Dr. Altan, our MDA thoracic doctor, called Tuesday to discuss further plans to treat Ken’s lung cancer. We’re pleased that he has decided to forgo efforts to get a biopsy of the lung tumor and begin the process to set up Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).  It’s not as quick to get started as we’d like, but we’re grateful it’s now being planned.  Ken is scheduled to have a CT scan at MDA April 30th, with appointment to see the Thoracic Radiologist, May 1st.  Another appointment has been made for later that day for the CT Simulation in preparation for SBRT.  We’re told the actual radiation will begin a week or two later and be everyday for 3 - 5 days.  We’ll juggle these treatments with the Graduations for two grandsons (in Waco and in Baton Rouge) in mid-May.  

 

After being put on 40mg Lasix last week, Ken had bloodwork done to check his kidney function Wednesday.  While the EGFR was only slightly low and Creatinine slightly elevated at 1.36, his BUN ratio was very high at 36 (with normal range 7-18mg).  Therefore, our MDA cardiologist said to drop Lasix to 20mg, and monitor his fluid build-up.  He’s still very short winded.  Once we get the lung tumor taken care of, he’ll need to meet with a local cardiologist to get his heart situation in check. 

 

Ken resumed taking 80 mg. of Tagrisso (targeted lung cancer drug) Wednesday at Dr. Altan’s instruction.  

 

It’s been wonderful to be home this week & next to get many chores accomplished and enjoy Springtime in Oxford!  We’ll be back and forth to MDAnderson in Houston for most of May with hopes of eliminating the larger lung cancer tumor.  Then we’ll tackle the prostate cancer with proton radiation in Houston in September & October.  Hopefully, the renal cell carcinoma tumors in the pancreas & kidney will remain stable, that colon cancer won’t return and no new surprises will appear.   

 

Your prayers are our strength and greatly appreciated!  God is good - all the time!