Day 6 Proton Therapy

Dr. O'Reilly visited with Dale today and Dale passed his physical exam with flying colors. Dr. O'Reilly expects the Proton Radiation to destroy the tumor completely. Six weeks after radiation is over, there will be another CT scan to decide the effectiveness of the radiation.

We went to the Proton Therapy Center early today, since Dale's doctor appointment was over early. Thankfully, they took Dale early and we were on our way home at 3pm.

Enjoyed Deer Park Elementary's 4th & 5th choir concert tonight (Emily's first 'teaching' gig)!
Great evening entertainment!

Day 5 Proton Therapy

Jackie and Dale drove back to Houston today in time for Dale's 2pm treatment. They arrived in Pearland around 3pm and are still reporting that Dale doesn't have any side effects from the treatment.

Tomorrow Dale will see Dr. O'Reilly for a "weekly see" (short appointment to ask questions) and then has his 6th treatment.

Day 4 Proton Therapy

Day 4 was Dale and Jackie's first solo trip to the PTC! Yes, Dale drove from Pearland to the Medical Center! Then after an early appointment at 11am....Dale and Jackie headed home. Home to Victoria! They are having a break from the Boedekers and enjoying a few days of downtime. They will return to Houston on Monday for Dale's next treatment and then on to Pearland for the rest of the week!

4 down, 33 to go!

Day 3 Proton Therapy

Day 3 found Dale, Jackie and I arriving early in an attempt to avoid a huge thunderstorm approaching Houston. As luck would have it, when we got the PTC Dad's machine (G1) was down! Lightning had played havoc with the electronics and the technicians were working quickly to reset the machine. Dale's appointment was delayed about 15 minutes. Total time in the back today was 50 minutes. We fought rush hour traffic and were home about 6:30.

Dale is really enjoying the staff at the PTC. They greet him everyday like he's an old friend stopping off at a local tavern for a cold beer! He gives them a hard time and they enjoy the friendly banter.

Dale still isn't having any symptoms..though he has complained that salt isn't tasting salty? Will watch for this complaint more often to see if this is a side effect he is feeling.

Dale's appointment tomorrow will hopefully be moved from 4:30pm to 11am so they can head back to Victoria for the weekend. Jackie's having issues with a swollen ankle and her Dr. in Victoria wants her to have some bloodwork Saturday morning. They will return on Monday for another treatment at 2pm.

So far the living arrangements are working well, although I'm needing to find things for them to do during the day while we're all at work. If any of you have a few hours during the daytime, they'd love a visit or perhaps a drive to Galveston.

Missy and family have returned to Colorado Springs following their extended Spring Break in Texas. It was a great joy to have her along for the first few days of treatment. I think it was great for her to see where Dale will be spending the next 7 weeks of his life!

34 more treatments!

Day 2 Proton Therapy

We all made the now daily trek to MD Anderson's Proton Therapy Center for the 4:30 treatment. Dale got checked in and we moved to the waiting area just about time the fire alarm went off! No real fire, but it took about 30 minutes for the fire department and MD Anderson officials to sweep the building looking for the problem! So Dale's 4:30 appointment was now an hour late and took about 45 minutes.

We stayed at the center after his treatment, so we could join the once monthly tour of the entire facility. Oh my gosh! This was incredible. The brain power and engineering feat to create this technology was amazing. Unless you see this facility you will never comprehend the magnitude of the treatment room! The rotating "gantry" that moves around Dale while he is treated is about 3 stories tall!

We finally left the Proton Center at 8:30 and headed home with a Sonic Burger for dinner!

Dale still feels no effect from the treatment.

Here's a video about Proton Therapy: http://www.mpri.org/flash/presentation.html

mms://mdavs1.mdacc.tmc.edu/media/patiented/108.wmv

Day 1 Proton Therapy

Dale is back at Pearland "home" after his first Proton Therapy radiation treatment. His appointment was a little long today, first time is a little longer than subsequent treatments. We're to be on the lookout for any side effects no matter how small. We'll document those and report weekly to Dr. O'Reilly. Dale will also consult with nutritionist next Monday to review diet.

Dale says you don't feel anything during the treatment. Listened to Roy Orbison sing "Pretty Woman" and a few other requested tunes! Appointments continue daily for 36 more days!

Update from Dr. O'Reilly

Dale's mapping simulation went perfect and his MRI didn't show any cancer in his brain.

Dale will see Dr. O'Reilly on Tuesday, Mar. 24th at 1:30pm for a "weekly see" and then have his first of 37 proton radiation treatments at 4:30pm.

But for now...Jackie and Dale are sorting through their tropical shirts, swimsuits and formal gowns as they pack for their Spring Break 2009 Family Reunion cruise!!! Bon Voyage!

Simulation Mapping complete

Dale had his simulation mapping appointment today. He has been tattoo'd and marked up! He's sporting three huge x's on his torso, they I'm sure are going to clash with his swim trunks next week on the beaches of the Southern Caribbean. Dale also had an MRI of his head today, standard protocol before other cancer treatments at MD Anderson.

Dale rec'd his weekly schedule of treatments, starting Mar. 24th - May 13 at 4:30pm every weekday! He got his "white card" for admission at the Proton Therapy Center.

Dale and Jackie will head back to Victoria tomorrow and get packing for their cruise next week! In a word, we are all giddy with excitement about this great family vacation!