Phase 3

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Bit of a rough night last night and the night before with the worst effects of chemo from the second set of drugs (Johnny, tell her about her parting gifts). At least the worst is finally over and chemo is mostly behind us, except for weekly bloodwork and shots as for the next 2-10 weeks, depending. After Monday morning's bloodwork, she should be back at work for the duration. From that point forward, she will schedule any necessary bloodwork and shots at St. Anthony's around the time of her radiation treatments.

Met with the radiation oncologist this morning. He, too, is young, just starting out. He seems nice enough, willing to share information and encouraging questions. Karen is going to have the treatments at St. Anthony's downtown so she can go to them from work.

They will set up an appointment next week, called a simulation, where they calibrate her on the machine with a CT scan and tattoo her for alignment. That will take about 45 minutes. It will take them a few days for the nuclear physicists to run the numbers.

Karen's radiation starts on June 18 (so much for any vacation between phases). Treatments are every day, no weekends or holidays, 10-15 minutes each, lasting 6 1/2 weeks. The main side effects for this are sunburn (to the point of skin breakdown), sensitivity and fatigue. The fatigue could start 2-3 weeks into treatment and last 2-4 weeks after the treatment end. It could be nearly unnoticed or knock her down. At least that should mean it has passed by the time we want to go to Dragon*Con over Labor Day.

On the up side, this doctor is not convinced that Karen has lymphedema. He is recommending a test about a month after radiation, basically going without the pressure sleeve to see what happens. If there is no swelling, perhaps it isn't there. This was an experiment we were intending on conduct anyway, but it is nice to have a doctor's "permission."

And as your Bonus Feature for this message, I'll share with you today's quotes from the doctor that definitely got our attention.

1. "So, you're ok with being sterile."

2. "Should you get pregnant, we would strongly recommend an abortion."

3. "When we're done, 5-7% of your left lung will be non-functional."

I don't think those need any further director's commentary.

Phase three and we hit the ground running. One day I hope to catch my breath.

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