BIG News Today

As most of you know, Rob and I met with Dr. Braden today to learn the results of all of the scans. As you can imagine we are on brain overload right now with medical information and my hand is cramped from the amount of notes I have taken! Here is the Cliff version....

Here is what we know at this time. On September 27th, the tumor measured 18 x 9 cm with an SUV (uptake value) of 19. (That simply means the business or activity taking place with the generation of cells and glucose absorbtion) Anything with a value over 2 is considered suspicious. On February 3rd, the results of the scans indicate the tumor now measures 4 x 3.5cm and has an SUV of 3.3. This is GREAT news!!!! However, what is left, needs to be "mopped up." It is hard to say if what they are looking at is completely dead or dying tissue or IF there is some Lymphoma still lingering within this very small mass. Dr. Braden said he felt that since the SUV was over 2 it warranted further action. The radiation team agreed as did the radiologist that viewed Rob's scans.

So, we met with Dr. Peter G. Garrett of the radiation team. Dr. Garrett feels confident that he can hit this tumor with radiation and take care of what is left. He said had radiation been needed in the beginning, it would have been difficult or impossible because of the location near the heart and aortic arch. Now that the tumor is much smaller, he feels that it will be possible to shield the major organs (including the heart) as well as shield some of the surrounding tissue. He seemed very confident and experienced. He has been doing this for 25 years and has practiced in Canada as well. He assured me that this is not the first tumor he has dealt with that has been in a precarious spot nor did he feel that I needed to worry about Rob's heart.

Now what? On Monday we will meet with Dr. Garrett again for a more in depth consultation and a better understanding of how they will pinpoint the location and how the radiation will work exactly. We are also going to be armed with many questions (at least I will be) after a weekend of reading and research. On Tuesday, Rob will have an echocardiogram. The hospital did an EKG and should have done an echo on Rob, so we are still in need of those results to be sure Rob's heart has not suffered any damage from the chemo.

Then, Rob will return to the radiation offices to have his chest area "mapped" so that they can do precise calculation and measurements to pinpoint radiation. THEN, one week from Monday (Feb 16th) he will start radiation. He will have radiation EVERY DAY for 4 or 5 weeks. Radiation will only take a few moments each day and Rob will experience possible (temporary) side effects such as fatigue, skin burns near the site, difficulty in swallowing and just general exhaustion. The long term side effects for Rob's situation will be discussed with us on Monday, although Dr. Garrett said they are uncommon.

It is recommended that during radiation, Rob maintains his weight with a high protein and high fiber diet. He should be able to continue daily activity and return to work in March (as planned), however it is expected that he will be very tired and should make time for rest during the day and get plenty of rest at night.

You might be wondering why surgery isn't an option (we were). Well, this type of cancer - Lymphoma - is a blood tissue cancer. They would never be able to cut out enough cells to get rid of the cancer. Besides that, if it were operable...it would still be very high risk or impossible because of the location.

Once this tumor is gone, Rob will have blood work every 3 months along with additional scans to monitor his LDH levels (indicates rapidly growing cells).

Dr. Braden said it is important we continue to keep a positive attitude, that this cancer IS CURABLE. He complimented Rob on how well he has handled the stress, the physical side effects and just how amazing his entire general state has been through all of this!

Unfortunatly the tumor is not gone, but thankfully we have a game plan, a group of confident doctors and a great support system of friends and family. Right now, Rob is feeling strong and ready to undergo radiation. FYI - his hair is returning, although I really like him bald!

Please continue to remember Rob in prayer as we travel down this new road to recovery.

Love and Blessings,

Susie

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).