I had a swallow study done today, modified barium swallow, which SLP, actually a Phd, and Radiologist, found that some food does get caught up around my epiglotis, due to radiation, and goes into my windpipe causing my chocking, and right side was working fine. The SLP had me turn my head to the left, my most radiated, and only surgical side, to swallow, and swallowed perfectly. In fact, it worked so well, the SLP, who also a researcher, done many studies, abstracts, book collaborations, wants to use my video to show how well this technique works, which I had no problem signing away. SLP also commentated that my swallowing is quite good with all I went through.

I'm also in a follow study for Proton Radiation, and have to do nothing. There are so few studies with Proton therapy treatment that they want to follow patients until 2017.

I told my hospital social worker, and oncologist's secretary that I wasn't going to have chemo at the hospital, and opted for local treatment instead since the commute would be too much, and take 4 hours minimum turnaround, and still need to get to NJ for radiation, and both understood. Hopefully the doctor will too, and the SW said to do what works for me, not the hospital. He did say he will be in contact with ProCure's social worker in regards to housing, transportation, and hopefully the 5 major NYC hospitals involved will come up with alternatives, and said I was the first patient from my hospital being sent to NJ for Proton treatment.

Th next week will be busy. I have a blood test tomorrow. On Thursday I have appointments to see the dental oncologist since my teeth are hurting, and just want him to take a look at everything being I'll be doing Chemoradiation soon, and for him to know HBO, and extractions will be on hold since that was supposed to be done after surgery. The same day, same offices, I will see my ENT, probably look at the swallow study, give his blessings for radiation, but my case(s) are often brought up at the tumor board meetings, but when I last saw him three weeks ago, radiation, chemo was not mentioned yet. On Monday, I see my PCP, Tuesday my local oncologist, who is also my hemotologist for 6 years, I have chronic anemia, and then on Wednesday, I have chemo orientation with the nursing staff, and to sign papers.

I still want to see the cardiologist before treatment starts, regarding my dissected carotid, high Bp, and with my nephrologist, although my kidney levels are improving, they are still high, and at my base levels now with creatinine at 2.3 and GFR at 31, but not 7.2 they were in May, 8 GFR, I was lucky not to be put on dialysis, and have chronic kidney disease anyway, so I can see chemo effecting them, other blood levels too, and another reason feeling comfortable having chemo close to home with all my other doctors around.

One question, what additional anti medications do they give you with weekly Carboplatin?