Wednesday, December 20, 2006

College Orientation

As everyone probably already knows, my dad, Jerry, has metastisized stage IV transitional cell cancer of the bladder. It was diagnosed on the Monday before Thanksgiving and Dad went to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for a second opinion on diagnosis and treatment this Monday December 18th. Nolie had suggested starting a blog to keep people updated on Dad's progress because when she talks to people, she cries. (Note to self: white wine intensifies Nolie's crying. Make sure she sticks to scotch.) I told Nolie I would help her start a blog, but it is quite an undertaking trying to teach my mother such basics as the difference between a web address and an e-mail address. In the mean time, I thought I'd start this with the hope of passing it over to Nolie at some point, or maybe we can both post, or just see how it evolves. Anyway, here's the low down on Jerry for now.

The first day at M. D. Anderson is much like the first day of college orientation. We arrived at 9:00 a.m. for our scheduled appointment and were given our itinerary for the day. There were many tests already scheduled, and some were cancelled after meeting with the oncologist because they were already performed in Dallas, and we brought those test results with us. We were asked to complete The Eight Page Patient Information Form which included questions about cancer history, job history, exposure to chemicals, and my favorite, "tools used in your profession." Dad listed a computer and a slide rule as his tools, and the RN actually said to us while reviewing the form, "What's a slide rule?" We were also given a campus directory and our Student ID, which lists all the key players and their direct contact numbers on our team: Oncologist, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Patient Services Coordinator, and Patient Advocate. My friend, Winnie, says to get to know the Patient Advocate very well.

Arlene Siefker-Radtke M. D. is our oncologist. She totally rocks! She kind of looks like Sally Struthers did when she did All In the Family. She does not look like Sally Struthers does today. Dr. Siefker is very easy to talk to and very easy to understand. In addition to cancelling some of the scheduled tests, she added some different test including a MUGA test; a procedure under anesteseia to determine it the tumor has adhered to the bladder, or is "floating;" some blood work; and a chest x-ray. All of these tests are to determine how well Jerry will be able to withstand chemotherapy, and thus, how aggressive a chemotherapy regimin to persue.

In the shuttle on the way back to the hotel from a day of tests yesterday, Dr. Siefker called Mom to say that she had just reviewed Jerry's abdominal CT that was performed at Zale Lipshey in Dallas, and she wonders if the part of the tumor outside the bladder could actually be a second, separate tumor, and not the bladder tumor that has spread. She thinks this may be the case because the growth is exactly where some lymph nodes were removed when Dad's prostate was removed a couple of years ago. I think that's good news, but I'm not certain. I feel very strongly though, that we never would have learned this if we hadn't gone to M. D. Anderson. He is having a biopsy on that growth today, which may affect what type of chemotherapy Dr. Siefker recommends. Also, Dr. Siefker was not able to say for certain whether the cancer has spread to the bone. There is edema of the hip bone, and the bone is definitely being affected by the cancer, but that is all she is certain of. Dad's low blood count is not necessarily an indication that he's not making blood, but is most likely the result of blood in the urine that is too little to see, but enough to affect his blood count.

We are all very impressed with M. D. Anderson, and I'm very glad Dad chose to keep the appointment. I believe he meets with Dr. Siefker again around 2:30 p.m. CST today, and we should have more information then. She felt like he would begin some form of chemotherapy this week. Everyone we encountered was very nice, professional, and seemed to know what they were doing. Even the Waterfall Cafe seemed more like a Whole Foods than a hospital cafeteria.

I'm not sure how often I'll update here, as this may end up being one of my many fleeting obsessions like TiVo, steam cleaners, or Roomba, but it's too soon to tell. I'll probably send an e-mail whenever Nolie or I update, so if anyone would like to be removed from the list, please let me know. Also, please don't think that I have too much going on to answer the phone. It actually feels good to talk about it, and if I am too busy to answer when you call, please leave a message and I'll get back with you soon. I know some don't have regular access to the Internet (Aunt Sandy), so please do check in with Mom and me. Mom & Dad are staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Medical Center/Reliant Park.

That's all for now. More to follow.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for setting this up. But, don't sell your old Ma short in the techno dept. She's a whiz with Tivo,so she should be able to handle blogging when not distracted by looking after your old Pa.
The two seprate tumors possibility is good. Sounds like he is in good hands.
Dick & Shirley

Unknown said...

I expect this to be a fleeting obsession...I wouldn't expect anything else. If you or your parents need anything night or day, simply call.....love, Suelo

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the news about Jerry. This helps us keep in touch without bothering you when you are busy with tests or doctors.
Tom/Joy

Anonymous said...

Brian, just want you to know that you, Nolie and Jerry are certainly in my prayers. Jim and I now live in Tulsa, but I look at my e-mail daily. Keep us updated.
Jim and Rae

Atha Lea McKim said...

Thanks, Brian, for setting up this info. page. Your up-to-date notes really help me understand what's happening. Please continue.

Nolie & Jerry, remember that I am praying for both of you. God is THE powerful healer, both physically & emotionally. My prayer is that He give both of you comfort, peace, & wisdom to know what to do next. Look UP.
Atha Lea McKim