John made it through another week of chemo and is doing well. His side effects are so far minimal except for the teenage acne on his face. John’s never had acne as a teenager but he’s making up for it now. No biggie, he’s a little more fatigued too but not too bad considering. His appetite for those of you who know how he can eat is a bit diminished too.
John finally had the CT Simulation this week. This is the first step in planning the radiation treatment therapy. During this simulation, he had his mask made (see photo) which helps maintain a reproducible patient position for daily treatment.
The next step is the treatment planning taking place during the next 1-2 weeks. Here, the radiation oncologists, medical physicist, and the dosimetrist meet to design John’s customized treatment plan. Once this is complete, John undergoes (on March 1st) a verification simulation where a dry run of the treatment takes place to verify accuracy.
If all goes as planned here, the actual radiation starts the next day for 33 treatments M-F.
After all that, we also had our first visitors! Yeah!! This was so good for John; it really lifted his spirits up. He can hardly wait for more company after March 1st.
It looks like we are able to go home for a few days after this next Tuesday’s chemo and again after his chemo on the 23rd until the 28th.
We hope to see a lot of you during that time. Thank you so much for all the cards, calls and emails. Keep ‘em coming. We are so grateful to all of you.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Elaine and John
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I love hearing about all that is going on down there because it prevents me from wondering. Love the pictures too! I am glad to hear that John is handling all that stuff well....hope you are to Elaine! :-)
ReplyDeleteJust came home from a long weekend in Instabul and rushed to read your weekly post. I am impressed with all the preparation doctors do in the States. That's really reassuring, it seems they know well how to handle the case.Aris and myself think often of you and we are waiting nothing but good news from you both. Eleni,na eisai kala kai na perneis kouragio apo tin skepsi mas kai tin agapi mas. Sas filoume poly-poly.
ReplyDeleteHi John & Nona!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today and praying for you as always! Call me or email me and let me know if you want me to bring Diecel by for a visit this week while you are home!! :) Enjoy the week at home and I will talk with you soon!! XOXO Love, Kaci
Hey John and Elaine,
ReplyDeleteAre you guys LOVING the REAL California? Nice sunset picture. Hey, John it was good seeing you at 2's today. You look just like you always have. Stay strong. Keep up the fight.
The Rivera's (IT guy at 2's)