We met with the Oncologist today to go over what to expect during the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I learned a lot today - especially how time consuming these treatments are!!
There is a 28 day cycle and Mom is going to go through 2 cycles to begin with. After the 2nd cycle, we should get the results back from the Gamma Knife to see if the brain tumor was eradicated. If it was, they may proceed with more treatments with the option of surgery. If the MRI shows the tumor is still present, I don't think my Mom will be receiving any more treatments (which would result in a 3-6 month prognosis).
The first 8 days of the cycle are the most intense. During this time, Mom will get both chemo AND radiation. Days 1 & 8 are six hour treatments and days 2-5 are two hour treatments (days 6 & 7 she gets a break). Then every weekday after that she will get short (5-10 minute) radiation treatments until day 28, then they start the cycle over again.
One of the side effects of these treatments is hair loss. This is almost indefinite because of how aggressive they are in treating my Mom's cancer. Since it is Stage IV, many would argue that these treatments are solely to prolong life (maybe to 1-2 yrs). I, on the other hand, would argue that a cure could come of it!
Again, thank you for the overwhelming response to providing meals for my family!
Please keep visiting the blog for updates and ways to help. As always, keep praying! :)
Hey Sarah, let me know if there is anything Mike and I can do. We are always here for you, so please please please don't ever be afraid to ask!
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