It Takes A Village

Greetings All,
I know - this message comes very soon after my last - and I apologize for that, because with this message I have some more detail about Dad's condition and additional news to share.
Let me start by stating something you might or might not know. Dad is unaware that this Blog about Him exists - Unless you told him! He is aware that I keep everyone up to date, but I am not sure he is aware to what extent.
So, if I might ask you all to be sensitive to this information and not let on how much you know - it would be very appreciated.
So, the news.
Dad had his PET and CAT scans on Monday. He was instructed to call his oncologist Thursday morning first thing to get the summarized results. The oncologist alerted Dad to the fact that the CAT scan (done over various parts of his body) showed an shadowy image in the right brain area. The information was sent to Dad's radiologist for further diagnostics. Dad was instructed to make an appointment with Dr. Barba, the radiologist, today. We both went and here are the results.
Dr. Barba informed Dad that indeed the shadowy image was a small tumor (1.5 centimeters) and it is in the right rear hemisphere of Dad's brain. They will begin aggressive treatment (like they had for Dad's two other experiences). Here is what agressive treatment means: Dad will go in on Monday (Mountainside Hospital) for a staging appointment - they will fit him for a mask (the mask attaches to the table to ensure minimal movement during the treatment); they will assess the dosage and aim of the radiation so that it is most effective in reducing the tumor; he will then begin treatment on Wednesday, Thursday the department is closed and he will resume treatment on Friday and then continue until a total of 20 treatments has been reached.
During the treatments Dad will be put on a steroid again to help in reducing the inflamation (that is actually caused by the radiation) - with the same side effects as before - some retention of water, increased hunger, possible mood swings - the steroids will be dosed so pretty much as soon as he begins his treatments, he will be weaned off of the steroids.
The side effects of the radiation are: possible hair loss (1-2 weeks in, pinkish skin in the scalp area (think sunburn - for which he will be given a cream), and he will continue to experience fatigue.
After 20 treatments they will evaluate the success of the radiology and discuss what will be the next step - as of now - it is too early to say.
Now, you might be thinking, she has not mentioned anything about the neck area, what is the prognosis, what were the results of the radiation on his neck? Dr. Barba, very candidly said, that the results were not what they had expected - the growth did not decrease as hoped, but instead it has "significantly increased". They will continue to monitor this area, but right now their focus is on the brain. The doctor stated they will also have to determine if this growth is "active" or "inactive". I will follow-up with that one as there is not much in the way of information online that is helpful. For right now, despite the increase in size, Dad is not experiencing any other additional pain other than that in his arm.
Okay, I believe that is the up-to-now for now. As we go forward if I have any additional information for you I will share it in this manner. If you have any questions or comments or suggestions, just let me know - you know; it takes a village!
Smooches to all, wishing everyone a most fantastic, love filled holiday!
Gordon-Out