Don M Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 I had my follow-up appointment yesterday. I reported to my radiation oncologist that I seem to be less symptomatic. I told her I have less wheezing and my cough is getting better. She said that is a good sign. I found out that the main reason that they did not give me a tumor-killing dose was that there is a peripheral area of healthy tissue around the tumor that gets 30% of the level of dose that the tumor gets. In my case, the tumor is so large, that the peripheral area extends out to the entire upper lobe. So, in an attempt to preserve my lung function, they lowered the tumor dose to a level that 30% of it would not kill my healthy tissue and it will recover. I may still get a good response with significant shrinkage. If my tumor is much smaller say a year from now, and it is still viable, they will consider wiping it out with a few more doses. She said that if my tumor had been say half the size it was at the time of my ck treatment, they would have delivered 5 doses instead of 3 with the object of killing the tumor and would not be so concerned about my healthy lung function because I would have much of the lobe unaffected by the ck. She now thinks that my original tumor actually died because it did not grow for 3 months after treatment a year ago. She thinks that the new growth is stuff at the periphery of the original tumor that avoided radiation. That seems like a reasonable explanation to me since I had really high focused radiation last year and it was really hard to believe that it did not affect the tumor much. My next scan will be in the first week of September. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Way to go once again, Don!!! This sounds like better than pretty good news to me......right? You continue to amaze me, you sure do! Hope you continue to feel better and better and enjoy the summer. Can't wait for that Sept. scan to see further reduction/improvement! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 That is very good news Don. Looking forward to continued success on your September scan. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Hi Don, That's great news about your symptoms. Hoping that next year is the year you wipe that thing out for good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Don, I'm thrilled to hear that your symptoms are better and that you got an answer about the lower dose. Sounds like you are making progress and can zoom in for the kill on the tumore next summer. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Great news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Hi Don, So the inside of that darn thing did die after all. Now just to mop up the residual... Sounds like you are in good hands Don. Your radiation onc is one smart cookie. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Don, I'm happy to hear a good report....may that nasty thing just be dead. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laban Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Don, You're a champ. Keep fighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 That's great, Don. I think you and the radiation onc have this thing pretty well figured out. Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fight Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Don, I'm happy to hear you are doing well and I'm hoping for great scan results in Sept. Take Care, Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Sounds like everything is going well. Hope the Sept. scans bring nothing but good results. You keep hanging in there. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 WA-HOO to you! I think it is great that you are having less wheezing and coughing. That makes it more fun, I'm sure. What an interesting explanation on the 'growth'--never thought of that. I really feel confident that Sept. will bring more good news. Glad you kept us posted. You are such a hero for so many of us! Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rvillella Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Great News Don. Keep up the good fight. Ralph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbara5452 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Great news Don, is it not amazing what modern technology can do. You are an inspiration to me and many others here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Don, Glad to hear the good update. Continued good thoughts for you! Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 This report sounds very positive , Don. You know you can count on my prayers to help keep the good news coming. You truly are one heck of a fighter and a real inspiration to so many of us. Take care and keep us informed. God Bless, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Okay Don, so far so good. I just want to keep hearing good results. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlegirl Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Way to go Don!!! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ursol Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 don, I'm so glad you are feeling good and receiving good news!! Lilly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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