Scott update and question

[DadofScott]

Hi everyone.

A quick update. Scott completed his third cycle on Friday. Unfortunately, he had a pnuemothorax of his left lung on Friday (right one has had the pluerodesis). They decided to admit him after Chemo and do the inflation procedure with suction - so he got another tube in his chest. By Sunday, they took it out and he was stable, released (matching sutures on both sides, now). We are getting to know the nurses on Oncology at Rush Hospital really well - as well as the entire thoracic team. Scott is hanging in there, but a little worn out from everything (plus, the first week after Chemo seems to be the hardest).

The good news. Scott's Oncologist was actually excited about the lung x-ray. He believes the tumors are much smaller and less apparent on the X-ray. Hope to see a dramatic reduction in HGC a week from next Monday at the start of his fourth Chemo (AFP is already normal).

After the 4xBEP is complete, when would the tumor markers typically be drawn again. Or, for that matter, when and what is the typical follow up. I ask to get a feel of what to expect. Also, we were thinking of taking him down to Florida for a break if he is feeling OK (driving, not flying). Of course, we will discuss everything with his doctor as well.

He's had a rough time of this. We are all a little nervous about what happens after the Chemo is complete. I would assume there is a follow up series of x-ray, CT, and tumor markers - but is that usually done 4 weeks after the last Chemo ends? Also, those of you that went through the 4 cycles BEP - how did you feel after it was over?

Thanks,

Dave

[S L]

I completed 4 BEP in September 2007 and felt fairly good all in all. The only problem was that I developed Bleo Toxicity but I didn't feel bad at all. Getting an RPLND in a few weeks.

Markers, at least in my case, are drawn weekly. The CT scan (with contrast/dye if your creatinine levels are good) is done at the end of the 4 cycles.

Good luck,
Steven

[Margaret]

Hello Dave, first let me say that Boyce and I have both been following your story with your son and we have been praying for his recovery. Your family stays in our thoughts.

Secondly, about your chemo BEP questions. By the 4th round, Boyce was just puny and tired. He seemed to handle the first 3 rounds okay but that last cycle really zapped him. He slept a lot and his eating really suffered. In fact the last day of his cycle I wanted to go out and celebrate. I had this big idea in my mind that the last day would be a party party party and we would go out for a nice dinner. Well, he was in no mood for that and the only thing that sounded good to him was the Waffle House :p .

As far as markers go, Boyce had his drawn before chemo, after round 2 and right after round 4. After round 4 they did a CT scan and determined that an RPLND would be the next step.

Just getting by, every single day is a victory. Your finish line is coming and GodSpeed for his recovery.

[Fed]

Scott is such a trooper, and despite all of the issues he's been facing, he's coming out on top. My assumption is that after he has completed his chemo, he will have a follow-up afterwards to see how his markers are faring and whether there is further reduction in the size of his tumors. I've heard of those follow-ups being done a couple of weeks after he's done, but I'm not completely certain how it works. If anything, it might be worthwhile to track down his markers, since HCG has a short half-life and it should be going down at a decent trot.

The idea of a trip to FL sounds fantastic. You cannot imagine what a bit of normalcy does to one's psyche. Just wait until the weather gets a little better :). All the best to you and your family,

[boyce]

Scott....Hang in there Big Man.

You are in the home stretch for the chemo, and while cycle 4 is no cakewalk...I know you can do it by getting through 1 day at a time.

You should begin to feel better by week 2 after cycle 4. And I would encourage you to find something to do that will celebrate the completion of the chemo step of your treatment. If it is something active like skydiving, or sedentary like laying on a beach.....

You have experienced something that Very few people can relate to. It is brutal and debilitating and just sucks out loud. However, your inner strength and commitment to treatment are to be commended and celebrated. Take some time and pat yourself on the back. You are a Genuine Tough guy!!!

Oh yeah..and you have a support network including your Dad that is totally amazing.....they would love to see you enjoying yourself.

[Mom]

My son had his markers tested every round, in fact his normalized during his second round of 3xBEP. He had a CT scan right after he was done. He started feeling better almost immediately and in fact went to the Super Bowl in Florida the week after his BEP ended. (Eagles still lost.) Please make sure Scott is really protected from the sun. Chemo makes the skin very sensitive. It is wonderful to learn that Scott has responded so well to the chemo. Keep him hydrated! Dianne

[Fish]

I'm glad to hear you have three rounds down and that the oncologist is pleased with Scott's progress. Florida, or any kind of celebration is a great idea and very much deserved.

[Scott]

Florida, here you come! It's great to read that treatment is working, though I'm sorry about the complications. Hang in there Scott and Dave.