December 15, 2001

Update #19

Good Evening,

Another busy day and if I don't take a few minutes now, it might be tomorrow before I get this done.

Ken and Jeff took off for SLUH for the second simulation on Monday afternoon.  They wanted to be sure the blocks were ready and the numbers were right.  This took about an hour.  Then on Tuesday morning, the actual first dose of radiation began.  It took a little time to be sure things were correct.  They are very thorough!  Dr. Roy decided Jeff's total dose will be 2100 CcGy spread over 14 doses.  He is concerned with Jeff's lungs so they will receive only 50% of the dose.  The actual radiation time is about 30 seconds from the front and 30 seconds from the back daily.  Each day they seem to mark more on him.  He's quite a piece of art!!!  On Thursday, Dr. Roy put Jeff in simulation again just to be sure blocks were lined up properly.  He then saw Jeff for his regular weekly check.  After 7 doses, Dr. Roy will then do a CT scan to check the lungs.  Jeff was able to get in 4 doses this week.  So far, there are no side effects.  The first CBC did show the white count dropped some.  All other counts are in the normal range - first time in months!!!  Jeff also started on fluoride gel to protect his teeth during radiation.  He wears a mouth piece top and bottom for 30 minutes daily.

Jeff went to school some every day this week.  Monday was 1/2 day due to simulation.  Tuesday was again about half a day with first radiation.  Wednesday after radiation, Jeff met up with his French Club in St. Louis for a field trip.  Thursday was half day radiation with another simulation and half day school.  Friday was mostly school with only the first two hours missed for radiation.

We had beautiful snow covering everything Friday morning.  The roads were slushy for part of the way down and snow still fell till about 15 miles south of us.  

Every day we see more hair growing on Jeff. Some of that dark skin from some chemo medicine is beginning to leave also.  

Last Sunday night, Jeff and Ken went to the Savvis Center to see the SLU Billikens play basketball.  The group "Friends of Kids With Cancer" gave Jeff two tickets.  The team won but Jeff wanted them to get 7 more points.  If they get 70 points, each ticket stub gets a free entree at Chevy's!  

Things are going well so far.  Jeff feels fine and keeps up on school work.  Wartburg seems to send something in the mail every few days.  The rear car window needs cleaning to put in the college sticker!!!  I'd better get going again.  Take care and thanks for the continued prayers.

Love,

Marcia