Some Complications

We spoke a little too soon on how well Pete has managed his treatments. The cumulative effects of the radiation and especially the chemotherapy have taken quite a toll since my last post. Pete's about to spend his third night at U of M hospital where they are managing the side effects of his treatment: dehydration, anemia, shaky hands, weight loss, and an overall cruddy feeling. All of this is uncomfortable and tedious for Pete, but also typical in cancer patients and totally treatable. He should be released tomorrow, Wednesday.

Pete had one more chemotherapy session planned, but the doctors have decided against it due to the current side effects and the fact that they've gotten a good treatment course in already. He will have a CAT scan in a couple of weeks to see how much the chemo and radiation shrunk the tumor. We thought that the surgery to remove the tumor would be in June sometime, but it will now be in July. Thanks for reading.

Last Day of Radiation!

Today is Pete's last day of radiation, after 3 weeks of treatment. Chemotherapy ends this Tuesday. Pete has withstood treatments as well as can be expected - he's been fatigued and nauseous, but managed that pretty well. As is fairly typical, he's having soreness and a tightening in his esophagus from the radiation, but they are working to make that more comfortable. Now he gets a "break" so to speak, from treatments, but not from doctors. He'll be meeting with his surgeon and other doctors over the next few weeks, and we had originally been told that surgery would be about 3 weeks after radiation and chemo, which would be mid-June sometime. All in all, Pete's doing good and keeping a good attitude.

Pete would like to sincerely thank everyone for the wonderful cards and calls of encouragement - it has meant so much to him and really helped him through this time!