I just spoke with Dr Randal, who is Eric's surgeon and he was telling me that after looking at Eric's schedule and his response to the chemo, we are going to plan on April 28th (Thursday) for his surgery. There are a couple of things they need to consider when scheduling the surgery. One is the amount of time that has elapsed after the Methetrexate is complete. They need to get as much of the poison out of his system as possible, so his body can heal more effectively after surgery. 2nd to give his body time to get nutrients in there for a better healing time. Dr Randal said that it will be a all day affair and that he will be in the hospital for 3 - 7 days afterwards. Then they will pick up on the treatments on May 9. So we will be 2 weeks later, at this point, but that is okay, it will be fun to have my Eric around to joke with...knowing that there is no April fools, I can handle the joking...:)
They are planning on doing a MRI next week with his treatment so Dr Randal knows what he is looking at as far as the tumor and what needs to go, including discussion about the nerve that runs down his fibula to make his foot lift up. But so far everything is looking really good. It was encouraging to hear the confirmation about staying on schedule and how it is more effective in destroying the cancer cells. If to much time goes by, it gives the cancer cells a chance to regroup.
We had to take Eric down to Xray to look at his port to find out why it is not working well. It appears that some fibers had built up on the end of his tube. They were just preparing to add a stronger drug to dissolve the build up, but it is working like a charm right now. So they are going to give it another hour to make sure it was not a fluke and try again. If it still appears to be flowing well, he will be hooked back up through his port and we can breathe a little easier knowing that, one he will not have to have chemo through his arm next week, nor will they have to replace his port during surgery. What a learning experience.
I'm so glad you have Dr.Randall! He rocks! I felt so much better every time I talked with him. Not to mention his pretty eyes and lashes. :) Are smart docs supposed to have so much energy, and be good looking?! Wow, you really have had to learn alot. You should have a nursing degree by the time summer is over. Tell Eric he's in our prayers, to be strong, or if it gets real tough then tell him to moon a few people and throw things. This helps too. You can also join in on the fun. Take care!
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