Chemo #7 + week review

The latest chain of doctor’s appointments in themselves have been tiring Garrett out, but we found out a few good things and all of Garrett’s symptoms have been holding steady or improving the last few weeks. Here is a summary of the last week or so:

- Images of Garrett’s eyes did not confirm that vision problems are from radiation damage alone, they only confirmed there is pressure on the optic nerve from an unknown source. A head CT scan last week thankfully showed no large/new growth in the skull, but we still do not have a clear reason for his vision disturbances.

- A follow up eye exam showed bleeding at the back of both eyes (seen at the first eye doctor appointment) has decreased! Garrett has not perceived any change in his vision so far, it seems to be staying about the same with some good days and some bad days. We’ll do another exam again in two weeks just to monitor changes.

- We checked back in with our radiation oncologist who is publishing Garrett’s hyperthermia treatments and took another photo of his skin tumor. He also weighed in on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (recommends it) and the vision problems (radiation damage and tumor created bone changes could be the cause).

- Hyperbaric treatments are still on the table to treat his skin tumor and maybe help his eyes heal, but Garrett has not committed to a start date for the treatment yet. It is a big time commitment, so he is not taking it lightly.

- At our chemo appointment yesterday Garrett had impressive blood counts, almost at normal levels! This is the third chemo round where his blood counts have shown some recovery and it continues to be a sign that the cancer is responding to the Adria chemotherapy.

- No appointments so far next week, which is probably just what we need… a week off!