Today (Sunday) I’m off to check into the hospital for my first week of combined radiation and chemo. I’ll be inpatient until Friday evening, getting radiation twice a day and a constant infusion of 5FU and Taxol. This drill is scheduled to repeat every other week for five repetitions. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to it.
The good news this week was that on the most recent CT scan the doctors were unable to find any sign of the primary tumor at all. The chemo has apparently melted that tumor away, which they say happens in about 10-20% of cases. That will allow the radiation area to be smaller and more focused, which should help minimize the side effects.
Our friend Mauri is here from New York this week, so she’ll be keeping me company in the hospital while Michele is working and Mo is at school. And I’ll keep working remotely in between getting zapped.
We went to see the Descendants last night – a terrific, sad yet hopeful movie. Great acting! Now I’m arming myself by downloading TV episodes, podcasts, and music to take to the hospital. Along with the huge pile of books on my bedside table (not to mention all the work I’ve got on my plate), I should be able to occupy my time in the hospital and at home in the coming weeks.
Oren Sreebny 
So glad to hear the good news! Your strength and positive attitude are truly admirable during this difficult time. I hope that this treatment cycle goes well and that the side effects do diminish from what they could have been. Love you!
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Oren,
I was so excited when I heard the news about the chemo disolving the tumor. This is the best news and portends such a good result overall! My eyes tear up even now thinking about it. LIfe is indeed so precious.!
As always, I am standing in your corner, albeit from this distance it may not be so noticeable. Love your approach. You may find out that you will be doing more resting than you anticipated, but whatever occurs, you sound ready for various possibilities, which is so great!
Hugs!
Jody
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Best of luck with everything this week, Oren. Great news about your chemo results, so very glad to hear that.
Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way,
Mairéad
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That is fantastic news Oren. It’s sound like they gave you the right “cocktail”. I’m sure the next part won’t be any fun, but it’s so great that the target area has been reduced to such a small area. Hang in there and don’t give the nurses too much of a hard time … We’ll be there Feb 5 to come fluff your pillows and hold up all those books you are trying to read!
Love Diane and Ron
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Mike and I couldn’t be happier for you about the great news! Not so happy for you that you have to endure the remaining part of the process. However, we admire your strength and fortitude as you move forward successfully!! Love you much and miss you tons!!
Tricia & Mike
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HOORAY!
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Awesome news! Was late to the party in learning about your health scare, but am thrilled with the positive news. You’re one of my favorites. 🙂 Speedy recovery! –gina
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Great news, Oren! I’m thinking about you lots.
Brad
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Way to go, bro! Great news, and we’re all thinking of you.
Dan
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Oren — your great spirit is clearly getting you through this even now. Know that your many friends have you in their hearts and prayers. All the very best!
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Great news, Oren! Good luck with the week. My thoughts are with you.
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We’ll be sending good thoughts your way Oren! – jeanie & tom
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Keep the positive thoughts. Will be thinking of you this week – Jeani Wells
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