DH's radiation oncologist's appointment is tomorrow

[always quiet]

We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon with the radiation oncologist. For anyone who has gone through this or who's loved one has, is there any questions you can think of that we might miss?? I have a list, with everything from side effects, to duration and whether the radiation and chemo will be happening at the same time. We really a better solution to this would be to shrink down the tumor then do surgery later (if required). The surgery the doctor wanted to do was just so radical, we really don't even want to think about that right now!

Any ideas, suggestions or things you asked your doctor (or wish you had)??

Thanks!

 

[Pooh93]

I will be thinking extra good thoughts and sending prayers for all of you tomorrow. Hope all goes well!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

no advice..just wanted to say good luck tomorrow

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just make sure with each treatment theat Dennis makes sure they are radiating the correct area. They do make mistakes. Marie's uncle, who is a lung/brain/bone cancer survivor, had them going to radiate the wrong side of his head one treatment. He said, 'hey, wait a minute!!' They said, 'oops, you're right.'

Also ask about any and ALL options, what the expected results are and the approxiamte timeline and course of events.

Good wishes, Colleen, for Dennis, you and the kids too. And Tazz. Oops, Thumper also.

 

[grinningghost]

Prayers and good thoughts for Dennis and you too Colleen.

 

[always quiet]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
Just make sure with each treatment theat Dennis makes sure they are radiating the correct area. They do make mistakes. Marie's uncle, who is a lung/brain/bone cancer survivor, had them going to radiate the wrong side of his head one treatment. He said, 'hey, wait a minute!!' They said, 'oops, you're right.'

DAN, YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rcyannacci]

I went through radiation recently, and the only advice I'd have is to be assertive when you have questions. Things can get really busy in a radiation center, but people will stop and slow down when you ask questions.

The Austin Cancer Center was tremendous, and I had great care all around. Something that I really appreciated during my first visit (before the actual treatments) was that the nurse took the time to bring my DH into the room where I would be having the treatments so he could see what would be happening. It took a lot of the mystery out of it for him, and then when I needed to talk about the process he knew what I was talking about. He also saw them making my mask (I received treatment to my head and neck) and showed him how they would be able to pinpoint the radiation area. So if possible, I'd ask if you could join your DH as much as possible.

I'm sure your DH's experience will be different (everyone's is unique) but if you ever want to PM me and ask questions or talk, feel free. I may not have any answers, but I"ll try.

Best of luck tomorrow.

 

[NHAnn]

Cannot suggest questions (my DH has had a couple of melanomas removed, not radiaition or chemo) but wanted to give a and best wishes!!!

 

[Serena]

Colleen, you seem to be dealing with all this really well. I'm sure your husband really appreciates your strength.

I don't have any advice, I just hope things go the very best they can.

 

[rcyannacci]

Originally posted by always quiet
DAN, YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't be overly worried. It becomes very obvious what they are suppose to do. Your DH will become very conscious of the process, most nurses are very good at explaining what's going on the first few time. I would have been very aware if they were doing something different and would have had plenty of time to correct the situation. Even if they did radiate the wrong area one day, the effects would be negligible. With radiation it is all about the accumulation. With my treatment, it took a full 2 weeks of radiation to reach the maximum amount, and then once I stopped it took 2 weeks for it to fall off.

Always be wary, but also allow yourself to have faith in the doctors and nurses because they are professionals and know what to do. It will become obvious if someone doesn't know what they are doing, and if you do see that speak up loud and clear. They know what you are going through and will respect that.

 

[Micca]

Regarding the surgery, is a second opinion in order? Good luck with everything.

 

[tiggerlover]

Sending good thoughts your way for both you and your DH.

 

[CRB#33]

I don't have any advice, just

Take care.

 

[ead79]

My prayers are with you both.

 

[4greatboys]

I just want to say dont be afraid to get a second opinion. If dont like the direction the dr wants to go in or feel uneasy about anything.
My prayers are with your family.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

I hope everything goes okay, I will be thinking of you.

 

[Big V]

Saying a prayer for Dennis and your whole family. I hope everything turns out OK.

 

[kaylajr]

PD and good thoughts headed your way