Before chemo today, Ernie's Oncologist examined the tumor. After gaging him a few times to get a good look, she said that the tumor is about 50% smaller than before chemo. The lumps on his lymph nodes are also smaller. This explains why Ernie has less pain when he eats and why his voice has returned to normal. So, things are definitely headed in the right direction.
In 6 weeks (end of chemo) they will repeat the MRI and, depending on what they see, decide if Ernie will be subjected to 5.5 weeks or 7 weeks of radiation plus chemo--sounds kind of like Ground Hog day. At this point they will also decide on the feeding tube. Right now, they seem inclined to let him try without if he qualifies for the 5.5 weeks of chemoradiation. While all of this is happening, we may get a week to 10 days off as well! Of course, that adds to the total time here.
We have about an hour and a half of chemo left to go. They have added magnesium to the many bags of stuff being pumped into him. "The chemo drugs waste magnesium." Somehow, Ernie manages to maintain his sense of humor throughout it all. He says that he draws strength from me but it is really the other way around.
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