Radiation Planning Phase

Ma went to the cancer center today to prep for her radiation. They marked her chest with tattoo dots. I thought the dots would  be temporary tattoos, but no, they're permanent and blue. She also has some black marks, but I think those are from a permanent marker. In addition, she had a CT scan.

Afterwards we went to Dr. Cogen for a follow-up visit. I'm still worried about radiation starting before Ma's wound has completely healed, but neither Dr. Cogen nor Dr. Shank (the onco) is concerned.

After the appointment with Dr. Cogen, we went back to the cancer center to have Ma's port-a-cath flushed. I had put Lidocaine on her skin so that it wouldn't hurt when she gets poked with the needle. Despite the cream, sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. It didn't hurt this time.

Ma starts her radiation therapy on Monday, Dec. 1st. She goes 5 days a week for 7 weeks. The sessions are only about 15 minutes long.   

Consult with Dr. Shank

We saw Ma's radiation oncologist today, Dr. Shank. She thinks Ma can start radiation treatments even though her wound is not completely healed. I think we should wait. We'll see her surgeon again next Wednesday. Ma will also return to Dr. Shank's office that day for prep work. It'll take another week to get everything ready, so she won't start treatments right away. Maybe her wound will be almost completely healed by then.

Tumor Markers

Ma had a blood test done the other day to check for tumor markers -- CA 15-3 and CEA. Her CA 15-3 is in the normal range. But her CEA is high -- 5.1. Normal is under 2.5. That could be a sign that her cancer is returning or has metastasized.

We have an appointment on Tuesday with the radiation oncologist. Pa will show her the test results. But I'd rather see Dr. Irwin, Ma's regular oncologist. According to this, Dr. Irwin may order additional tests such as a chest x-ray and CT scan. Maybe I'll stop by his office on Tuesday after seeing the radiation oncologist. He's in the same building.

At least the numbers are nowhere as high as in this study with CEAs of 15+ and 25+. Maybe Ma's CEA just needs to be monitored more often to see if it's heading up or down.

Wound is Smaller

Ma had a follow-up yesterday with her surgeon, Dr. Cogen. Her wound is getting smaller. Dr. Cogen told Pa to change the gauze in her wound twice a day instead of just once a day. Apparently that will make it heal faster.

Dr. Cogen hasn't had a chance to talk to the radiation oncologist about when Ma can start her radiation. Personally I'd rather wait till she's completely healed. Ma has another follow-up in two weeks.

No More Snoring

Ma doesn't snore anymore. Okay, that's not true. She used to snore so loudly. Not it's just light snoring. What changed? I think it's the hospital bed she sleeps in. She leaves the head elevated slightly, and that probably clears her airway. Just a tip for those of you who snore loudly -- elevate your head.