I know that there is a lot of interest in how the visit with doctor at Dana Farber went. We spent almost three hours in the consultation. Some of the three hours was for the doctor to study Cathy’s medical file. It is a little frustrating but we do not yet have a clear characterization of Cathy’s cancer. It is very unique. In some ways, it acts like a Sarcoma. In some ways it acts like a Carcinoma. They will spend the next 36 hours trying, one more time, to figure out what we are dealing with. We may not have a detail characterization at the end of the studies. We will, however, be able to create a chemo treatment to cover both kinds if there is no additional characterization.
The doctor recognized how aggressive Cathy’s cancer is and had a clear urgency to begin chemo treatment. This is exactly what we felt so we are pleased with this. We have decided that the chemo treatment will be as aggressive as possible while maintaining quality of life. We will likely begin chemo on Thursday in Boston and continue future treatments in Portland.
Cathy was in quite a bit of pain again during the doctor visit. As a result, Cathy was admitted into the Brigham and Women’s Hospital here in Boston. The consultation was with a doctor at Dana Farber and Brigham’s is connected directly to them. The plan is to get Cathy’s pain managed better, to give her fluids, to begin Chemo and to return home on Thursday or Friday.
I try to find humor each day. During admission, the nurse needed to ask Cathy a lot of questions. One of the questions was regarding Cathy’s personal things as they want to make sure that Cathy leaves the hospital with everything she came in with. Dentures: no, jewelry: no, glasses: no, pillows: 2 and so on. At one point, Cathy said, gesturing toward me ‘Put him on the list too as I want to go home with him’. We all laughed and went on with the next set of questions.
5 comments:
SOOOO appreciate the update of yesterday's visit and knowing you are still in Boston. I would agree with Cathy that you need to be put on the 'personal belongings' list Dan. I just means you will end up being chucked into the green plastic hospital bag when Cathy is discharged. I certainly wouldn't want to be going home without you. You are doing a great job so keep it up. The pockets of humour will help to keep you both sane. Apparently our brains need a good 20 laughs a day to be in optimal health so keep it up.
Love and ongoing prayers.Sandx
Hooray for Cathy! I wish you well in this new course of treatment. I see the days of rain in Boston after months of drought as a hopeful sign coinciding with your arrival here. Best wishes,
We will be praying for continued strength for Cathy during the chemotherapy. It's good that she will be an inpatient when she receives her first course.
Thanks for keeping us updated as to how Cathy is doing and the plan. Remembering you both each day with prayers,
Barbara
I imagine that it is a bit frustrating still not knowing exactly what you're dealing with...I hope the next 36 hours can tell the tale.
Good luck with the chemo.
Have a safe drive back to ME.
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