The next phase of Matt’s treatment plan is a neoadjuvant therapy of 28 radiation treatments beginning on May 22nd (the kids’ last day of school) and ending July 1st. These visits are only like 30 minutes long! On radiation days he’ll also take 3 pills in the AM and PM of Xeloda, an oral chemotherapy drug meant to stop metastatic cancer cells dead in their tracks. Xeloda acts similarly to the 5FU pump he’s worn for 2 days after FOLFOXIRI chemotherapy infusions. The main side effect we’re watching out for is possible hand and foot syndrome (not to be confused with hand foot mouth disease caused by a virus), and actually the pills arrived with a tube of thick Udderly Smooth cream high in urea for daily prevention/treatment.
If all goes as planned then colorectal surgery may take place 6 to 8 weeks after radiation ends, so maybe mid to late August? Adios tumor!
Hoping to have an easy summer with some hikes, rest, a beach week and lots of pool time! I aim to update here again mid-June.
As always, we’re so grateful for your kindness and love. So far, so good! 💙
