For the most part things have returned to normal. Dad had his 2nd chemo treatment today and his 9th radiation treatment. He still seems tired all the time and his weight has dropped to 195. The RO returns from vacation and will see him on the 7th. We have a scheduled visit with the cardiologist on the 10th. I guess then they will decide what to do about fixing his heart.

The first round of chemo went well. No nausea. We are hoping that this one will be as good to him.

On Christmas day I notice that Dad's tumor appeared to have a tiny "head" on it. It has since "popped" and is draining. I haven't said a whole lot about it to him or my mom, because maybe this is normal (??) but my concern is that the cancer is now breaking through the skin. He says it takes some of the pressure off when it drains. I don't notice any change in the size. Huge is huge. Today when I saw him he was holding a napkin against it.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks and may everyone have a safe and Happy New Year!

Joy

It sounds like a fistula. They are common with infections. The body creates a vent to release the fluid buildup.

Thats how Robins fistula started.I would get to the docs ASAP because what you can see on the outside will only be the tip of the iceberg.....literally,and the sooner it is dealt with the better .In Robins case it was the tumour breaking through the damaged radiated skin,but it is often an infection as Gary said.Deal with it quickly Joy because they break down with amazing speed

love liz

Joy, I agree with Liz. Get it looked at as soon as possible. One, if it's an infection then he can get started on antibiotics. Two, if it's the cancer breaking through, there can be more time to prepare for what's to come and to have pain managenemt ready for him. I pray it's an infection.

Take care,
Minnie

Thanks y'all. Dad is on anti-biotics. He has been since November when they did the biopsy. I talked to mom about this yesterday, not saying too much because I didn't want her to panic. She said they saw it at radiation and chemo yesterday and said it was normal. He will see the RO tomorrow that is filling in while the regular RO is on vacation.

We have been working on managing the pain for a while now. The main med's have steadily increased in the last month. He is now on 75 mcg's of Fentanyl and takes 2 percocet every four hours - which really after 3 hours its starting to wear off.

My gut tells me that this is all palliative care because I don't see how they can shrink this tumor, much less kill it. But I'm not a doctor so I have to stop thinking so much. I have to realize it's still early in his treatments and while I'm not seeing results right now, it doesn't mean that it's not working.

Thanks for your input and letting me vent.

Joy

Joy---my treatment is all palliative--but the chemo shrunk my primary by more than 50%, which I was told was pretty stunning and the best possible result.
I think I now have 3 new metastases in my neck--but yesterday surgeon said if biopsy comes back positive, I may well be offered palliative RT.
I've just taken my pain meds and am smiling through 'palliative'.
Your dad may well be absolutely fine and everything seems to be 'under control' and looked after right now.
Take care,
Brenda

Joy,

I am sorry to hear that your Dad is having such pain. I hope you can get in to see someone quickly about the infection. Just keep thinking about and praying for a positive outcome. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy