CT and Consult update

Feel free to skip to ========= for the skinny.

Houston traffic and the usual morning backlog followed us to the hospital this morning.  Parking the truck was also a bit of a challenge, but we managed and found the Main building.  MD Anderson has a large presence in the downtown area.  I’ve been downtown many times, but it’s amazing how you have a tendency to overlook massive buildings that don’t “apply” to you.

After I gave blood we had a three hour wait with a lovely banana flavored barium milkshake before the CT.  We sat in the cafe where the wi-fi is strong, working and looking at various house options.  I scanned the room with the stark realization that everyone in the cafe was somehow touched by a cancerous disease.  Armbands, skull caps and bandanas identified the patients, while family members, friends, and hospital workers sat together or pushed their loved ones in wheelchairs.  I was thankful to be able to walk freely on my own.  I prayed for strength.

We have received numerous emails and messages from caring friends and family.  We are blessed to hear of all the survivor stories, the reminders that God is a Healer, and how He has beat the statistical odds that might otherwise scare someone.  Once again I want to thank everyone for your prayers and messages of concern and encouragement.  We had a rough night when we took our eyes off the Healer in a weak moment, but we know that God is in control and this is a beatable disease.

Just before I was to go back for my CT, a wonderful surprise occurred.  Our friends Bob and Patty arrived!  When they woke up, Bob said to Patty, “we’re going to Houston,” and off they drove, four hours from Dallas just to sit with us and keep us company.  How they found us in the maize of buildings was a miracle in itself.  It was a welcome visit!  I felt comfort during the prep time and scan knowing that Tim was with them in the waiting area.  I went back alone, but I was not alone.  Another barium milkshake, and IV for the contrast CT, in a waiting room full of men and women waiting for a scan.  People come from all over to this facility, as it is known for being the best.  I met a lady from Kentucky and another from Florida.  This provided comfort during the wait.  The IV contrast was an interesting experience.  He said I would feel “warm,” but that was an understatement.  Fortunately that part only lasted a minute or two.

After the CT we walked across the skybridge to Mays Clinic where we had another lengthy wait to see the oncologist.  The 2:30 appointment turned to 4:00, and I believe I was the last appointment of his day.  Just as the cards came out, they called my name.  I think the girls won that game, but if not, we will pretend.

It was a multicultural experience, with a Canadian Fellow and a Mexican oncologist.  They were both very thorough.  The Fellow is finishing his residency to specialize in oncology.  He examined and instructed, spending about 40 minutes with me and Tim.  Then “the Boss,” as the Fellow referred to Dr. Valero, entered the room to concur with his impressions.  The two of them spent another 40 minutes discussing my case and providing direction, then we were off for another drive through Houston’s traffic.

It was a very long day.

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The good news is, they do not believe this is inflammatory breast cancer.  That was a huge relief.  They did not have all my films and results to say for sure, but both the Fellow and the oncologist (who is the head of the inflammatory breast cancer team) agreed with this diagnosis.  Dr. Valero indicated that while it is not inflammatory breast cancer, this is an aggressive cancer, “triple hormone positive” currently in Stage III, so this means 6 months of chemo followed by a mastectomy and radiation.  He wants more tests.  Another ultrasound, an MRI, another mammogram, and of course the bone scan all to be done on Thursday.  At the end of the day (4:00 central time), a multi-disciplinary team will meet with us to discuss all of the test results, confirm the diagnosis, and provide a definitive course of action.  Prayers will be needed all day Thursday.