Tuesday September 3 - Post Radiation Therapy Session #1

Upon arrival at the hospital today to accompany mom for her first treatment, I found her a bit more energetic than over the week end.  That said, she is still having issues with appetite & queasiness. She said that she had spoken with the floor doctor earlier who said that he would take her off of the antibiotics she's been on (I believe since she was admitted - 2 wks ago).  In addition, there was one medication that she was on to help her with her queasiness which may actually be hindering her appetite.  He will wean her off this medication.  With any luck, these two changes in her medications will help her to feel a bit better energy & appetite/queasiness wise.

At roughly 2 PM the porter brought mom down to the radiation clinic (I tagged along).  Her time with the technician was very short; about 20 minutes.  After that we spoke with another technician to ask what ever questions we had about the possible side effects & their management, as well as what we could expect in the coming days.  The treatment itself was fairly easy for mom with the exception of the challenge of having to lie flat on her back, stay as still as possible, and not cough for the duration of the treatment.

They are currently, and for the next 5 days, treating her on her chest at the location of the tumor in her lungs.  There is the possibility that following this five days, the oncologist may suggest continuing with some sessions of radiation on her neck at the location of another tumor or lesion there.  We will know more about that in the coming days.

For now the hope is that the side effects are not too difficult.  She may experience tieredness, some coughing, and possibly some additional shortness of breath in the short term. At any rate, so far so good and we shall see how she does in the coming days.

I'd like to thank everyone for the continued well wishes, thoughts, prayers, healing vibes being sent her way.  Mom even received mail in the hospital today:)

I'd also like to send out a quick shout out of thanks to Dana & Sheila who have lovingly provided my family with meals to help out in this overwhelming time! 

Ileana