Radiation, here we come!

This week we met with two more members of Matt's team of oncologists at K.U. We liked both of them and felt they were providing us with excellent care. 

Dr. Myron is a medical oncologist.  He reviewed Matt's case and all of his scans.  He agreed with the diagnosis of proximal epitheliod sarcoma.  He explained the disease (all of this familiar) and then he reviewed treatment options (new information).  Chemotherapy has not proven effective for this cancer, partly because this cancer is so rare and there is simply not enough information on it.  If chemo is used, it is if the sarcoma has spread to other parts of the body but even then it does not kill the cancer and cure the patient but sometimes it stabilizes it for a while.  Grim news but hopefully we won't get to that point.  Dr. Myron spoke with Dr. Massey who we met with next.


Dr. Massey's expertise is in radiation.  She and Dr. Myron recommended radiation in this case to stabilize and sterilize the area that still shows cancer.  The question was whether to do it before or after the surgery.  She discussed with Dr. Rosenthal (the sarcoma specialist who will be performing Matt's surgery) and they agreed that radiation before surgery was the best option.  This is because the cavity from which they removed the tumor and the area surrounding it which will need to be removed is so close to important muscles in his body.  Matt's impression is that the preoperative radiation will make the surgery easier.  I can't explain it more clearly because my brain is tired.  Sorry!

Dr. Myron also ordered a PET scan because Matt brought it up.  It will show if there is any inguinal lymph node involvement as well as any cancerous activity in his right leg because for the past several days he has been experiencing very mild pain in his leg muscle.  This could be wholly unrelated to cancer and simply due to fatigue, however, it could also be a concern as tumors can grow anywhere in the body and often present themselves as aches and pains.  We might become hypochondriacs!

The consensus then among his oncology team is to have a PET scan (scheduled for October 29) and then begin IMRT radiation therapy.  It will be 5 days per week for 5 weeks.  He will be able to get it done in St. Joseph as Dr. Massey has complete confidence in the radiation doctor in St. Joe.  Matt will be able to work as normal unless the radiation burn gets too uncomfortable.  The possible and most likely side effects include skin irritation and tenderness especially as the weeks continue, fatigue (beginning the 3rd week) and diarrhea.  Finally, he will have his second surgery by Dr. Rosenthal to get rid of every evidence of remaining cancer in his bum.

Matt felt like he didn't belong at the cancer center.  Neither of us feel like this is real.  It is all so strange and new.  Thank you for your prayers.  We feel their sustaining power!