Bring It

Each day is unpredictable.  Monday and Tuesday were contemplative with some nice visits. Overnight was difficult though--Miles had some breakthrough pain and interrupted sleep.

By the time Miles met the radiation oncologist Wednesday morning, his back pain had accelerated and he was experiencing leg numbness.  By Wednesday night, after his two stationary hours in the MRI tube, we learned there is additional tumor in the spinal canal of his mid-back, slightly compressing the spinal cord.

So Thursday, in addition to his first dose of IV Avastin, he received a prioritized dose of radiation therapy to his thoracic spine. Friday, he got a second hit of photons to the spine and his first to the left knee.  Ten daily doses are scheduled for his back, and five to his knee. 

His pain medications were adjusted, and he started some oral steroids (dexamethasone) to help with swelling.  Together, the modifications have helped. Miles is much more comfortable overnight, and is transferring without pain.  Also, he started the two other meds that are part of this 21-day cycle: sorafenib and cyclophosphamide.

He'll be staying in Boston Monday through Friday next week for daily outpatient radiation therapy and a few office visits.  Meanwhile, he's got a comfortable splint for his right leg, has picked up wheelchair speed since starting steroids, and is enjoying his paced indulgence in that spectacular note jar from school...