of the treatment plan is in 21 days. Then, if the PET scan shows the chemotherapy/immunotherapy has done its job, scheduling surgery will be the next step.
@CherNohio
Very glad the second infusion is done! Now for it to go to work and for you both and for the treatment team to nurture and support the body that is the battlefield.
@publickovacs The warriors on that battlefield are armed and ready to defeat that enemy. Thank you 💜