February 23, 2009

Today Rob will have outpatient surgery to have the port removed. Radiation is underway and Rob has already received 4 of the 22 scheduled treatments.

Last week we met with Dr. Garret (the radiation Oncologist) and he informed us that Rob was not a candidate for the tomotherapy radiation. Even though this is a very precise type of radiation, it is 360 degrees, therefore Rob would receive radiation from every angle which would cause both lungs and his heart to receive unnecessary amounts of radiation and put him at great risk for complications and long term side effects.

Dr. Garrett recommended the linear accelerator radiation. This will allow them to choose the angles from which the tumor will receive radiation, protecting the heart and lungs. His left lung will receive some radiation as well as the spine and esophagus, however the dose of radiation to these areas is well within the normal range or tolerated amount. The Dr feels that Rob will not suffer any long-term side effects to the lung and he is not worried about his heart because the ventricles are protected and away from the treament area. Of course, long-term side effects, are possible but Dr. Garrett felt they would be unlikely for Rob. (Thank God!) The possible short-term side effects are fatigue, difficulty swallowing, bad taste in his mouth, and some burning of the skin at the site.

Rob is feeling great right now, the best he has felt in months, and he was ready to get started with radiation. He still becomes tired easily, but he is getting his strength back. At this time, Rob is planning to return to work on March 2nd, although Dr. Garrett said he wanted Rob to be aware of the fatigue radiation can cause and said they would revisit the return to work plan if necessary.

Once treatments are completed, Rob will have another series of scans and blood work 3-6 months after the last treatment. They expect the radiation to take care of the rest of the "mass." It is still unknown if what is left of this tumor is in fact Lymphoma cancer. It could simply be scar tissue, but the risk of not doing radiation and it returning is too great and would be very bad for Rob.

So, we continue along this journey. Some days are great and other days are emotional and difficult for us. I am filled with some anxiety about treatment ending. Right now, Rob is doing something to kill the cancer cells (chemo, radiation, etc) but when treatment ends, then what? I think it will be unsettling to have to wait again, another 3-6 months to know what is happening in Rob's body...to know for sure if radiation worked. BUT, we remain optimistic and find great comfort in the prayers and support from all of you and our faith in God that He will heal Rob and we will soon be able to put some of this behind us.

Rob has been and continues to be amazing, filled with strength and a tremendous amount of courage. The boys are also amazing and pray for Rob every day. Mrs. Spearing (Sam's Kindergarten teacher) tells me that Sam prays for Rob every day in religion class and now has some of the other kids praying for their dad's as well (following Sam's example). Sam is inquisitive and will ask a lot of questions and really think about things. Thomas is filled with excitement and anticipation of Daddy getting well and thinks that each day that Rob comes home from treatment that he is "all better."

Please continue to keep us in your prayers and pray for Rob's complete healing.

Love to all of you.

Susie