Just the (circumstantial) facts please, Doctor
So I have taken the last couple of days to wrap my head around what Dr. Kauh, MaryBeth, and I spoke about on Tuesday. Remember when (and you might not) the mass on my pancreas was first found and none of the docs wanted to call it pancreatic cancer; Essentially the idea was that it looks like a pancreatic tumor; it’s behaving like a pancreatic tumor; etc. that it MAY be pancreatic. They couldn’t be sure until it had been biopsied to tell for sure.
Scoot forward to how crappy I have been feeling since August; the fact that I have lost more than 35lbs recently; I have no appetite; the bio-marker for pancreatic cancer has been increasing fairly dramatically (if you’ll recall, for the 2 years after surgery, I had single digit biomarker. Two tests ago, the biomarker jumped from 5 to 13 and at the last test, it went from 13 to 30); and there appears to be a “haze” at the base of the mesenteric artery. Looking at the Gestalt of it all, it appears prudent to move forward as if my cancer is back. Having said that, our children know that I have not been feeling well and that the doctor has put me on some new medication to help. We have not addressed whether my cancer is back or not.
Dr. Kauh looked at some clinical trials before putting me on xeloda (a new chemo treatment — he discussed it as the oral version of 5FU. I’ll be on a 2 weeks on / 1 week off.
In terms of doctor’s visits; I have one with a pain specialist on Friday, but I’m hoping to move that up earlier. I have one with Dr. Kauh at the beginning of November; and I am trying to set up an appointment with Dr. Von Hoff (I got the number of his personal Secretary this weekend and I will be calling to find out exactly what records they will need from me.
More Later,
Merle
In terms of doctor’s appointments
Merle,
I just want you to know that you (and your family) are in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing man, a tremendous fighter with so much spirit… with the love of such a great family (and so many friends!) behind you all the way. Hold onto that and know so many of us are holding you up in our hearts.
~Suzanne Nemeth
Oh, Merle – I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you as you go through this struggle again. I hope you can continue to be strong – you are one of the strongest people I know! As is Mary Beth – please let her know she is in my thoughts as well.
Laurie