October 27, 2009

Wednesday it begins


Today we went to MGH to get the preliminary measurements and x-rays that will set up the rest of the IMRT procedures that will start tomorrow. The aim is to destroy enough of the central tumor and the lymph nodes that are causing Shelly pain in her chest and back. The number of visits and the intensity of the radiation will be governed by how Shelly responds. Right now we are shooting for four weeks of radiation that should do a number on the cancer and bring some welcome relief.

Once this is done they will revaluate and decide on whether more chemo is indicated. There is an outside chance that some very new radiation technology might be incorporated to hit the spine tumor too, although the tumor is quite small and not very imposing at this time. The chemo might be the better option.

This weekend Shelly was joined by her sisters, Ellen and Debbie for a girls' overnight in Mystic Seaport, CT. They arranged for Shelly and them to spend time in the Beluga whale tank. What a treat. What great girls we have!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 comments:

Alice Freed said...

Three gorgeous and wonderful "girls" is right - and better yet, you are "my" cousins. I wonder how the arrangements for you to spend time in the Beluga tank were made - or probably I should say, I wonder who made the arrangements? Any relation to the person who arranged for the elephant ride? :) I love (and wish I could have a copy of) this photo. Much love to everyone, Alice

Anonymous said...

That is one "WHALE " of a photo, Loved all the smiling faces...even the whale smiled..I am with you today in thought, anyway, hoping that the radiation treatments will not make you feel any side effects, the only side effect I want for you is that it does all it is supposed to do. I will call tonight Love to all, And special Kudos to Cecile B De'mEllen for her Beluga show...I do not know what name you called the Beluga....But I just hate to think of his or her poor fellow Beluga's who wind up as bowls of Cavier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOve Unk E