Ask Leo Hanes All About Lung Cancer

Today Wednesday Feb  20 I had a follow up blood test at 0945, and a follow up appointment with oncologist, Dr Roerdink again at 1115.

A review of blood test results revealed that my blood count was within expected limits.

A review of the side effects since my last chemotherapy treatment was positive as well, so the beginning of cycle II will commence tomorrow at 0930 with check-in at the hospital oncology department for 24 hours.

We requested and have an appointment for a hearing test, to create a new bench mark, as one of the side effects (ringing ears) which has subsided a few days ago may or may not impact a hearing loss…that is arranged for next Friday Feb 29……The cancer clinic are very helpful, and arrange thes kinds of appointments for me,,,,,,they take a much hassle away as they can it seems

I was anxious this morning, not sure about what, but am now relieved that all is clear to move to cycle II, and continue my chemotherapy treatment as scheduled.

One of the things I have learned so far, is to expect the unexpected……..maybe its kind of like waiting for the other shoe to drop….yet I still feel quite calm and have a positive anticipation of the outcome.

Today went well except it took 4 tries to find a vein for the IV needle….OWCH!!

Feeling pretty good still……….started at 1100 was home before 1200

Still trying to adjust to the whole “idea”…..the fatigue keeps jumping up at the most inopportune times …..

Feb 7 - 19

Rest at home, minimal side effects from Day 8 chemotherapy treatment, fatitigue continues to be the most common, forcing me to lie down and rest at the most unexpected times….

I still struggle with pacing myself on those days when I seem to have ”normal” energy……if I do not rest, it accumulates and bites me in the following days

Tracy, my youngest daughter arrived from Canada on Friday Feb 15, and will be visiting until March 6……sure is nice seeing her again, her first visit to the Netherlands since I emigrated in Oct 2005

Feb 20 - Wednesday

Follow up Blood Test is scheduled for tomorrow Feb 20 to prepare for Cycle II of the chemotherapy treatment plan

Feb 21 - Thursday

Cycle #2 Scheduled to begin assuming blood test levels are still ok, includes a 24 hour hospital stay

Meds to control Side Effects…Post Chemo Day 1

So far nausea has been under control,,,,,,, meds seem to be doing the job

Sense of smell, ringing ears, and fatigue seem to be the predominate side effects, nothing that is not do-able yet

I think they were protecting me from myself!!…still trying to do too much

Long story short, I stayed in hospital until chemotherapy treatment started on Thursday Jan 31, discharged at 1000 on Friday Feb 1, after the intake meeting and info session conducted on Wednesday by an English speaking nurses from Wisconsin USA

The attempt to expedite therapy was mostly some miscommunication between departments and personnel……sounded like a good idea,,,, but process intervened

Its universal!! Communications between departments, and across hallways is much more difficult than worldwide it seems…..

My lung capacity is above average for my age , scoring a 95 -100 % depending on the test,,,,,,there were three different functions,,,,,,,,,,,all in all took about 45 minutes

Appointment with Dr Goey, Onocologist at Dr. Bernard Verbeeten Institute 

Dr Kessels appointment today revealed a spot on my right lung that is of concern.

The bleeding symptoms have subsided, except for a minute spotting in my sinus mucus yesterday, and today

An appointment has been scheduled for tomorrow Jan 3 at 230 pm NL (830AM EST) for a bronchoscopy, to biopsy the lung spot. This biopsy is to determine whether spot is in fact benign or may be malignant cancer cells.

A further test - PET scan - is being scheduled for Friday, 0900

This test is used to determine if any malignant cancer cells have spread, and determine what stage it may have progressed to. This will then determine what any treatment steps will be.

Friday Jan 11

A follow-up appointment at 1200 with an oncologist Dr Van de Lichte is scheduled to review the diagnostic results, and determine a course of treatment

I am confident with Dr Kessels and his forthright manner in communicating with me so far, that in itself is a relief…..

Met with Dr Van der Lichte - Diagnosis is stage 3B lung cancer…tumor in upper right lung, and lymph nodes in chest between lungs, but not in other lung or any other organs.

Appointment set for Friday Jan 18 for Lung capacity test - benchmarking - in Waalwijk TweeSteden ziekenhuis

Appointment set for Monday Jan 21 with oncologist Dr Goey….expect 2 x 3 week cycles of chemotherapy , then another Pet scan, then a progress re-evaluation either another 3 cycles, and radiation, or palliative care treatments