Hello Team Mark !! Today was our big half day meeting at what we are calling Cancer School. We met the doctor and nurse teams that
are assigned to him throughout his treatments. They went A - Z with us, covering what to expect, the treatment schedule, side effects,
nutrition, speech therapy and throat exercises, and so on.
We are still a couple weeks away before the radiation/chemo will begin. Between now and then, the following appointments will need to be completed: 1. Cancer Dentist : A full oral check-up with a specialist who works with cancer patients before oral radiation begins. Goal is to test the strength of teeth, gums, and jaw. Any issues need to be addressed before treatment can start. 2. Mask Making. A mesh mask that forms to Mark's face will be made to be worn during radiation. 3. Medical Oncology Appointment which will involve one final round of x-rays to map his treatment area and finalize the doses to be dispensed each day. 4. Feeding tube insertion. An unfortunate side effect of radiation to the throat area is the inability to swallow enough to get the nutrients required to remain strong. We will then be ready to start feeding him thru the tube once it becomes necessary, instead of having to stop treatment, get the tube inserted, and lose a few days of treatment. It is estimated after radiation is completed, he will continue to need to be fed this way for up to 3 months as his throat repairs itself after the radiation. 5. One final dress rehearsal once all the above is completed, and then treatments should begin the next day. We are estimating 2 weeks before the radiation begins. The radiation has again been confirmed as 35 days, but it will be 5 days a week for 7 weeks. He will get a break on the weekends. The chemo will coincide with the radiation. One chemo day at the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end. (Schedule to be revised as doctors deem necessary.)
That's the scientific update for the day. Now for the emotional update. His spirits are great, he is ready to fight, and we feel a lot better today after many unknowns were answered. Team Mark has already come through big time, and he has begun to receive cards, e-mails, texts, and photos from so many people. The outpouring of love has left us speechless. Thank you so very much. All our love right back at you, Perry