Teresa,

You are dealing with an enormous amount of stress now. Please let yourself off the hook and don't worry about telling everyone anything. Clark and I have been through similar things--as soon as one of us said something positive about his recovery to our family and friends, almost the next day another unexpected issue would arise. People heal differently and at their own pace. You are doing a great job as Andy's caregiver. Hang in there.

Anita

Amofostine has nothing to do with blood cell counts. It's purpose is to preserve salivary function and most patients don't tolerate it very well. Most here have had to stop it's use long before the end of treatment. If he is getting IMRT then he probably doesn't need it anyway.

Procrit is the drug they sometimes administer to help with blood count issues.

See http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-treatment/CA00066

Teresa,
Did you say he already has completed 35 treatments? Most of us only get 35 treatments so maybe that is why the RO is willing to give him a break. Why did they think he needed extra weeks?

Take care,
Eileen

Eileen,

I was thinking the same thing. I know I got 70 gy over 35 treatments. I asked about this specifically after hearing it on this site. Originally, someone had listed 40 treatments on my chart. After coming here members thought that was a bit long so I asked. My RO said it was a mistake on an early assessment and that after the planning stage they put in the 35. He also said it was 70 grey units (gy)

Kelly

The maximum I have seen is 72 Gy and at 1.8 Gy/day (maximum fractional daily dose) that would still only add 2 days. 70 to 72 Gy's would be 35 to 37 days respectively.

ur right gary (of course ) . the amifostine is the shot he got each day with the IMRT. he did have to stop taking that one a while back. he does get a shot 2 days after his chemo although i dont know the name of this one.
yes he has already done 35. his planned treatment is 40.

he has a dr appt tomorrow, i will find out more.

If he was getting Procrit it would be administered in his stomach, by injection, daily.

Evidently since the last time I explored prcrit there are additional warning and contraindications for use with H&N patients refer to this link if you are on Procrit.

http://www.procrit.com/

his injections are neupogen once a week.

Hi Theresa, just noticed your husband's Drs appt is tomorrow. Hope you get some of the answers you are looking for.
From a fellow NY sports fan...

didnt make it to the dr today. had severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings. almost blew the top of our gazebo off.