elnodel Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Thursday was definitely a good one in the Nodelman household. Len had his last radiation treatment, concluding the siege of diagnoses and treatment that began last April: surgery at the end of April, chemo over the summer and radiation for the fall – all now past tense. He has actually been very lucky, if that is a word you can use for someone diagnosed with lung cancer. He bounced back fairly quickly from the lobectomy, withstood four cycles of chemo without much ill effect aside from some fluctuating blood counts which were quickly corrected by neulasta and procrit, then got through the radiation with only a mild reddening of his skin at the site, some irritation of the esophagus (not bad, really, and carafate helped) and some fatigue that is worse now that it's over. Just the cumulative effect, I guess. The biggest irritant was having to go every day for five and a half weeks; it took longer to drive there (a 30 minute drive each way) than to be treated which took all of five minutes once we got there. Despite the fact that we're deeply indebted to the doctors and have become very fond of them besides, we’re glad we don’t have to see quite so much of them now. Len goes back for a check-up (and another blood test) with the radiation oncologist in a month, then has yet another blood test and a chest xray right before he sees the medical oncologist in February. He’ll alternate chest xrays and CT scans every three months for the foreseeable future. Of course, we won’t quite know what to do with all the time that we’ll now have on our hands. Maybe Len will actually get back to painting..... Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 What great news. I hope you have a heck of a graduation party planned. Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 What great news, Ellen! You guys need to celebrate. I had radiation treatments for my prostate cancer -- 7 1/2 weeks, 5 days a week -- so I can appreciate how that takes over your life. I, too, drove for 30 min., was there about 15 min, and then drove back home for 30 min. But it worked, so it was well worth the aggrevation. Best to you all. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Ellen, I hope Len got to move his tassle to the other side, this graduation may have much more meaning than others. I, too, believe that Carafat was a life saver for Earl having really very few side effects from his radiation. May you enjoy this holiday season with this free time to enjoy family and friends and personal pursuits. I hope Len has nothing but good news from this time forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 CONGRATULATIONS!!! What great news!! Now you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.... Hope things continue to go uphill from here on out.... Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 What a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this will be for your family. I'm happy for you all! Love and prayers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 My best to you, Len and the rest of your family! love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 Congratulations! I have my diploma on my mantel in the den. Whew! I was so glad that was over and I know you are too. Keep up the good reports and stay in touch. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 Congratulations.I remember how hard it was going for treatments every day for 7 weeks.( 1 1/2 hr each way ).A celebration is definately in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellakc2 Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 Congratulations! Have a very happy Thanksgiving. You have alot to be thankful for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Posted November 25, 2004 Share Posted November 25, 2004 Congratulations! What great news. Have a lovely Thanksgiving. Melinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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