Update 11/06/11

After meeting with the radiologist last week we decided to proceed with the radiation.

On Friday I had my first treatment to be followed by 2 more. One tomorrow( Monday) and another on Wednesday. It's called Cyberknife or stereotactic. They shoot over a hundred beams at the targeted cell from all different angles so as to not affect the surrounding tissue with to great a dose. It takes about an hour and I seem to have tolerated it well.

In three months I will have a pet scan to see how effective it was. I will provide another update then.

Update 10/21/11

My recent pet scan indicated some activity in one of my lymph nodes and my CEA is up to 4.5.

I'll be meeting with a radiologist next week to consider radiology directly to that node.

I'll update the blog at that time.

I'm in favor of it so that we can nip it in the bud!.....jm

5/26/11 Update

Good News!

My recent pet scan didn't show any new tumors!

That of course trumps my other issues which haven't changed ,i.e. low platelets (54), blocked artery, and hernia :)

Looking forward to some summer weather this week end as we celebrate Memorial Day and our 46th Wedding Anniversary!

4/15/11 Update

Had a blood test last week and my platelets were 55. We'll continue to keep an eye on them. My next medical event will be on May 19th when I get another pet scan. Will post results after I meet with my oncologist on the 24th. In the meantime I'll be attending my 50th St. Joe's Reunion on the 13th and 14th . We will be recognized as Golden Hawks at the commencement exercises!

Update 2/4/11

I turned 72 yesterday.

My recent PET scan didn't show any new cancer cells!

Everything else is still on hold pending a continuing increase in my platelet count.

I had to change my heart medication because of headaches but I'm still getting them with the new stuff. So we'll try another one.

Go Steelers!!