Today I took my parents to the radiation oncologist's office - Dr. Stephen Brown. What a nice man! He has had the best bedside manner of anyone we've seen. He explained that while radiation is not generally successful in getting rid of melanoma, it is the best option they have right now. And hopefully any cancer cells that are present are small enough to eradicate with the radiation therapy.
My mom will need to have a mask made to fit her face for each of her 30 sessions (1/2 hour daily for 6 weeks) to keep her head in exactly the same position each time. I got this picture from the internet - her mask will look much like this one. My mom will be fitted for her mask on her 75th birthday, March 25. She will see the oncologist the next day for a previously scheduled follow-up appointment. Then, she will probably start the treatments the week of March 31st.
The side effects are localized, meaning that she will have redness and possibly tanning on her neck, she may have trouble swallowing and a dry throat, as well as possible sore throat and fatigue. She should not lose her hair or have nausea. The side effects of radiation are so much less than chemotherapy because chemotherapy is a systemic therapy - that is, it affects your entire system or body.
Please continue with us in prayer that
1) the side effects will be minimal
2) that she would be able to open her mouth and eat better
3) that the radiation will get rid of all of the cancer in her neck
4) that the pain in her right shoulder will get better with the home therapy she is getting
May the Lord bless you with a wonderful Easter. Remember~He is Alive!
Anita
1 comment:
Hi Anita,
Richard had the same mask. The nurses let him cut a hole for him to breathe and see out of a little better. It made him feel not quite as claustrophobic. So did the valium. It wasn't fun, but he got through it. We pray that your Mom has peace through this part of the treatment.
Lisa Colvin
Post a Comment