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A quick update
2012.05.15
Diana asked me to update everyone on what the terms that we are using regarding her progress throughout her journey in the hospital. So, I guess I'll start with where she is right now.
On Wednesday she underwent chemotherapy. Basically, 5 different drugs, making the acronym RCHOP, were intravenously administered to begin destroying the lymphoma mass.
Since then to get her ventilator tubes out of her throat, the doctors had discussed doing a tracheostomy, which would have involved cutting into her trachea through her throat wall and installing a tube, in order to by-pass the upper respiratory area. This would have allowed her to breathe on her own and eat food.
However, today, the doctors decided that it was still too risky at this point to do the operation due to chances of infection, healing of the incision area, etc. That being said they decided to start radiation treatments targeting the local area where the mass is located (throat and upper chest). The radiation is not source derived (meaning it doesn't emanate from a radioactive source) rather, it is basically X-rays set at a specified dose. Today, she received a low level of radiation and will receive additional doses in hopes of reducing the lymphoma mass quicker than the chemotherapy is currently working.
Good news is that the doctors are pleased with the progress that is being made and just want to avoid any un-neccesary surgeries if we can avoid it.
We got the feeding tube taken out as it was bothering her immensely (Sunday) and they needed to remove it anyways to prep for the tracheostomy (which didn't happen). But, today, they applied another feeding tube, albeit slightly smaller in diameter, but through the nasal passage. This was necessary in order to keep Diana fed and also to be able to administer oral painkillers. So, while it is still uncomfortable, it isn't a set back at all!
We're making forward progress and we are thankful for all of your support!
~Estan & Diana
On Wednesday she underwent chemotherapy. Basically, 5 different drugs, making the acronym RCHOP, were intravenously administered to begin destroying the lymphoma mass.
Since then to get her ventilator tubes out of her throat, the doctors had discussed doing a tracheostomy, which would have involved cutting into her trachea through her throat wall and installing a tube, in order to by-pass the upper respiratory area. This would have allowed her to breathe on her own and eat food.
However, today, the doctors decided that it was still too risky at this point to do the operation due to chances of infection, healing of the incision area, etc. That being said they decided to start radiation treatments targeting the local area where the mass is located (throat and upper chest). The radiation is not source derived (meaning it doesn't emanate from a radioactive source) rather, it is basically X-rays set at a specified dose. Today, she received a low level of radiation and will receive additional doses in hopes of reducing the lymphoma mass quicker than the chemotherapy is currently working.
Good news is that the doctors are pleased with the progress that is being made and just want to avoid any un-neccesary surgeries if we can avoid it.
We got the feeding tube taken out as it was bothering her immensely (Sunday) and they needed to remove it anyways to prep for the tracheostomy (which didn't happen). But, today, they applied another feeding tube, albeit slightly smaller in diameter, but through the nasal passage. This was necessary in order to keep Diana fed and also to be able to administer oral painkillers. So, while it is still uncomfortable, it isn't a set back at all!
We're making forward progress and we are thankful for all of your support!
~Estan & Diana
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My thoughts and positive energy are with you all.
liveandletlive · 2012-05-16: 09:09
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Hey Diana - we are all thinking of you and pulling for you here at the DIVEAST Surgeons Office and are praying for a speedy recovery from all of this. Postive energy and good vibes to you and your family!!!!!
PMarshall · 2012-05-17: 12:34
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