Month: May 2017

Day B4 Chemo 3

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It’s 6 days since the last treatment and I see and feel reduction in the size and thickness of the edema on my left cheek and temple. The tumour on the top of my head has shrunk significantly – all good. The swelling around my right eye remains firm although the lower lid is softer … Read more

Chemotherapy Two

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Today another few hours of relaxation – waiting for solutions to be prepared and then the painless flow of fluids into my left arm. The experts in the Sarcoma Daycare really know how to find a vein to insert the drip. My veins occur as being timid – a little shy, hiding under my pale though freckled skin. No worries after being enticed to show themselves and be of service to the one who carries them everywhere. No pain and no side-effects other than a heightened tiredness during the trip home.

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Chemotherapy One

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I had my first chemo-therapy treatment yesterday and as promised, am publishing the experience and the outcome.  The drip into my veins took almost 4 hours. Two solutions (a strong cortisone and then an anti-histamine) to condition my body to take the main drug (PACLitaxel – other name Taxcl) which is toxic to the cancer but also to normal blood cells.No adverse reaction and no obvious side effects from the therapy – today indications of reduced size of sarcomas and drop in pressure in tissues of the right eye. 

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Medical Oncologist – 1st Time

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Today, I met with my Medical Oncologists who, having reviewed my circumstances with my Radiation Oncologists, have recommended a course of chemo-therapy to reduce the size of the sarcomas and so make the radiation treatment (when implemented) more targeted and effective. If you look closely at my head-shot above, you can just see a purplish bump on the top of my head; the red rash-like surface between my left eye and ear; the “orange-peel” surface across my forehead; the swollen tissues around my right eye. There is swelling beyond my right eye that is not visible.

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Radiation Oncologist – 1st Time

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On Tuesday 2nd May, I met with my Sarcoma Specialist. He wants to check with his team to decide whether to do a little mild chemotherapy to reduce the impact of the cancer in my right eye before launching on a five day per week for five-week radiation program – radiation remains the most effective treatment. I’m back to PMH next Tuesday to meet the medical oncologist and for them to outline the treatment program. My head is a mess of sarcomas under my scalp and cheeks. I am optimistic that I’ll be clean after the five-week treatment. Concern is whether the radiation will affect my eyesight / fluids and my saliva glands and ability to talk without external lubrication. 

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Pathology Report

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“You have a very rare form of soft tissue cancer known as a Cutaneous Angiosarcoma” my St Joe Oncologist announced. “I have never seen this before and we have no treatment for you at St,.Joes. I am referring you to the Sarcoma Clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital – phone to set an appointment”.

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