Ask Leo Hanes All About Lung Cancer

Was an uneventful day, do not recall any particular fatigue….worked online most of the day

Thursday Sept 04:

Was up at 0715, enjoyed breakfast, watched rerun of Sara Palin speech on CNN…….was feeling a little funky by about 1100, nothing really special

At about 1315 I felt a pain building in my right ribcage/lung area, that became really overwhelming , lasting intensely about an hour…a real pulling pain….it reminded my of the pain I had experience in 1982 when my left lung collapsed……..scared the bajeebers out of me.

During this I took 2 X 500 mg perasidimol, pain subsided, and I slept from 1500- 1700

2030 took another couple perasidimol before sleeping for the night, knowing I had doctor appointment tomorrow

Friday Sept 05

Up at 0800, still very aware of “pulling” in right lung rib cage area, coughing was painful, took my regular prednisone meds, and my throat gunk meds……

1030 had chest x-ray taken in prep for doctor appointment

1215 we met with Dr Retera, he shows us the inflammation/ pneumonitis area has reduced, still an area closest to esophagus remains visible.

There is an overall lung shrinkage taking place ( i.e. diaphragm is higher on right side maybe 20-25%, which helps explain shortness of breath)

Yesterdays pain is not symptomatic or consistent with the pneumonitis progress visible….we discussed the shrinkage, scarring possibly resulting in fibrosis in some area, can’t predict of course

He prescribed another round of blood tests, and another CT scan, both of which were completed before leaving hospital

Next appointment is scheduled Thursday Sept 11

Took 2 X 500 mg perasidimol before bed at 1030

Saturday Sept 06

Experiencing some agitation , and anxiety today, overall fatigue not too overwhelming……feeling like the chemo fog and or med side effects taking over again

Sunday Sept 07

Up at 0700, breakfast etc, actually feeling ok, then I laid down just for a minute at 0900 , and woke at 1145

“Being optimistic is a daily decision made with both my mind and heart”

A reminder that I was quite optimistic about today, yet we were both nervous…….

0915 appointment with Dr Kessels

My last appointment had been May 22, just before radiation treatment completed May 27

The doctor showed us x-rays, and pointed out only a small scar tissue visible.

This was good news, good results, and remission (others with similar results have enjoyed remission for a long term)

Blood work was normal, and kidney function was still ok

“NOTHING IS GOOD”

Dr Kessels used the word remission finally, saying that several other similar patients results have stayed in remission for a long time,,,,,,,,

I joined that team willingly starting today!!

Next, follow up x-ray and appointment after 2 months, Sept 4, then 3 months, then 4 etc

What a relief !!

We went to lunch at the Best Western Hotel, a special celebration!!

Great News !!

After two cycles of chemotherapy treatment , a blood test and CT Scan were completed yesterday.

Today we met with Dr Roerdink at 1100, as my primary oncologist was sick this week, where we reviewed side effects again, yesterdays blood test, and CT Scan.

He revealed that the lung tumor itself had been reduced significantly in size, and in viewing the CT Scan differences from the first one taken a few weeks ago, it was apparent that the tumor had shrunk in excess of 50%, maybe even 65%.

That is great news, we are headed in the right direction, the chemotherapy treatments are being effective.

The blood test revealed that a kidney function test needs to be monitored closely again - I must ensure that I drink 2-3 liters of fluids daily.

So the 3^rd cycle of chemotherapy treatments will start again tomorrow, with some additional fluids added to help keep those kidneys flushed.

The good news again is that he is predicting only another two cycles of chemotherapy ( total of 4, instead of 6 ) will be needed, assuming this progress continues… then a schedule of radiation treatments will be scheduled.

This is a great relief to us, even though it appeared from the doctors facial expressions as he reviewed the CT Scan initially without speaking that he was concerned about something…….needless to say the emotions were all over the map, followed by a surge of relief when he finally explained the findings ,,,,,,Whew!!

After getting home, Tammy ( my oldest daughter) presented me with three Canadian Mounties memorabilia - a mug, a magnet, and a set of playing cards, all with various scenes from Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounties…

For those who have not heard ,,,,one of our families battle cries has been….Do not fear the Mounties are here…..they always get their man ( in this case the cancer cells)…..SMILEEEEEEEEEE

All in all another mixed emotion day with minimal side effects other than the intermittent fatigue remedied by the afternoon nap times again

March 9 Sunday

A cool rainy day did not prevent us from traveling to Postel in nearby Belguim for a drive, for Belgian fries with mayonnaise, and Belgian ice cream treats

Yet another day with minimal side effects other than the intermittent fatigue remedied by the afternoon nap time once again

The next week brings anther blood test and a CT Scan on Tuesday, an appointment with Dr Goey Wednesday to review the CT scan results to see if the chemotherapy treatments are being effective after the first two completed cycles

Hopefully there is a positive result that will allow the current chemotherapy treatments to continue for the expected 6 cycles starting cycle # 3 on Thursday again.

Stella ( sister in law) and Tracy returned from their visit to Amsterdam today, and had dinner with us

Overall side effects were still at a minimum, with some fatigue showing up late in the day

Feb 24 - Sunday

Ahhh hahhh the fatigue has arrived big time again……..how quickly one forgets from before, probably over did it yesterday, and not resting when I should have

A drowsy sleepy day all day, going to bed at 830 pm for about 12 hours

Feb 25 - Monday

Another heavy fatigue day

Feb 26 - Tuesday

Another heavy fatigue day, but this time with the added twist of back pain which seems to be escalating

Feb 27 - Wednesday

Had my scheduled blood test , and met with Dr Goey, to discuss side effects, and confirm next Day 8 chemotherapy treatment

As the back pain was becoming more severe, he recommended taking more magnesium tablets as constipation was the probable cause, along with some dehydration.

Must pay more attention to drinking  more water as well

Feb 28 - Thursday

Arrived at outpatients/ oncology at 1030, had to wait until 1130 to start treatment due to backlog in front of me today

Had extra 30 minutes of fluid IV to help relieve dehydration symptoms.

Completed the 30 minute Gemcitabine chemotherapy at 1300, then home again

Slept 1400-1600, 2030-2200, 2300- 0200, 0200-0700

Feb 29 - Friday

Attended scheduled consultation appointment with ear specialist, preliminary findings were ok, scheduled an actual hearing test for Monday.

This is a precaution to set a bench mark for possible hearing loss side effects

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.