Radiation on sacrum finished

Doug finished his radiation treatments Monday; he had a short course of five treatments this time. The treated area was the left sacrum. No pain relief yet, but we are still hoping. The biological effects of the radiation continue for a week or more after treatment is completed, so it could still kick in. At least the pain is not continuous like last November, when he had to take heavy duty narcotics. He gets pain relief when not weight bearing. We have a follow up appointment with the radiation oncologist July 12. If Doug has not had any pain relief by then, we'll go to step 2 - don't know what that is yet!

I did ask Dr. H, the Radiation Oncologist, this question: How can Doug be in remission and still develop new bone pain? She said - since the damage to the bones was already done before he was diagnosed, new pain can develop even though he is technically still in remission. Kind of makes sense, though not terribly reassuring.

We are slowly packing a few things, getting ready for the move. Moving is stressful in itself. Especially in today's economic climate, and we are praying for a successful closing with our buyers. I have had to really work to stay calm lately. Doug seems much better at that than I am sometimes.

Love to all.

"Fix attention on the task at hand, not on its potential consequences."   Robert Brody

Radiation Therapy again

Today we had the consult with Dr. H., the Radiation Oncologist at Shaw Cancer Center. She could see a couple areas that she thinks are causing the pain in Doug's left hip.  When Doug's hip was radiated last November, he got excellent pain relief then, so we expect good results this time too. We really like Dr. H and her excellent staff - it was good to see them but we'd rather see them some other place. Doug starts radiation this Wed, and it will be a short course. Since there will be no sensitive tissues (like bowel) in this field, the radiation can be given in larger daily doses. Could be as few as five treatments, but we won't know for sure until Wed.

We are so thankful that Doug has not had any fractures from any of his bone lesions, and this time he has been able to endure the pain without taking any pain meds. Our spirits are high and both of us feel so blessed, especially for God's timing. We have sold our house, and Doug should be pain-free for the moving process into the 'new' lower maintenance house. We have peace of mind.

Love to all.

"You Lord will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You."   Isaiah 26:4

Another CT on left hip

Doug still has pain in the left hip, so he called the oncologist, who ordered a CT scan of the hip and femur. Plain X-rays don't show the lesions very well. The CT was done without contrast due to compromised kidney function; if looking at soft tissue, contrast is needed, but bones show up well without it, thankfully.

The radiologist thought that one lesion might be "a millimeter" larger than before, but his reading was inconclusive. So the oncologist has sent both the previous and new scans to the radiation oncologist at the cancer center in Edwards. She is excellent and we have faith that she can read the scans better than the local radiologist. We are waiting for a call from the radiation oncologist, to find out if we have to go for a consult.

Meanwhile Doug is coping well and still doing work around the house in small spurts. The pain is manageable with rest, and he is not taking any pain meds. He enjoyed the river trip with his brother.

Love to all.