Treatment plan.

 

Both of my parents are now home.  We were so happy to bring our girls over today to help with some things around the house and let them have time spent together.  

My parents met with the radiologist yesterday and walked through the plan for treatment.  He confirmed that the tumor is self-contained, PTL.  Once the insurance approves the treatment in the next week or so, my dad will begin a five-to-six-week round of chemo and radiation.  

Many appointments are on the calendar this next week for both my mom and dad including an important one with the surgeon to confirm my dad will be a candidate for surgery after they are able to shrink the tumor.  This appointment is on Wednesday and one we are very much anticipating.  

If all goes according to plan, here is what spring will likely look like for my parents:

March 

Dad - chemo and radiation

Mom - rest to strengthen her heart for her upcoming ablation procedure.

April - 

Dad - end of treatment and recovery.

Mom - ablation procedure to hopefully stop the heart from going back into aFib.  The doctors do believe that this has been the cause for the enlarged and weak heart. It's our hope that these interventions will allow the heart to rest and strengthen.  

Late Spring/Early Summer

Dad - Assuming that they are able to successfully shrink the tumor then we anticipate surgery to remove tumor.  It's a big one that includes a long hospital stay.

Obviously, there are a million factors that could alter, change or tweak this course but it's helpful as a family to be able to zoom out a bit to understand their care and needs ahead.  

Do you have any helpful advice about how to help my dad through chemo and radiation?  If so, please comment below.  

Grateful for you.