Ask Leo Hanes All About Lung Cancer

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

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