New stuff

I had an appointment with my oncologist today. The biggest thing we learned was that I will be stopping my current chemotherapy drugs and starting a new set of chemotherapy drugs. Given that the cancer has been spreading recently (in my spine, and my liver); the oncologist was not happy with the progress of my current chemotherapy drug (Alimta). The new chemotherapy drugs I will be put on are Gemcitabine and Navelbine. Both of these drugs target lung cancer, and other types of cancers. The side effects of the new drugs are expected to be more harsh than what I am currently experiencing (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, flu-like symptoms, low blood counts, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, shortness of breath etc.) All the usual suspects. I will be starting the new drugs next week. Additionally my oncologist will be sending me to Denver to see if there are any chemotherapy drug trials that may be of benefit in my situation.
I finished the radiation treatments on the Tumor on my spine last week. We won't know how successful it was until I get another MRI in a few weeks. Currently the pain in my back and leg is under control through pain killers. Walking is still very difficult and requires a walker to prevent falls. My legs are still very weak, and my right leg is virtually non functional. I will be starting physical therapy in hopes to get the strength back in my legs and hopefully get back to walking soon. -Eric