Don M Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Thank you everyone for your good wishes and support. The interventional pulmonolgist successfully implanted the fiducials around my tumor yesterday. I don't know the exact details, but I think he put 4 or 5 of them around the tumor. The tumor was so big it was easy to find and he negotiated a u-turn in my airway to get to the tumor. There was a slight risk that I might die because of a pneumothorax and a possibility that he might not succeed with placement. But I am still alive and the fiducials are in. The rest should be easy. I have planning appointments next week to set me up for the cyberknife treatment. I think the actual treatment will be 5 doses, one a day for 5 days in a row, but I am not sure yet. This was the first time they had placed fiducials in a one lunged person using the bronchoscope. I am very pleased and grateful at the outcome. I feel like I just squeezed in the "you still got a chance for a cure room" before the door slammed shut. For large tumors, it less likely they will be able to kill the tumor outright, but I should get significant shrinkage. I am not sure, but I would say that I have a 50% chance at an outright cure after treatment. Much of it depends on the amount of response after the first 3 months following treatment. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm so glad the fiducial treatment went well, Don. Did it hurt? I hope the procedure was filmed and that it might be able to help others one day. You really are an inspiration to me. Keep us posted on how the actual CK treatment goes and take care of yourself. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted May 18, 2007 Author Share Posted May 18, 2007 I don't remember much about it. I was under anesthesia. It did not hurt and my throat was vaguely a little sore aftrwards. I mostly had a lot of congestion to deal with both before and after the treamtnent. I take mucinex, antihistamine and cough drops to help reduce the mucous and to mute the cough. I was encouraged not to cough so that the fiducials would not come loose. I have been staying at my oldest son's house this weekend. I am going to send the doc a thankyou note when I get home. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev'sSister Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 That is great news, Don. I feel like you are on your way to being cured. Keep us informed and keep the faith. I will be praying hard for you. Bobby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Betts Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Great to hear you are still alive and that the implanting procedure went well! This is a really interesting treatment. I hope it and the cyberknife work out perfectly for you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Sounds like somebody upstairs likes you Don. Things are going your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I'm so glad that things went well, I'm staying positive for good results. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laban Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 That's great news Don. Prayers will continue for the cure for you and many others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 This is good news to read Don. Now more prayers on the way for the zapping of the tumor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rvillella Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Way to go Don. Keep up the fight and don't let anything slow you down now. Good luck on the cyberknife. Ralph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonjo Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Wonderful news Don. Hope all goes well with the treatment and the tumor gets zapped out of existence! I'm keeping you in my prayers. God Bless, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 You are my hero, Don. Now may the rest go just as well.......and on to your 'cure'!!!!! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Great news (I, like, Katie love your quote)! On to the cure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Okay fiducials IN-cancer OUT! Sounds like a good and workable plan to me. Praying for cure! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Great news Don. Hope the cyberknife goes well & you get a cure. Prayers. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Don, You are such a fighter and a trooper!!! Here's to your incredible attitude and determination! I am praying for great news ahead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Oh Don, I'm so pleased it went well!!! Good luck with the rest of the treatment -- go for the cure Don, go for the cure... Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Don, not only are you here to tell us about it, you are providing very valuable guidance to all of us on this medical approach, which will prove to be reassuring and useful to someone in the future. I for one am grateful that you've taken the time to do that. Keep "slamming" those doors against a cure shut. You are a warrior, and are helping us all. My prayer for you: simply keep that fighting spirit up - your success will be in someone's study soon, and will indicate to others that this can all be managed. Blessings. Mary Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Mr. Pioneer, I mean Don. Your story is surely one of hope and courage. For that, may you be rewarded with that cure. I am so very glad you squeeked in that door. You're awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbara5452 Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Great news Don, Praying for a cure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Great news Don. "All systems are go Captain!" Hopfully it will be thoroughly toasted in a few weeks. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Fingers crossed and prayers sent out to you. I hope all goes well with the cyberknife. I just feel this may be the cure for you. You wanted this so bad and with all the hurdles here you are ready to have it done. I will be thinking of you and sending healing prayers. Good luck my man.. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyslittlegirl Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Hi Don, So far soooo GOOD! Keep up the positive attitude. You have such a positive attitude and I feel it will really payoff for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 GREAT NEWS! Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Love the quote Don. You certainly have fought for this and I pray it works out like you want it to. Great news. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.