News from Cleveland

The Monday appointments went well.  The oncologist greeted Larry with "Wow, you look great!"  Both the oncologist and surgeon are pleased with how Larry's recovery is progressing.  They gave us dates for the next phase:

• April 22 - half of a popsicle 3 times per day (nothing else to eat or drink)
• April 29 - radiation planning (there will be another radiation planning appt earlier in the week)
• April 29 - endoscopy (sending a camera down the throat to inspect the work on the esophagus / stomach)
• May 2-6 - in-patient chemo / radiation
• May 9-13 - out-patient radiation
• May 13 - DONE WITH ALL TREATMENTS

The endoscopy will determine when Larry can start eating / drinking.  Once he gets the green light, it will be a two week process to build up to "real" food.  He probably won't feel like eating much during chemo / radiation, so weaning process will likely go through the end of May.

The oncologist shared the good news about the pathology report.  The long term prognosis is much improved because the pathology report shows that the staging changed from stage III before treatment to stage I at time of surgery.  Patients with good response to treatment do much better long-term.

It was a very good trip!

Pat