Enter Dr. Ambrad

Yesterday we met with the newest addition to the cast of characters in our journey through cancer.
Dr. Aaron Ambrad, MD, Radiation Oncologist, came highly recommended by our Medical Oncologist, Dr. Polowy, and we felt confident that he is our man for this time.  His open and straightforward approach instilled confidence and we are trusting him to make the best decisions for this stage of our journey.
Dr. Ambrad used his computer to give us our first visual exposure to my PET scan.  He took us through my entire body on his screen and showed us exactly where the trouble spots are and more importantly, where they aren't.  We were again gratified to learn that the affected lymph nodes have not traveled far, at least not at the time of the scan.
Dr. Ambrad proceeded to talk to us about the proposed plan for his part in the great sandwich analogy used by Dr. Polowy when he first talked to us about my cancer treatment.
The top slice of my sandwich is Gemzar, my current infusion chemotherapy administered through a port in my chest.  As mentioned earlier, Gemzar attacks the rogue lymph nodes.  The filling portion of the sandwich consists of radiation and oral chemotherapy, occurring concurrently. The radiation/oral chemo attacks the stubborn and potentially lethal cells that are clustered around the original site of my cancer.  The bottom slice is a return to Gemzar, administered by infusion. 
Dr. Ambrad described the technology he will use in the filling portion of the sandwich.  I will receive 32 radiation/oral chemo treatments, one each day for five days of the week, with weekends off.  My side effects may consist of burning in the area of the radiation and a buffet of "itises", as he put it...colitis, gastritis, etc.  He said that some of his patients have side effects almost immediately and some have minimal side effects throughout the treatment.  (I opted for the latter.)
Dr. Ambrad will ink small tattoos in the targeted areas to facilitate accuracy in the radiation.  When I told him that one of my secret wishes was to get a tattoo in an inconspicuous place before I leave this earth, he offered to tattoo "Party Animal" across my back, tastefully, of course.  I declined.
I am gratefully enjoying my week off from Gemzar and the question of the hour is whether I will embark on a second cycle of Gemzar before starting radiation or whether we will get right to the radiation/chemo phase.  We should know that decision soon.
Although the prophet, Jeremiah, wrote the following words in a different place, for a different time, I have always claimed his words for my life.   "For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11) ESV
Thank You, Lord, for life.