Radiation Done & Side Effects --- 08-15-2010

As you may recall, Robin's radiation oncologist recommended that she be radiated on both right and left femurs (thigh bones, near the hip connection), and in the pelvic bones, as well, since they were heavily involved. Instead of one week of radiation in one area, she got two weeks in several areas. Our past experience has been that the side effects of radiation really start getting bad after the radiation is done. Well, Robin's last radiation treatment was Tuesday, and the side effects from the pelvic radiation treatments were quick to follow on Wednesday. Without going into great details, let me just say that Robin has not been experiencing her normal problem of constipation. Imodium has now become a staple of her diet. In addition to this radical change, Robin has again contracted another Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) on Thursday. The UTI is probably indirectly related to the radiation, as well. I had to beg Robin to call the doctor about the UTI, and she fought me for 24 hours, but finally gave in when I told her how much I hate spending my weekends in the Emergency Room. (Refer to May 4th and July 11th). Robin's doctor traded an antibiotic prescription for a urine sample. The latter, they will test, and maybe change the prescription on Monday.

Of course, these maladies make Robin very weak, and they make it impractical to leave the house or have visitors. It also means that Robin needs to have someone nearby for cleanup. John is leaving to return to college tomorrow (8/16), so I'll be on my own again. Hopefully, she will be over these problems in a week or so.

On Thursday night, Robin will begin another battery of scans and tests to determine whether the radiation has helped. Thursday and Friday, she is scheduled for MRIs. Normally, Robin has to be knocked out for MRIs, and the anesthesia usually causes extreme nausea (which usually causes her eyes to bleed). On Tuesday, 8/24, Robin will get blood tests and PET Scans. Then on Thursday, 8/26, she will meet with her oncologist to discuss the test results and to determine whether she can start the chemo treatment study (Avandia with Exemestane). She will also get her monthly dose of Zometa (bone medicine) at that time.

Please continue to keep Robin in your prayers. We hope the radiation has been worth the effects, and she can get started on a new chemo treatment soon.

We continue to pray for you each day, and we thank God for the gift you have been to us.

Once again, thank you,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John