Treatment Plan

Monday I begin the 7 week regimen of radiation, and weekly doses of carbo platinum and taxol, also for 7 weeks. There could be more chemotherapy, but it will depend on several contingencies that will be discussed at the end of the 7 weeks. Dubovsky (medical oncologist) prefers another 2 hits of chemotherapy 21 days apart, but again, it will depend on several factors. I will lose my hair (yuck), and if I do not start eating, Dr. D. is threatening to put in a feeding tube (yuckier). So, my goal between now and Monday is to gain no less than 5 lbs. Dr. D. recommends milkshakes, chocolate, Starbuck's Frappaccino in a bottle, and Bailey's Irish Cream. When I complained about the sugar, he told me I was too "rigid." Desperate times call for desperate measures, says he. Once the treatment begins, he expects that I will receive much of my nutrition from smoothies with all the protein additives I can find, including tofu, and protein powders.

Tomorrow I will be instructed on what to expect from chemotherapy (chemotherapy for dummies?), and have a few more x's drawn on my chest for the radiation. All in all, I am relieved that there is a plan, and my weight aside, I am more than ready to begin.

Sweet dreams, everyone.