Radiation locally

Sorry I’ve been too long from blogging.  I wanted to hear what the neuro-oncologist said about radiation and chemotherapy.  First, the MRI looks very different.  The entire tumor in the front and middle of the left frontal lobe is gone.  The only cancer I could see is in or immediately adjacent to the speech center, which I knew the surgeon would not take.

Dr. Paleologos recommended I use Dr. Bugno locally as my source of radiation.  She’s worked with him for 20 years and will serve as his neuro-oncology colleague if we run into unexpected side effects.  She also wants me to start Temodar again, the chemo agent that I’ve been using for over 5 years.  By itself she thinks it will not make much difference, but it will help the radiation be effective.  I will start a lower dose than I had been taking, but will take it 7 days a week from the day radiation starts to the day it finishes.  It comes with side effects, but I know them well and can medicate and otherwise work to minimize them.

And here’s the best news.  She agrees that after radiation I may be able to go without cancer drugs for 3-5 years!!  I feel like I can do whatever it takes to earn that time.  So bring on the radiation and let’s get it done.  I meet with the radiation oncologist Wednesday, October 5th and should start the 6-7 weeks of treatment the following week.

Thank you friends.