April 24, 2023. Mesa, Arizona.
Home from my pre-op appointments at MD Anderson. Glenda and I spent from 7:30am until 1:00pm at the hospital. I am not happy.
At the meeting with the radiation oncologist, we went over their procedures and discussed all the options there, but the doctor said that after reviewing my case with the immunology and surgery oncologists, his opinion was that radiation may be a adjunct to surgery--after surgery--but, depending on what they found, may not be needed at all--so no restraining mask preparation or practice sessions at this time.
I had my lab work drawn and my EKG done, then we had a nice light lunch in the cafe.
At the meeting with the surgeon (who is my case manager) he confirmed that surgery, for me, was agreed by their tumor board to be the first best action. We discussed all aspects for a half-hour or so. He answered questions for Glenda. We agreed to keep May fourth as the date for my surgery, with a 7:30am show time.
As he prepared to leave he decided to give my ear and the area around it a last cursory examination. After a quick look he got out a flashlight and gave it a second look at which point he said, "Oh, my." Then he got out his camera, took a couple pictures and sat back down. Verdict: my melanoma is being very aggressive and has visibly worsened in a few days. I knew that. He said that perhaps two months of immunotherapy prior to surgery would be prudent after all. I'm to leave the 4th on the calendar for surgery for now, but he's meeting with the immunologist this afternoon to discuss. So, again, we wait for a call
...but this now seems most likely: 8-12 weeks of immunology treatments followed by surgery, followed by reassessment at that time for adjuvent radiation therapy and then an additional year of immunology therapy regardless of yes or no on radiation. I shouldn't need a driver for immunology therapy, but I should have had one for the drive home today as I was not in a good mental state to be driving.
I missed an exit.
Twice.
No comments:
Post a Comment