May 30, 2023

Wow! What a day! Dr. Ozawa confirmed that the tonsil was the primary cancerous tumor, and that the saliva gland was secondary. He then said that I will undergo both chemo (chemical) and radiation treatment. The sooner the better.

Before the treatment starts, I have to have several tests to make sure my body is healthy enough to start the treatment. Today I had an EKG, chest x-ray, urine test and blood tests. They took six small vials of blood! I think my body has no more blood.

Tomorrow I will visit the radiation section to discuss the radiation treatment and then see the head and neck doctor to discuss when the treatment will begin. On Thursday (June 1) I must see the hospital dentist to make sure my teeth are ok.

The treatment will continue for about 10 weeks. I will have radiation treatment everyday from Monday to Friday and rest on Saturday and Sunday. The chemotherapy will be done about once a week. I will be hospitalized for at least 10 weeks. If my condition is good, I could possibly go home then but if I am still in pain, I might stay another two weeks for a total of three months.

Dr. Ozawa is very confident that the treatment will remove all tumors.

I am very lucky that I was introduced to Keio Hospital and especially Dr. Ozawa. The positive things are that I get a three-month vacation, I will quit smoking and lose weight.

Hopefully I will have the dates of the treatment by tomorrow, but it will be very soon, probably next week. I will confirm the teaching schedule soon.