Ask Leo Hanes All About Lung Cancer

“I have been having some side effects from radiation I think for past couple weeks, nothing serious, just keeping eye on it for now, next scheduled follow-up appointment not until Sept 3, I think”

Change of Plans: Aug 01

Awoke at 0400 short of breath, and coughing that persisted, took a med that helped a little

Trees called hospital for appointment. Got one with another Dr Retera in Waalwijk, as Dr Kessels was on vacation

Went to doctor today at 1600, described my symptoms, took an x-ray, a visible infection going on in the middle part of my right lung…….it may be a predictable side effect from radiation called radiation pneumonitis, or just a plain old infection

I am on 2 types of meds for next week, then see this doctor again in 2 weeks, and see which drug wins!!

The radiation pneumonitis is right on schedule, so that’s my bet………..

Now we will see if the drugs take me on my merry way too!! The list of side effects look like party time!!

Feeling weird, slept 3-4 hours again this afternoon

July 05 - Visit Yvonne’s new apartment, feeling restless

July 06 - up early at 0545 on Sunday morning

July 07 - nothing noteworthy other than bouts of fatigue

July 08 - Dental appointment for cleaning and checkup, continue to maintain a online business work pace, even though I am still suffering since last Thursday - fatigue, ache & pains, right calf still quite painful

July 09 - 31

Continued to throw myself into my online business activities, occasionally succumbing to short bouts of fatigue, generally feeling ok but not always great

“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!!

There were no side effects worthy of mention, other than the occasional period of fatigue, that would still surprise on occasion

In hindsight I suspect there was an air of anticipation of the upcoming follow-up appointment and hope of good news.

I continued to be active with my online business, and daily house chores…….

July 02

Attended to getting blood test, and x-ray in preparation for tomorrows follow-up appointment with Dr Kessels

I spent these days staying active, feeling energetic, on the upside of the roller coaster most likely

Post Radiation Treatment June 01

Was up early at 0530, went for a walk to the canal, feeling restless

Had breakfast, ate a banana, and immediately threw up from a gag reflex more so than nausea…

Post Radiation Treatment June 02-12

This period was a time of feeling well, uneventful as far as any side effects, some mild fatigue encountered occasionally, and the esophagus inflammation had became history, lasting about 10 days overall…….really not too severe to bear, and more an annoyance than anything

May 02 - awoke with headache

May 03 - awoke with slight headache

May 04-06 - quite relaxed easy days…feeling well

May 07 - awoke with “gout” pains in left toe, first occurrence in months, checked with hospital to see if antibiotic meds conflict with post chemo, and or radiation as I am scheduled to start radiation today…was ok to take

Later, a call rescheduled radiation treatment start day until May 08, due to some machine malfunction…..a little unnerving to say the least

Hurry up and wait……..