Stomach Tumor - Phase 2

We finally got to meet with the Oncologist this afternoon to learn what is now in store for Carolyn. Carolyn had been reading all she could about cancer and cancer treatments and was pretty well prepared for what Dr. Duong had to say. Still, it was an emotional shock to hear that she needs to have chemotherapy.

They will be doing a number of tests and scans over the next couple of weeks to determine as well as they can the extent that the cancer may have invaded her body. These tests include blood tests and bone marrow extraction. The scans include a full body CAT scan as well as a heart scan. The lymphoma will be categorized as Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4. Even at stage 1 which is minimal spread of the cancer, there will be chemotherapy. At stage 4 there is just more of the chemo and possible addition of radiation therapy if there is a suitable target.

The minimal chemotherapy treatment is a series of 4 treatments given at intervals of 3 weeks. The treatment consists of 4 drugs given intravenously and 1 pill. Depending on the tolerance of the patient to the chemicals, the treatment can take a couple of hours or the better part of a working day. Side effects can be loss of appetite, irregular heart beats, tingling of fingers and toes, and loss of hair. The day she receives the chemicals will be the day she feels the best. Halfway between the treatments is the day she'll feel the worst.

The doctor would like to start the chemotherapy as soon as possible as does Carolyn. The sooner she starts, the sooner she'll be over them. She could start as early as October 1.

As usual, we will keep you updated on this blog. Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.