The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Radiation planned

The lymph node tumors in my chest are still growing at about the same rate. For example, one went from 3cm to 3.5cm. But of greater concern to Dr. Eng is my increasing shortness of breath. And with the post-nasal drip from my cold last week, the coughing has been very bad, even scary. The nodes are constricting my airways. Not good. She wants to radiate the lymph nodes and thinks that will likely improve my breathing significantly. It will be 3-5 weeks of radiation, then three weeks of recovery, then probably back to the trial chemo drug plan. I meet with the radiation oncologist at MD Anderson tomorrow to find out the details.

The coughing has subsided a bit, probably as I get over the cold. My WBC counts are still far too low - as low as they were when I was admitted into the hospital last week at Presby-Dallas. (Incidentally, I did get out after two days - didn't update the blog) MD Anderson is reluctant to put me in the hospital now, especially given I have no fever. I agree.
Right now, it's hard for me to think about anything other than catching my breath back, so the radiation plan sounds good to me.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Greg. We are here as you need.
BoB & Sandra

Ruth said...

We'll be praying the radiation will have the desired outcome, knowing that God is working all things for your good and his glory. We love you.

John & Ruth

Unknown said...

Greg and Christine,
We'll be praying for you. We pray that God will sustain you with strength and love.
John and Kelly

murrayfamily said...

Greg, All of our love and prayers that this plan will ease your breathing. Hope you can listen to some good music in Houston to soothe your soul--lv the murrays

Judy in Delaware said...

What a testimony you are to trusting the Lord to provide for you every step of the way. My prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Greg!
We are definitely "cheering" and praying you on through this. Radiation sounds like the right path for now. Have you ever considered any type of natural/herbal healing throughout this? The owner of Bunn's Natural Foods, Rhonda (www.bunnsnatural.com) in PA has helped us with many personal health issues including my father's cancer problems. They are extremely knowledgable and very reputable in the entire Philly suburban area. Please give them a call (215-355-1165) or e-mail with your health issues and they will research and help anyway they can. Sometimes medicine and natural treatments together work well. I highly recommend it. May God walk with you each and every day!!
John & Debbie Ciavola
Chalfont, PA
"Go Flyers!"