Planning Session and First Melanoma Vaccine

No post yesterday.

Everett spent today at the University, for her Radiation planning session. She had to be there before 7am and could not have breakfast, so I planned our morning such that she went for her car ride right after our morning "run", and before I fed Ansel. I called the medical center around 3pm, and learned she'd be ready for pick up at 3:30pm, so I rushed right over. The poor girl was awake, but very shaky on her feet. She'd undergone anesthesia to keep her still for her whole body CT scan, which apparently went very well. And though I am not certain how it was done, the tumor in her jaw was measured for the series of radiation applications, which start next week. She also received her first melanoma vaccine--one of four shots over the next 6 weeks. When I arrived at the center, the technician who brought her out to me was kind enough to get down on the floor with us, to let me know how Eve's day had been as well as answer my questions. While the groggy Eve stumbled around us, she started to pant and it became immediately obvious the tumor has grown still more--not at all surprising since we know it means business but seeing it's increased size is hard to take. I asked the technician to pass on to the doctor if he thought the radiation is even worthwhile, as the tumor will have another week's growth before it gets zapped. She gave me encouraging words, and we left. Today's weather cooperated for Eve--it reached 35 degrees and so the short walk to the car was no problem for my little stoic trooper.

For the first time in her life, Eve refused food when we reached the house. Even with Ansel present, whom she would normally shove out of the way to reach whatever was proffered, she had no interest in the soft chicken in my hand. Ansel ate it, and then cleaned the bowl of soft food I'd prepared for Everett. She sagged to the rug on the kitchen floor, and I sat in a chair nearby, within her sight. The technician had said she might refuse food--that she might even be groggy into tomorrow morning. But Everett not eat? I'd like to be objective, but I must also be realistic and prepare myself if this is a sign of what's to come.