Trip to OHSU

We had an uneventful trip to OHSU on Friday. We met with the senior resident in oncology and also the radiation oncologist that specializes in stereotactic radiosurgery. A lot of information in a very short time. They went over all of the previous MRI's, CT scans and plans for future treatment. There are two masses on the left side of the brain that will be treated stereotactically which is high doses of radiation at a very localized area. They will also include the surgical bed of the mass removed in November on the right side. After that, they will continue on to the two areas of the left lung. One is a nodule in the upper lobe of the left lung, the other in the mediastinal lymphnode that is near the lung. The last thing to be addressed is the adrenal gland on the left side. What this means for Mom is more testing and more testing and lots of treatment. We go back up one day next week (not sure of what day yet) for another MRI and a specialized PET scan. Both of these tests are non-invasive but require extended periods of time to set up computers to deliver the high doses of radiation. That means that they have to be very precise! This treatment protocol will be completed in two days on the brain and 5 treatments on the lung every other day. Depending on what day it is started, it may extend over a weekend. Dad plans to take the motor home up and park it in the RV center at the hospital. This is a free service for the first 12 days during treatment. That way Mom can go back and rest between procedures.
So.... a lot to do over the next few weeks. Keeping Mom's spirits up and making sure that she gets plenty of rest and plenty of nutrition are our priorities right now. Her appetite is good and with my Dad's cooking, she can't go wrong! (Just kidding, those of you that know my dad, know that he CANNOT find his way around the kitchen!) Please keep us in your thoughts as we prepare for more treatment.