Tests and a radiation plan

Hi all
Just to update you, we have seen Dr. Garland and discussed chemo options. She said she feels sure the chemo she has in mind will help Rick feel better and be less toxic than the ones he had earlier. No possibility of a cure, just maintenance as he is now - or maybe a bit better.

Dr. Chi, the radiologist, proposed 10 days of radiation to the spine to stop a tumor from growning and slow the meso growth in his bones. He can't do anything about the growth in the chest cavity because Rick has already had the maximum allowable amount of radiation there. He said this radiation will not be even slightly as toxic as the last cycle.

They were both very clear that there is no possibility of Rick surviving this, but they both felt that they can extend his life for months or even over a year without making him too sick.

Rick has had an MRI of his brain, a CT with contrast of his chest, and a sonnogram to check his abdomen for fluid. The MRI was very difficult because they put a mask over his face, shoved him into the MRI cannister and then asked him to hold his breath. Very difficult. He was supposed to have a MRI of his neck and thorax this a.m. but he felt sick this morning and we cancelled. (I know, extremely frustrating that they couldn't do them at the same time!) The sonnogram showed only two tiny bits of fluid and no tumors, so while we don't know why the abdomen is so enlarged, the good news is there was no tumor.

Radiation begins on January 11 and continues for 10 days. Chemo should begin after that if Rick can tolerate it. Please all send your strong thoughts and prayers that these interventions help Rick to feel better. He still holds a slim hope of spending a week sailing in the BVI and although it is unlikely, we all are praying that a miracle happens and he can go.

All very overwhelming, but we will forge ahead, like we always do. We'll keep you posted.
Sue