Today, Joe began the first of 10 radiation therapy appointments. Joe will receive these radiation treatments Monday through Friday this week, July 30th through August 3rd, and next week, August 6th through August 10th. The radiation itself takes less than 10 minutes each day. This morning's appointment took a little longer because x-rays are taken on day one. (Earlier this month on July 11th, Joe had a 30 minute planning session with the radiation oncologist and the radiation therapy team.)
Joe reported that the treatment room is a bit intimidating with a huge machine and a vault-like door. However, the radiology therapists were great and they have a good communication system in place. Everything went off without a hitch.
The goal of the radiation therapy is to eliminate the tumor that is present in Joe's left femur. On July 12th, Joe had a bone biopsy that confirmed the June PET scan which had shown a tumor in the femur.
Joe was told that the leg (bone) pain he is experiencing may be a little worse before he gets relief. Dr. I, the radiation oncologist tells us radiation should eliminate the bone pain in Joe's leg, although it may take a few weeks to accomplish. Radiation will help prevent any break in the bone, too. As my dad would have said, "Joe, has been a real trooper." And, Joe sure has been.
While Joe settled into the routine for checking into the Swim Center for treatment, Mia entertained patients, visitors, and oncology nurses in the waiting room. Mia is undoubtedly quite the celeb! As Mia and I boarded the elevator returning from a visit outdoors, one of the nurse's from Dr. V's office came up to us. She immediately recognized Mia from this blog!
Lots more is going on this week, too!
Uncle Raymond is arriving from Florida on Thursday for a visit. We look forward to catching up with Ray and attending Great Aunt Sarah's 90th birthday celebration on Sunday with him!
Also happening: We have another visitor, Uncle Ben who had a last minute business trip to Hartford from Edwards Air Force Base. Joe's, Aunt Lis and his cousins are coming from California on Thursday. My mom, (known to her grandchildren as "Gabby") had a heart attack recently. Gabby is feeling much better and my aunts, (Gabby's sisters) are coming to visit her. Joe's, Aunt Lynn from NYC is able to join us, too. We have some family gatherings planned.
Thanks for checking in! Look for tomorrow's post with updates on last weekend!
Love,
Doreen
Swing at Chateau du Sureau, June '12
4 comments:
I check daily for any new reports on Joe. Thanks for keeping everyone updated. I will continue to pray for everyone in your family.
"It's a town full of losers, pullin out of here in a wiiiiiiiiin!!"
Thunder Road is amazing. Keep your head up Joe. We're praying hard for you.
Hi its Sherrie. I wanted to say thank you to Doreen and Joe for the bracelet and the nice note. I am wearing it now and will continue to wear it as Joe fights his battle with the strength and courage he has shown. I will continue to pray for him as prayer is very powerful when you believe. Stay strong!
Love,
Sherrie
hello to Joe and the Garassino family!
Joe, I know you have no idea who I am, but I've known your sister since 2004 or 2005 (when she came to Bucharest and was counting the days she had left in my beautiful city :)) ) and we've been friends ever since. in a way, I feel like I know you a little, too from all her stories.
you know my sister, Ana, who came to visit Lis about 6 years ago.
while I never had the pleasure of meeting you and your mom when you came here, I did get to meet your dad and Denise for a very fun dinner.
I've been following your blog and I wanted to write to tell you that you and all the family have my support and admiration! if there is anything that I can do from here or anything that you want from Romania, don't hesitate to ask!
Romania is going through a very difficult time at the moment. the former communists orchestrated a coup which left us with an idiot for interim president. I won't even discuss the prime minister!
so today, after a referendum and weeks of political bickering, our Constitutional Court is supposed to say if the rightful president can return. I have to say we've been very lucky to count on the support of the EU and the United States. without their reactions who knowns what would have happened?!
anyway, this is in case you were wondering about Romania. I can go on forever when it comes to politics but I promise not all my post will be this long! :)
take care and be sure I am sending lots of love and positive thoughts to you all!
Alex
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