Tuesday we spent all day at Hopkins. First we met with the department fellow, who explained a lot about the cancer and what the likely process would be to treat and remove it. Then after a long and nervous wait, they had me do a new CT scan - the old one was very poor quality. Finally around 4:00 we were able to do what we had come for: meet with the doctors who manage chemo and radiation. It was a very long, nerve-wracking day.

They are recommending chemo first. A round of chemo is four dosages, with each one done two weeks apart. A dosage requires 48 hours. So, each round requires six weeks from start to finish to administer all four doses. After each round I will go back for tests, scans, and evaluations. Most patients require two rounds, though some get only one and some require three.

Assuming things go as hoped, I would then do radiation therapy. There are two possible protocols for that; one takes five weeks, the other two months if I remember correctly. And if the radiation goes as planned, I would then have surgery to remove the tumor, maybe around a late Fall time frame.

The doctors clearly know what they are doing, as they are specialists in this cancer and treat dozens of patients. I feel confident that I will receive care and expertise equal to any available in the world. It is also clear, though, that the course of the treatment is far from certain, and there are many possible challenges along the way. I know it's going to be very difficult, but I am ready to go.

Today we met with the doctor and nurses who will supervise the chemotherapy, here in Fairfax. They explained the process in detail, including the various drugs and how they will be administered. Then we met with the nurse who manages all of the scheduling and coordination. She set me up to have an infusion port implanted in my chest on Monday, and to take the two hour training class on Tuesday. We should get the schedule for the first round of chemo tomorrow, and we expect to start later next week or the week after that (the week of June 8th). So, with luck my treatment will begin in about a week.

It's all still overwhelming, I can't begin to describe the emotions and feelings. I'm grateful to have friends, family, and great doctors who give me the hope I'll need to get through it all.