Treatment Plan…
So, we met with Dr. Gruber again on Tuesday to discuss his treatment plan…..his plan is 6 weeks of radiation (5 days/week)-this is conformal/3D radiation-PLUS Temodar (oral chemo) for a minimum of 42 days PLUS Avastin every other week (not chemo-it cuts the blood supply to the tumor cells).
On Wednesday we met with the Radiation Oncologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Their treatment plan consisted of 6 weeks of radiation. No chemo during radiation but possibly afterwards.
Chris was comfortable with both places but finally decided to seek treatment at Overlook since their treatment plan is a little more aggressive right off the bat. Actually, the Radiation Oncologist from MSKCC was calling Dr. Gruber to discuss his experience with the combined treatment since MSKCC doesn’t do that right now.
Next Tuesday Chris goes in for the radiation set-up and then about a week later treatment officially begins.
bugsinthetongue 
sasedgar said,
July 29, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Hey guys,
Sounds like you have a plan and are good with the advice to date. That’s really important. As you move forward, there are some things that can happen with radiation and chemo. You can add me to the list for any questions related to side effects and neat tricks of the trade to make it a little easier.
Amy
csr1 said,
August 1, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Avastin is a member of a new class of drugs; it is very good at blocking growth of new blood vessels, and tumors induce capillaries to grow to feed the expanding solid tissue (normal brain tissue has a very modest level of circulation and does not generally trigger new growth of capillaries). I’m glad to hear that Overlook is propsing an aggressive treatment plan; it is also much more convenient for you to reach on a daily basis, which is, of course a consideration. Hang in there! Carol
lmedeiros said,
August 3, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Hi, Chris–did they tatoo you for the radiation setup?
I’m sure you’re looking forward to getting this underway, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re getting a little anxious too.
It’s going to be quite a ride–but I know you’ll handle it.
We’ll be thinking of you.
Aunt L & the J’s