Eight will be enough.

I am now in single digits in regards to the number of radiation treatments I have left. The radiation oncologist told me there are only eight left, not nine as I had presumed. So for now, March 20 will be the last day for "all" treatments in this ongoing battle. Yes, I said all treatments. Then it will be eight weeks of healing before going back to the hospital to have my first PET/CT scan to see that there is no tumor left inside of me. As far as the erbitux treatments go, they are all but over now. My medical oncologist who saw me yesterday, said that my skin had not healed enough to the point of being able to resume any of the five treatments I had left with it as part of the clinical trial I was involved with. Even with the possibility that I could start back again next Tuesday with it, he said it was going to be very unlikely. He stated that he did not want to risk it, and that I had most likely benefited significantly from the 3 treatments that I had already received. He again also reminded me that of the patients who had developed a significant rash such as mind, they had also shown to have benefited the most from the drug. In other words, with just my three doses, I most likely got a lot of bang for my buck. I have gotten the most out of it, I believe, before it gets the most out of me. As for other side effects, I am taking pain medication about 3 or 4 times a day just to stay ahead of it. No pain in my throat unless I swallow, so I avoid that. My hair never fell out and I have been told that most likely it will not. I have lost weight, and am now under 200 lbs. for the first time in a long time. Unfortunately, muscle is lost before fat and I have gotten pretty weak and scrawny looking as a result. My neck stays pretty red from the radiation treatments and is in constant need of lotion. I seem to be constantly trying to clear my throat and my hearing has become super sensitive at times. I consider these to be small and very insignificant problems in the scope of things. I do know that most likely I could not have been able to deal with these effects so easily without the continued love and support of the most incredible wife. Andrea has done everything in her power to see that I have everything I need in dealing with this. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of me, and for that I will be forever gracious. Thank you to all for the continued support and prayers.