Martin continues to be challanged with pain! The radiation of Martin's chest and neck was a success as he no longer has pain in this area .. it has also helped with his breathing and coughing. The new challenge has been pain in his sacral and hip area. This has kept him up many nights recently. On May 11th we travelled to Vancouver for Martin's check up with the oncologist. We were informed the cancer drug Afinitor is not working. The next cancer drug to try will be Nexovar. We also met with Dr Sugar who is a palliative care doctor Martin has been seeing at the Loins gate hospital (extremely nice guy) to review medications. Several of the medications have been increased which is helping to control the pain. Martin has recently been having a problem with his left eye, so we had arranged for an appointment with a specialist the same day. After examination it was discovered that there are some masses in both of Martin's eyes and we were sent back to the oncologist who suggested Martin have some ratiation on these , and sent us for a scan. So all in all it was not a good day. We went home very tired, and emotionally drained.
The next day we got a call from the radiation oncologist Dr Sing ( Martin says she is the Julia Child of radiation oncology..... asian with an english accent, and a really nice lady) to arrange an appointment for the next day (friday 13th) to review the scan and to have the first of five radiation treatments. Martin`s cancer is unusual in that it has spread through the lymphatic system which has affected the lining of the brain and also the tissue behind the eyes. Therefore the whole brain has to be radiated. Her expectation is that the eyesight will not get any worse at best but may not improve, but if he did nothing he would eventually go blind. A special mask was made and he had his first treatment that day. It is truely amazing what they can do these days with all the specialized equipment! He had a second treatment Saturday morning (fortunately we had gone prepared to stay over) then returned to Pemberton. Martin will have three more treatments starting on Monday so we will be staying in Vancouver for those.
Martin also mentioned to Dr Sing about the pain in his hips and she sent him for an exray ..... she may also do some radiation there as well, at the same time, but it will only take one treatment.
The change in medications seems to be making Martin more comfortable but the radiation makes him very tired. We continue to go along day by day, thankful for the time we spend with Martin.
Anne Holloway (MOM)
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Thanks very much for the update, Anne. As one of Marty's many co-workers, I appreciate the being able to read about Marty and his battle. Please pass our love on to him! Marty - you are in our thoughts and prayers! You are an inspiration!
Anne - I understand that Marty's diet is pretty carefully managed these days. Is there anything that the BC Parks folks can do to help support you and the rest of Marty's support crew? Can we bring you any meals while you are in Van? Let us know - there are a number of us not too far away from Lion's Gate. You can email me robert dot w dot wilson at gov dot bc dot ca.
anne, thank you for continuing to post on this blog. i emailed martin recently but had not heard back. now, i understand why. i am so glad that you are there for him and that phil was there recently.
marty, you are a rock star to everyone that knows you. keep fighting, my friend. keep being the role model that you are to all of us. and mostly, keep us all in YOUR thoughts...we are all sending you good vibes and love you.
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