Radiation Update - 12/31/05

 
Just wanted to give everyone an update on Robin. In a nutshell, Robin just passed the halfway mark in her Radiation treatments last week with her 13th dose. We had a scare when they suspected a brain tumor, but the MRI brain scan showed no tumors. Details of the last three weeks follow.

Robin started radiation treatments on Tuesday, December 13th at UTMB in Galveston. Her coworkers (especially Cathy) have been shuttling Robin to the treatments since she cannot drive. I have gone with her on the days when she meets with the doctors. Robin is receiving radiation in ten fields (an unusually high number), and the treatments take about 30 minutes, if they are moving fast. She is receiving both Proton and Electron radiation.

Dr. Hatch allowed me to watch one of Robin's sessions so that I could tell her what was happening and what the machines looked like (since she still cannot see). Robin lays on her back on a table, with her head tilted back and her hands holding onto a bar above her head. For each field, the radiation technicians must set Robin in the correct position by small changes in the table location under the radiation delivery machine. They have laser beam "cross-hairs" shining on her body from the sides and from above, and they align with the target marks (tattooed) on her body. For some fields, they use a soft silicone mat that keeps the radiation from going too deep (I believe). I believe the proton beams are more focused, and they are scanned across the area of the field (like coloring an area in a coloring book). For (at least some of) the electron fields, they use a "template" (called a "bolus") that restricts the radiation area. The "nozzle" of the radiation delivery machine can rotate 360 degrees so that radiation can be delivered from below, in some of Robin's treatment fields. There is a picture of a machine like the one they use on Robin at

     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_therapy 

If you click on the picture, it will enlarge.

To date, the side effects have not been terribly difficult to deal with. The most difficult has been that she vomited every afternoon at about 5:45-6:00 PM (during her ride home). Sineka, who drives Robin to and from work, pulls over to the side of the freeway, Robin pukes (partially on Sineka's running boards), then they meet me where I attempt to wipe off what I can. I suspect that the radiation is irritating Robin's esophagus, which is already weak due to a Hiatal Hernia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). During the last week, between Christmas and New Years, Robin has not vomited, so maybe that is past us. Besides that side-effect, Robin is starting to have some discomfort in swallowing, and her arms are sore from maintaining her position for so long. All of these are expected, according to the doctors. The arms should get better as she gets used to the treatments, but the other side effects may get worse. The doctor also said that they expect skin irritation or burning and blistering to start in a week or two.

On Monday, December 19th, Doctor Hatch, Robin's radiation oncologist, thought that some of Robin's symptoms might indicate a brain tumor, so she ordered an MRI brain scan. The scan was done on Thursday, and it was negative (Thank God) showing only sinusitis (infection of sinuses in the head). They could see fluid in skull cavities behind the ears (somewhat unusual), but no tumors. As we left after the radiation treatment, the technicians were yelling, "Congratulations on your sinusitis!" I must say, we've never been so happy to have a bad sinus infection.

Regarding her eyesight, Robin is starting to get some minor improvement in the mornings. However, the radiation treatments require her to lay on her back, and that stirs up the blood, so she has absolutely no sight after the treatments. The next visit to the opthamologist will be on January 5th.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We were unable to adopt a family this year, as has been our tradition for many years, but we bought presents and groceries for the parents and unborn child of one family, and groceries for another family. On Christmas Eve, Robin and I had dinner and deserts (including Irish Coffee) with three other couples: Maddoxes, Buckmans, and the Nicholases. We started our Christmas celebration by going to Midnight Mass as a family. It was a little bit difficult for Robin because she could not play piano for Midnight Mass, but it did give Russell a chance to step up, and he did a great job. After opening presents (and more Irish Coffee), we went to Christmas dinner at the Couvillion's, with Maria and Steve Palacios. We all had a great time.

This year, we received many Christmas cards and Christmas letters from friends. Unfortunately, we did not send any this year, and we feel bad about it. After reading several of the Christmas letters recounting all the vacations and accomplishments of our friends, Robin commented, "I guess if we were to write a Christmas letter, it would be a real bummer!" Then, after reflecting a few moments, she completely changed her tune and said, "On the other hand, this year we have received many blessings and we have learned how many people love and care for us". We have been TRULY amazed by the many folks who have been providing us with love, prayers, and support of all kinds. We hardly knew many of you folks before this started over a year ago, and now we consider you to be part of our expanded family. Without going into an extended list, permit us to say that we thank God for the amazing blessings, miracles, and gifts we have received through you folks. And most of all, we thank God for YOU, who have turned a horrible disease into an irreplaceable experience of love and support. I do not know how we could have made it this far without you.

We will never forget you and all you have done for us.

Hope you had as wonderful a Christmas as we did,

Larry & Robin

p.s.—I just gotta mention one gift from our long-time friend, Terry. He sent us a case of toilet paper. But not just any toilet paper. This stuff, made completely from recycled paper, is called "ShitBeGone" toilet paper. We felt that this gift is not only useful, but it is a wish for the New Year. So as Robin moves into the final stage of her treatment, we hope all of you have Happy New Year!!! And may Robin's "ShitBeGone".

--LWB