Treatment Has Begun

Dear Friends, 

 

I began treatment this week with my first chemotherapy on Monday. They gave me “loading doses” of four different anti-cancer drugs which really means double doses of some of the meds just to get things started off well. I got through that pretty well although it was really tiring since I was there for about four hours. I began my radiation therapy on Tuesday and it requires a much shorter time in the office, about 15 minutes to get me positioned on the table and then to zap me with the radiation. It is targeted to the tumor in my throat. I will have radiation daily, Monday through Friday, for the next six weeks. I will have chemotherapy every Monday for a number of months. This week will be the easiest week since I don’t have any of the side effects I know I will have soon. I already shaved my head so I don’t have to worry about my hair falling out there, but I imagine I will lose my eyebrows and body hair over the next month or two. 

 

I have my acting classes scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week and hope that I will feel well enough and have enough energy to continue teaching next week.  I have been able to keep up my routine at the gym this week, as well. I feel very positive about this whole journey because I know the doctors are doing their best to keep me alive. I also know I have a lot of supporters out there rooting for me!

 

Thanks so much for your thoughts, prayers, and donations. I am very grateful to all of you.

 

With Love,

Alan