OK. So the best news in the world is that the immunotherapy is working! His tumor is 30% smaller than it was 6 weeks ago, the doctor won’t say what size it is relative to the size when we started treatment. Forgive me if i’m not bouncing off the walls, like I thought I would be, but…
When we went in for the 5th treatment and to get the report for the CT Scan, we got the news that the treatment is working and the tumor is smaller — BUT — Henry is anemic and can’t get the 5th treatment for a couple of weeks. AND — We need to go straight over to the hospital for two units of blood, more blood tests over the next few days and an iron treatment each fo the next two weeks. Whew! So much, and he is more fatigued, having more difficulty breathing, can’t clear the mucus out of his chest and his feet are swelling.
The blood transfusion helped immediately, gave him color and a little energy. However, he is so weak that he must stop once or twice on his way from the bedroom to the kitchen to rest. There are chairs strategically placed so that he can catch his breath. He doesn’t leave his chair all day, for anything. We bring him his coffee, ice tea, food, if he will eat, meds …..
He was able to take his Keytruda and first iron treatment last week. I want to be excited and positive, but just can’t, yet.
It is so frustrating and sad to hear him wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath. He has started waking up at night 2-3 times with mucus blocking his airways. I’m scared and worried and frustrated. We have a pulmonology appointment day after tomorrow. Maybe we can get some answers.
To top it all off my father has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. I feel numb. I take him next week for a biopsy.