Molecular level treatment

Watch the video if you are interested in why and how the molecular treatment of lung cancer, also the clinical trial in a very easy to understand presentation.  The speaker is a renowned thoracic oncologist and professor, Dr. Gangara at UC Davis.  We are very fortunate that we have these type of treatment which were only available in the last few years.  There maybe new drugs coming out in the near future. 

Video link: Molecular level cancer treatment

Third Chemo

Met Dr. Dormady in the morning to review the scan result from the two chemo cycles.  The tumors have reduced in size.  Praise to God!  Doctor gave us the choice of stopping now or going forward for two more rounds.  After further discussion, we decided to go for two more rounds.

Chemo is hard, but when battling against the monster, we need to go for the most aggressive regimen that Dad could take.  Thank God that Dad is relatively healthy and his body, according to Dr. Dormady, seems to tolerate the chemo well.  The third chemo started immediately after the meeting.

However, having done the chemo twice did not make the the process easier.  It was still physically and emotionally taxing.  Luckily, the El Carmino Cancer Center has a wonderful nursing team which makes the experience much more bearable.  In fact, if we were there for a different reason such as a minor illness, I would have said that it was a pleasant experience.  

It is very difficult for me to watch Dad receiving the chemo.  Thankfully, Stephanie and Jeff came to accompany Dad.  I decided to get away. 

Alternative complimentary treatment

Ouch! Dad felt the first needle punctured in.  Fortunately, it got easier as more needles were put in.

This is the first time Dad received the acupuncture treatment.  A good friend of ours made the appointment for us with a famous Chinese doctor in the area. Dad agreed to give it a try.

We don't know what the long term effect will be, but Dad fell asleep at the clinic and got a good night sleep after the treatment.  At least for that, it is a good thing.

Flu or side effects

Dad has a tough time in this chemo cycle - it is as if he had a severe flu plus the side effects of the chemo for a week now.  He feels fatigue almost all the time and that is just one of the symptoms.  Please pray for his speedy recovery.  

The doctor has already scheduled the third chemo, the prospect of which makes Dad wince.