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82<br />
He proposes Taxotere and possibly also 5-FU. The Taxotere would be given once weekly<br />
over about 1 hour in a dose less than if it were to be used as a primary chemotherapeutic<br />
drug. The 5-FU would be given as a slow infusion over 3-5 days using a portable pump.<br />
These would be given at the same time as the Radiation.<br />
I'm pretty bummed about this development.<br />
I have reached out to Dr. N. and to my friend, Bill Podolsky, who is a Radiation<br />
Oncologist for additional opinions.<br />
Planning is to be done Friday and treatment is tentatively set to begin July 11 and to last<br />
5 weeks.<br />
Meanwhile, we are at the Chukchansi Hotel and Casino near Oakhurst about 40 minutes<br />
from Fresno.<br />
So far, I am down $80, but Judy is up $55.<br />
Posted by David Shuster at 07:12PM (-07:00)<br />
Decision Made<br />
Saturday, July 02, 2011<br />
I have heard from Dr. Nghiem. He is encouraging about the plan to enhance the radiation<br />
treatment <strong>with</strong> chemotherapy.<br />
Dr. Podolsky is also encouraging.<br />
I have had my set-up appointment and the treatments will begin on July 12 and continue<br />
for 5 weeks.<br />
I have an appointment <strong>with</strong> Dr. Flam on July 5 to coordinate the chemotherapy.<br />
<strong>My</strong> skin is marked <strong>with</strong> black marker ink and the marks are covered <strong>with</strong> tape. In the first<br />
session, July 12, they will place small skin tattoos for accurate targeting of the radiation.<br />
The most feared complications will be related to the esophagus. Esophagitis, perforation<br />
and stricture are the most common, but the chance of stricture is less than 20%. It occurs<br />
as a late complication as a result of scarring, and can be managed by balloon dilatation.<br />
The set-up includes low resolution CT. I looked at the images which were done <strong>with</strong><br />
some barium in the esophagus. The residual tumor can not be identified <strong>with</strong> certainty<br />
and I believe it has shrunk since my last CT.<br />
In the meantime, my body has a chance to recover from the chemotherapy. I feel quite<br />
good. <strong>My</strong> taste buds seem to have slightly improved. <strong>My</strong> mouth remains too dry. No hair<br />
has fallen out, but no hair grows on my head.<br />
I have arranged to work at Kaiser on Wednesday morning and hope to be able to work<br />
more, both during and after my treatments. I must say I am going somewhat stir-crazy at<br />
home.<br />
We are in the process of planning a family cruise in December and I am confident I will<br />
be healthy and fit so we can all enjoy it.<br />
Posted by David Shuster at 03:40PM (-07:00)<br />
<strong>My</strong> <strong>Battle</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>Merkel</strong> <strong>Cell</strong> <strong>Cancer</strong>
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