Everything we had hoped for: no change in the tumor.
Conan did get a referral to an ENT to look into all his sinus problems some more :)
This was Conan's 50th visit to UIHC. (I'm not sure who was doing the counting!)
Scan again in 3 months.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, November 9, 2009
Doc Very Happy
Gretta & Conan were in Iowa City today for his check-up:
"The doctor was very happy -- the scan looked good." No change, and it's been 10 months since any chemo.
So even though Iowa and Michigan lost this weekend :( good news on the cancer front.
Someone gave Conan a t-shirt over the summer that says Cancer Sucks. I have never liked using the word suck that way, but in this case I like it. So for another 3 months until his next scan, take that cancer -- we are still winning!
P.S. If he continues to get good results, scans will continue every three months for 2 yrs and then the schedule will lengthen.
"The doctor was very happy -- the scan looked good." No change, and it's been 10 months since any chemo.
So even though Iowa and Michigan lost this weekend :( good news on the cancer front.
Someone gave Conan a t-shirt over the summer that says Cancer Sucks. I have never liked using the word suck that way, but in this case I like it. So for another 3 months until his next scan, take that cancer -- we are still winning!
P.S. If he continues to get good results, scans will continue every three months for 2 yrs and then the schedule will lengthen.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Today's Scan -- No Change!!!!!
After more than 6 months without chemo, the tumor is still not trying to grow.
In Gretta's text to me she said, "I, the untrained radiologist, thought it was a little smaller." While that may be wishful thinking, the fact is Conan is doing great!!!
Unless there are changes in how Conan feels, a scan again in three months.
In Gretta's text to me she said, "I, the untrained radiologist, thought it was a little smaller." While that may be wishful thinking, the fact is Conan is doing great!!!
Unless there are changes in how Conan feels, a scan again in three months.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Good News
There were big delays today at University Hospital & Clinics, so they only saw 2 of the 3 doctors.
The radiologist will still review the films, but the other two saw no change in the tumor.
So unless Conan has symptoms or there are noticeable changes in the tumor size, they will not re-start any chemo.
Scan again in 3 months. (And we will all get nervous again then!)
The radiologist will still review the films, but the other two saw no change in the tumor.
So unless Conan has symptoms or there are noticeable changes in the tumor size, they will not re-start any chemo.
Scan again in 3 months. (And we will all get nervous again then!)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Scan Today - No More Chemo
Great news, no more chemo!!!!
The tumor is smaller and the inflammation is further reduced. Gretta & Conan again reviewed the MRI images and could see where there was improvement. At each visit, its not just the tumor the doctors look at but also that the swelling in the brain is going down.
Conan feels good and the doctors are pleased with his progress. The plan is to re-check in 3 months. What they see at that time will determine the next course. He may not need to start chemo again if the tumor remains unchanged. As always, if he has any problems, the situation will be re-evaluated.
Conan is ecstatic to have reached this point. He didn't feel great, but he responded well to the medication, and it worked well to shrink the tumor.
The tumor is smaller and the inflammation is further reduced. Gretta & Conan again reviewed the MRI images and could see where there was improvement. At each visit, its not just the tumor the doctors look at but also that the swelling in the brain is going down.
Conan feels good and the doctors are pleased with his progress. The plan is to re-check in 3 months. What they see at that time will determine the next course. He may not need to start chemo again if the tumor remains unchanged. As always, if he has any problems, the situation will be re-evaluated.
Conan is ecstatic to have reached this point. He didn't feel great, but he responded well to the medication, and it worked well to shrink the tumor.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Good Check-up
Today's check went well, Round 6 of chemo will begin on Monday, January 6. About 6 weeks later, another MRI will be done and the next piece of the plan put into place.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Round 5
Treatments are continuing as planned, so tonight is the last night of round 5.
The 5 days of Temodar do make Conan very tired. He also feels a bit nauseous, so he doesn't want to eat. And its hard to not feel tired when you aren't eating well. But by the middle of next week, we will expect him to start to come around again.
The 5 days of Temodar do make Conan very tired. He also feels a bit nauseous, so he doesn't want to eat. And its hard to not feel tired when you aren't eating well. But by the middle of next week, we will expect him to start to come around again.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Mini-Vacation
Gretta & Conan came to Minnesota for 5 days as a post-chemo break.
Last dose of round 4 was Friday, Nov. 14. Saturday morning they headed to Iowa City: Gretta went to the football game and Conan slept at Jennifer's house. That night they drove north with Mike & I.
Conan slept or rested most of Sunday & Monday, but Gretta & I did a little shopping and made some Christmas treats. Wednesday we ran up to Minneapolis for a Timberwolves game.
I think they had a nice break from their routine. Conan isn't always sleeping well and he tends to drop a few pounds during the chemo, but he continues to amaze me with his overall healthiness throughout this process.
Last dose of round 4 was Friday, Nov. 14. Saturday morning they headed to Iowa City: Gretta went to the football game and Conan slept at Jennifer's house. That night they drove north with Mike & I.
Conan slept or rested most of Sunday & Monday, but Gretta & I did a little shopping and made some Christmas treats. Wednesday we ran up to Minneapolis for a Timberwolves game.
I think they had a nice break from their routine. Conan isn't always sleeping well and he tends to drop a few pounds during the chemo, but he continues to amaze me with his overall healthiness throughout this process.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Further Shrinkage
The oncologist is pleased with the progress.
Gretta & Conan looked at the scans from today (they hadn't done that last time) and the oncologist pointed out where part of the tumor was removed during surgery, and what has shrunk since August's scan.
There is a chance chemo might extend past the original plan of January, but that will be addressed later.
Blood numbers were also good, so chemo starts again tonight.
Gretta & Conan looked at the scans from today (they hadn't done that last time) and the oncologist pointed out where part of the tumor was removed during surgery, and what has shrunk since August's scan.
There is a chance chemo might extend past the original plan of January, but that will be addressed later.
Blood numbers were also good, so chemo starts again tonight.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Numbers up . . .
Chemo starts tonight; blood counts were better so he can start again.
He was more worn out after round 2 than after round 1, so they expect him to be a little more tired this time around, but he is tolerating the meds well.
He was more worn out after round 2 than after round 1, so they expect him to be a little more tired this time around, but he is tolerating the meds well.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Round 3 will wait until next week
Conan had blood work today and his platelet count was low, so the oncologist is delaying the next round of chemo for a week.
A low platelet count is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Chemo works by destroying cells that grow rapidly; cells in the bone marrow that generate platelets grow rapidly and so are at risk. There are drugs that can be used to help increase the platelet count, and that might be necessary for later months.
He has been rather fatigued the last couple of weeks, and the low platelets are likely part of the cause. His stomach is better, though still not to pre-cancer comfort levels.
Continue to keep Gretta & Conan in your prayers. We have watched them stand strong against many onslaughts. They have been very fortunate in Conan's ability to withstand his treatments: he has not been hospitalized at all since his surgery.
A low platelet count is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Chemo works by destroying cells that grow rapidly; cells in the bone marrow that generate platelets grow rapidly and so are at risk. There are drugs that can be used to help increase the platelet count, and that might be necessary for later months.
He has been rather fatigued the last couple of weeks, and the low platelets are likely part of the cause. His stomach is better, though still not to pre-cancer comfort levels.
Continue to keep Gretta & Conan in your prayers. We have watched them stand strong against many onslaughts. They have been very fortunate in Conan's ability to withstand his treatments: he has not been hospitalized at all since his surgery.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Derelict Blogger!
I haven't reported much lately, in part because there haven't been many changes recently.
Conan's blood work was good on Monday, so round 2 of chemo began on Tuesday.
His biggest complaint remains his stomach discomfort. He had an abdominal CT performed: it confirmed that his stomach is completely full of air, but no reason was found. He started a different med for his stomach, and got some reduction in his discomfort, but they are still looking for more relief.
Conan's blood work was good on Monday, so round 2 of chemo began on Tuesday.
His biggest complaint remains his stomach discomfort. He had an abdominal CT performed: it confirmed that his stomach is completely full of air, but no reason was found. He started a different med for his stomach, and got some reduction in his discomfort, but they are still looking for more relief.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
First 5-Day Round Completed
The first of 6 planned sets of high dose Temodar treatments are complete. Conan again responded well, with no bouts of nausea. He started boys soccer practices this week in the midst of treatments and didn't miss a one! There will be some blood tests in the next three weeks to watch for and avoid infection.
We held a graveside service for Isabella yesterday. We miss her. Gretta has a follow-up appointment with her doctor this week and that will determine when she goes back to work.
We held a graveside service for Isabella yesterday. We miss her. Gretta has a follow-up appointment with her doctor this week and that will determine when she goes back to work.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Progress
Conan's appointments went well today. The tumor is smaller and is not pressing on his brain as much as before. He will have another scan in 2 to 3 months, and the doctors fully expect the tumor to continue shrinking.
He is to start the 6 4-week rotations of high dose temador tomorrow. It will still be in a pill form, and he can take it at home. The higher dosage will cause greater side effects (nausea among others).
Unfortunately our joy at a positive progress report was lost in our grief. Gretta went into premature labor on Friday. Their daughter Isabella Rose was stillborn on Sunday morning at 2:38 am. She weighed 8.5 ounces and was 8.75 inches long. Gretta & Conan were able to hold her and there was a short naming ceremony with a baptism. Physically, Gretta is healing well, and came home from the hospital Sunday afternoon. They have not finalized plans, but a short service will be held at the cemetery.
He is to start the 6 4-week rotations of high dose temador tomorrow. It will still be in a pill form, and he can take it at home. The higher dosage will cause greater side effects (nausea among others).
Unfortunately our joy at a positive progress report was lost in our grief. Gretta went into premature labor on Friday. Their daughter Isabella Rose was stillborn on Sunday morning at 2:38 am. She weighed 8.5 ounces and was 8.75 inches long. Gretta & Conan were able to hold her and there was a short naming ceremony with a baptism. Physically, Gretta is healing well, and came home from the hospital Sunday afternoon. They have not finalized plans, but a short service will be held at the cemetery.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Straight Line Winds
Short update:
Monday morning (July 21) straight line winds knocked out the electricity for much of the Illinois Quad-Cities and surrounding area. Of course, Gretta & Conan lost power. Today (Friday, the 25) their house is one of about 8000 in Rock Island still without power. So if you sent an e-mail or tried to leave a message at the house, you will have to wait a bit longer for a response.
Conan is feeling well. He ran a soccer camp this month and took a short trip to Texas with a friend.
Gretta & the baby are doing well too. Gretta's clothes are getting a little snug, and the nausea she experienced has subsided.
PS: Power was restored on Saturday afternoon.
Monday morning (July 21) straight line winds knocked out the electricity for much of the Illinois Quad-Cities and surrounding area. Of course, Gretta & Conan lost power. Today (Friday, the 25) their house is one of about 8000 in Rock Island still without power. So if you sent an e-mail or tried to leave a message at the house, you will have to wait a bit longer for a response.
Conan is feeling well. He ran a soccer camp this month and took a short trip to Texas with a friend.
Gretta & the baby are doing well too. Gretta's clothes are getting a little snug, and the nausea she experienced has subsided.
PS: Power was restored on Saturday afternoon.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Some answers . . .
The radiation was scheduled for 34 treatments. And those 34 treatments are complete. It's neither good nor bad, it just is the step in the journey.
If you've ever watched a sci-fi movie about nuclear energy or nuclear war, you know that exposure to excess radiation damages cells. The radiation oncologist (and this is true of any cancer that receives radiation therapy) tries to harness that power to target malignant cells and at the same time reduce damage to healthy tissue. That's why Conan had to keep still during treatments. But its also why there is a point at which more radiation will do more harm than good.
As to the chemotherapy hiatus, by studying other patients through the ages, pharmaceutical companies establish patterns for distributing their medicines. The current protocol for Temodar is to treat with a low dose during radiation therapy and then increase the dose as I explained in my last post.
If you've ever watched a sci-fi movie about nuclear energy or nuclear war, you know that exposure to excess radiation damages cells. The radiation oncologist (and this is true of any cancer that receives radiation therapy) tries to harness that power to target malignant cells and at the same time reduce damage to healthy tissue. That's why Conan had to keep still during treatments. But its also why there is a point at which more radiation will do more harm than good.
As to the chemotherapy hiatus, by studying other patients through the ages, pharmaceutical companies establish patterns for distributing their medicines. The current protocol for Temodar is to treat with a low dose during radiation therapy and then increase the dose as I explained in my last post.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Radiation -- DONE
The radiation treatments are complete. The small dose chemotherapy is also done.
Conan had a bit of a letdown when the radiation finished -- a feeling that now he isn't actively fighting the tumor. And while he will not miss that daily round trip to Iowa City, it did help define his days.
The next big step will be the middle of August. There will be a CT scan and the big dose chemo will start. It will be the same medicine, still pill form, but a larger dose. The current plan is to have 6 sets of 1 week on, 3 weeks off.
The other big news in the lives of Conan and Gretta is that they are expecting a baby (due date January 2). They've heard the heartbeat and had an ultrasound about two weeks ago; Gretta and the baby are doing well.
Conan had a bit of a letdown when the radiation finished -- a feeling that now he isn't actively fighting the tumor. And while he will not miss that daily round trip to Iowa City, it did help define his days.
The next big step will be the middle of August. There will be a CT scan and the big dose chemo will start. It will be the same medicine, still pill form, but a larger dose. The current plan is to have 6 sets of 1 week on, 3 weeks off.
The other big news in the lives of Conan and Gretta is that they are expecting a baby (due date January 2). They've heard the heartbeat and had an ultrasound about two weeks ago; Gretta and the baby are doing well.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Travel getting easier
Conan has 7 more treatments -- there will be 2 treatments on July 3. (6 hours apart)
For the most part he doesn't feel ill, but he doesn't feel good either. He is so thankful he hasn't been hospitalized since the surgery, but he gets frustrated because he doesn't feel good either.
The roads in and around Iowa City are opening up, but the two main routes from 80 to the hospital are still closed.
For the most part he doesn't feel ill, but he doesn't feel good either. He is so thankful he hasn't been hospitalized since the surgery, but he gets frustrated because he doesn't feel good either.
The roads in and around Iowa City are opening up, but the two main routes from 80 to the hospital are still closed.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
CAUTION: Water on Roadway
No medical changes, but there is travel information I thought you might be wondering about.
Sunday night Conan & Gretta drove to Iowa City via Burlington. It made the trip 3 times longer, but they arrived safe and dry. They stayed in Iowa City Sunday and Monday nights with Gretta's sister Jennifer.
I-80 opened back up on Monday afternoon, so Tuesday's drive home was normal. The bridge they used to cross the Mississippi at Burlington has since closed.
In Iowa City, the routes in and out of town are still extremely limited. Today is the first day the hospital is having non-essential staff and patients, so traffic will be unpleasant. The rest of the University is closed to students and staff all week.
They did see both the radiation oncologist and the medical oncologist on Monday and Conan had a plain MRI and a contrast MRI. As I had mentioned earlier, the doctors didn't expect to see much change on the MRI at this time. Everything is looking all right and so treatment will continue as planned.
Sunday night Conan & Gretta drove to Iowa City via Burlington. It made the trip 3 times longer, but they arrived safe and dry. They stayed in Iowa City Sunday and Monday nights with Gretta's sister Jennifer.
I-80 opened back up on Monday afternoon, so Tuesday's drive home was normal. The bridge they used to cross the Mississippi at Burlington has since closed.
In Iowa City, the routes in and out of town are still extremely limited. Today is the first day the hospital is having non-essential staff and patients, so traffic will be unpleasant. The rest of the University is closed to students and staff all week.
They did see both the radiation oncologist and the medical oncologist on Monday and Conan had a plain MRI and a contrast MRI. As I had mentioned earlier, the doctors didn't expect to see much change on the MRI at this time. Everything is looking all right and so treatment will continue as planned.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Long Day
I don't usually post twice in one day, but I thought you should get an update.
Conan's trip today took 11 hours. He left Rock Island today at about 8:30 am with his friend Chris behind the wheel. It was about 11:30 when they got to University Hospitals. (usually an hour trip) They left the hospital at noon, but kept trying roads and then would have to turn back. (It sounds like many law enforcement officials tried to be helpful and offer alternate routes all day, but roads kept closing) Around 4:00 pm they were back to Iowa City to restart their detours. They are just now getting home at 7:30 pm.
Also, Conan & Gretta got water in the basement of their house during last night's storm. A number of helpers (Eric, Jim, Joseph and some others) came over and cleaned things out this afternoon. BIG THANK YOUS to them.
Conan's trip today took 11 hours. He left Rock Island today at about 8:30 am with his friend Chris behind the wheel. It was about 11:30 when they got to University Hospitals. (usually an hour trip) They left the hospital at noon, but kept trying roads and then would have to turn back. (It sounds like many law enforcement officials tried to be helpful and offer alternate routes all day, but roads kept closing) Around 4:00 pm they were back to Iowa City to restart their detours. They are just now getting home at 7:30 pm.
Also, Conan & Gretta got water in the basement of their house during last night's storm. A number of helpers (Eric, Jim, Joseph and some others) came over and cleaned things out this afternoon. BIG THANK YOUS to them.
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