Tim started radiation on Monday. The radiation targets three areas: the primary tumor, the wall of his duodenum (where his recent bleed happened) and the lymph node that was picked up on his last PET scan. He will have daily radiation for 10 days except weekends and holidays. The goal of the radiation is to reduce the “tumor load” and strengthen the wall of the duodenum before starting a new round of chemo.

Because the radiation unavoidably goes through his stomach, Tim is starting to experience more prolonged nausea. We’re hoping this and other possible side-effects of the radiation are minimal.

Paul will see his Kaiser Oncologist tomorrow, shortly after Tim gets his daily dose of radiation. The Oncologist will go over Paul’s most recent labs and discuss a “maintenance” plan. For those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant like Paul, maintenance usually involves taking a low dose of chemo. The Stanford Oncologist had recommended a maintenance dose of Pomalyst, which is the effective chemo Paul was taking before his transplant.

Butterfly Mariposa Lily (Calochortus venustus)