The MS Contin (morphine pills) has not worked to control Doug's hip pain. Didn't make him drowsy at all either; he continues to drive as he can do that sitting. I am really glad Doug can do the highway driving - I am so tired I might run us off the road.
The radiation oncology office called at 9:30 this morning. They said Doug could start his treatments if we could get there by 1:00. So we packed in a hurry, asked the new neighbors to water the pots of petunias, and left for Edwards and the Shaw Cancer Center.
This time is a re-treatment of the original left hip field. Last November, when Doug was hurting so bad I pushed him in a wheelchair, the radiation worked within a few days, stopping the pain. That time he got 3,000 cGy (centigrays, the measurement of therapeutic radiation - used to be called 'rads' in the old days). This time he will get 2,000 cGy, for a total of 5,000 to the hip. This is a safe dose - there are no vital organs in the field, and the team has checked the plan well, including the radiation physicist. Radiation given for a curative intent often goes higher in total dose but in smaller daily doses. Radiation is given to Doug for palliation (symptom relief) not to cure.
We are staying again at Jack's Place. People here at Jack's and the radiation team know us pretty well by now. After the tacky motel in Co. Springs, I really appreciate Jack's wonderful rooms.
Doug's white cells did go high enough for him to re-start the maintenance Revlimid. Good. He will get a CBC weekly for a couple of times.
We moved into the new house last Wed. Many hands helped out and we are forever grateful. Since moving in, we have only spent Saturday and Sunday at home. Thursday and Friday were medical appointments out of town. We have been so busy moving boxes and trying to get unpacked. Maybe this week will be our chance to relax a little. Not our dream R&R but we'll take it.
The bed beckons. . .
Love to all.
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