Dr. Debra Frassica explained the treatment plan as such: a week in the hospital for chemotherapy. (The intent is to kill any cancer cells which may have spread but do not necessarily appear on any test.) Then 2 weeks of radiation. (Which would focus on the tumor & area around it.) Then I would go back in the hospital for another week of chemo; then another 2 weeks of radiation; and then another week of chemo in the hospital. Re-evaluate. If all works out, then 4 weeks of rest & in the 5th week remove the tumor. Depending on the outcome, have a potential of 2 more weeks of radiation, post surgery. This is a very agressive treatment plan but because of my age & general health, the Dr’s think I can handle it. Always room for re-evaluation.
(Week in the hospital = 3 to 4 days)
Chemo Cocktail:
MAID
“M”esna
Doxorubicin (“A”driamycin)
“I”fosfamide
“D”ecarbazine
The overall affects are loss of hair, nausea and /or vomiting, loss of appetite and decreased blood counts.