The Tumor is Growing!

Yesterday following radiation therapy, the consensus was that Tony's tumor wasn't shrinking as it should be this far into treatment, so they did another CAT scan.

Today was our weekly follow up meeting with the Radiation Oncologist and she confirmed that, indeed, the tumor is actually GROWING!  She said there could be three reasons; (1) fluid build up (2) inflammation from the radiation treatment, or (3) the worst case scenario, the cancer is growing.

A quick trip to the ENT with a tube up the nose and into the throat, confirmed it was not a fluid build-up.  Thus, we are preparing for the worst and the radiation plan is being intensified, with radiation twice a day starting tomorrow, until further notice. We are still waiting to meet with the Medical Oncologist to see if there is any change to the Chemo plan.

To add insult to injury (literally), Tony's throat and mouth are now too sore to swallow. He is barely getting water down, so all food (called nutrition in this industry), effective today and for the foreseeable future, will have to be provided through his feeding tube.  Which by the way, is making him crazy!

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to cook meals for us, consider yourself on "unpaid leave-of-absence" until the effects of chemo and radiation wear off, which could be months! :(  Poor Tony, he LOVES to eat, and feeding through a tube is not going to be particularly satisfying...

If anyone wants to help out, the best thing you could do for Tony is swing by for a visit, even a quickie. He is bored out of his mind! Once i know the schedule for afternoon radiation treatment, i'll let you know.

Sandie