11 August 2008 - End of first week of combined radio/chemotherapy

Deb on 11 August, after 1 week of treatment.

First week of the combined radio/chemo therapy now complete. We both approached the start of this treatment with trepidation. We did not know how Deb would react. The doctors had said that an aggressive tumour requires aggressive treatment and the list of side effects for the chemo seems extensive. However we need not have worried. Deb has not had any significant side effects - yet.


On Friday, the radiotherapy was followed by a blood test. The results of that were all in the normal range. In fact both Deb's white and red blood cell count was higher than before she started the treatment.


Today after the radiotherapy we saw the consultant oncologist to review the treatment so far. (It was not Professor Jones - he is on holiday in Russia). The doctor was content with progress. The blood test results were OK. We agreed: 1) Deb would stay on 6mg dose of the steroids until the review next Monday. 2) There was no need to continue with the antinauseant medication. Deb should only take a further tablet if she actually felt sick. 3) At the weekend (when Deb does not have radiotherapy but does still take the chemotherapy) she should take the Temodal in the morning at 0900 or 1000.


While waiting to see the doctor we got talking to other patients with brain tumours. 2 of the patients waiting had a GBM tumour like Deb. One 52 year old male had had most of the tumour removed by surgery, had finished his combined radio/chemo therapy and was now on his chemotherapy cycles. The other, Paula, had found out about her tumour in early May following a fit at work. Her tumour is also in the right frontal lobe and inoperable. She is a little in front of Deb with her treatment and is on week 4 of the radiotherapy. Both looked well and had not had any significant side effects. It was good to speak to others walking the same path as ourselves.

So onward we go: 5 more weeks of radiotherapy.