karenulijohn

Yesterday was a very busy hospital day beginning with a follow-up appointment with Harvey’s melanoma surgeon, Dr. Jay Owen at 8:50 AM.  At 12:00 PM he met with Dr. Jones, the radiation oncologist.  After signing release papers and permission papers, and even a survey to assess his mental state, Harvey was escorted into the “radiation room” where he was “mapped.”  They began by doing a CT Scan of his chest area along with a barium swallow to pinpoint the precise area/s to be irradiated.  He was then tattooed with a small dot at several places including the middle of his  abdomen and one on each side along his  bottom rib.  As Dr. Jones explained, they are going to strike at the tumor from a variety of angles rather than one head on burst.  The entire process will take approximately 45 minutes each day including positioning on the table and adjusting the beam to the various points.  Harvey mentioned this morning that he was curious how these tattooed dots were deemed precise when his abdomen fat jiggles and slops over in different directions.  Well, he certainly hasn’t lost his sense of humor!  Treatments begin on Tuesday, July 12th at noon and will continue every weekday through August 23rd.

We had time before the next appointment to have a bite of lunch, so we went back to the cafeteria at the hospital.  I wouldn’t like to eat there every day, but the food is nourishing and filling, if not considered gourmet.  Next on the agenda was a quick visit with Dr. Suhag who showed us photos of his recent trip to Peru and Machu Pichu.  He confirmed that Harvey’s weekly blood levels were very good, and encouraged Harvey to keep hydrated and to keep his weight steady.  I think Dr. Suhag takes great interest in his patients and likes to keep in touch throughout the process.

We then proceeded down the hall to the infusion center.  As we entered the office suite, we encountered a good friend whose daughter is receiving treatment.  We cheerfully greeted each other and were assured that we would probably see each other again since each patient’s treatments are often scheduled for the same day of the week.  Once Harvey was in the chair and had received his pre-meds, he fell fast asleep for about an hour.  I tucked him in and headed for the mall, but I didn’t buy anything.  Remember, I spent all of his money last week.  So far, no side effects to report.  Thank goodness!

Harvey’s earliest appointment of the day with Dr. Owen was bittersweet.  When Dr. Owen came into the examination room, he told Harvey that this would be his last visit with him because he is retiring.  He and his wife have plans to travel and spend some time on the East Coast.  As he examined Harvey, he said that Harvey had made a remarkable recovery from the melanoma, and that he is strong and in good health, and feels certain that he will come through this trial in good shape.  He said that he knew Dr. Graves (the surgeon Harvey is seeing now) when they worked together at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City.  He assured Harvey that he could not be in better hands.  After explaining that the chemotherapy and radiation work synergistically to shrink the tumor, he said that there is a one in three chance that Harvey will not need surgery at all.  He went on to say that, while the surgery is involved, they have done it hundreds of times and the outcomes are very good.  The visit with Dr. Owen boosted Harvey’s morale immeasurably and when, at the end of the appointment, they shook hands, Harvey felt like he was saying goodbye to an old friend.  It is hard not to feel affection for someone who has taken such good care of you for five years.  Godspeed Dr. Owen!