[Tarceva and Xalkori]

My father is on Tarceva. The cost is approximately $6,900 and miracalously he has no co pay. He is suffering the same side effects as Tom.

[Dad initial diagnosis poor]

Tomorrow dad will start his second week of radiation. So far his only complaints are fatigue. I'm insisting he fill the "magic mouthwash" prescription to have it on hand. An ounce of prevention, right. I will be going up on Saturday for 5 days to help out as much as possible. He also has a consultation with chemotherapy tomorrow so we will find out all the details on that treatment.

He got scanned on Friday and they already see regression on some areas. Yay! His only other complaint is that he was smelling something funny and it tastes bad when he drinks water. Dr. Sarah told him it is ozone? So that's interesting.

Looking so forward to seeing him.

-Marie

[Dad initial diagnosis poor]

Wow! In just 24 hours so much has happened. Dad has a consultation on Monday with Radiation to begin on Monday the 30th. My step sister already spoke to our new nurse navigator. I am breathing a sigh of relief knowing we truly aren't taking a step back moving to a new hospital and new doctors.

Marie

[Dad initial diagnosis poor]

This is Christine's sister. Today we received news it is metastasized in his brain. Therefore he can not be in the study group in Oregon. Good news however is that the mass in his lung and brain are both small. I am home right now in California. Exact size is unknown to me. (Step sister went to appointment with Dad). The recommendations from the oncologist is to get aggressive radiation and chemotherapy close to home. He has an appointment with a radiology oncologist in Oregon to inform him of what will happen. Both oncologists will refer Dad closer to his home. I also feel appreative to the Doctors in Oregon. They are walking us through each step and referring him to a colleague. Our nurse navigator is also handing us over. With the admonition that Dad is still "theirs" until the new hospital picks up. I also feel this is being handled quickly. I am forever grateful that they aren't just closing the door and sending us on our way.