Difficult to hear

We met with the radiation oncologist, Dr R, who told us the lymph node biopsy is positive for cancer. Neither surgery or radiation are options with the recurrence. Dr R recommended we see the medical oncologist, Dr W, who was able to schedule us the next day. Unfortunately chemo also isn't possible because the cancer had recurred so quickly after the last round.

Dr W would like to start James on "Opdivo" immunotherapy and the first infusion is next Friday. There is a slim chance the immunotherapy will hold cancer growth at bay or even reduce. The med onc is a "realist" as James would say, so not overly optimistic. James is the same, I'm opting to be the optimist. We're been scheduled with a palliative care person on Monday who'll assist with pain management amongst other things. The first Opdivo injection will be on Friday and I believe it's every 4-weeks. Best case scenario with Opdivo is it'll reduce cancer to the point where it could be removed surgically or if it holds/reduces cancer and surgery still isn't doable that James could stay on it as long as possible while holding cancer at bay. I will be thinking the good thoughts hoping this new treatment will work. I hope you send your positive energy and thoughts our way too.

For short term relief to symptoms the radiation oncologist has put James on a secondary/increased dose of opiate which we can overlap with the lower dose to help manage the pain. Also a steroid to help with appetite and energy. He's feeling SO much better with the new meds, pain is fairly well controlled. He's able to hold head up again with pain level a constant 5 instead of 10. Today he wound the clock part way then came home and rebuilt/repainted the shed doors. I was drying a bunch of basil in the oven and he said he was craving manicotti. What I would have given to be able to make it but didn't have ricotta or necessary noodles. I did have a little leftover sauce and mozz/parm to pull together a quick english muffin basil "pizza" for similar taste. He graciously said it was good. Cozy Shack tapioca pudding for dessert. Love that he's enjoying eating again even if it's just a tiny bit.