If you missed the post from yesterday you can catch up here.
Here is some of the information we found out during that consult. The doctor was very upfront about not knowing a lot about the cancer because of the rarity of it. He had never seen this cancer in his career. He admitted that he didn’t know the metastatic potential, adding that there is a possibility of it spreading to the lymph nodes. He said that my Dad’s recurrence rate was going to be very high, possibly within 2 years, it could have spread into his neck, they have no way of knowing right now just how far it has spread. He gave an example of the one case study he had found in his research, which left us both with more questions thank answers. He gave us three options:
1. Do nothing. “You are the patient,” he told my Dad. “You can always say ‘no’ and go home.”
2. Have the radiology procedure done.
3. Get a second opinion.
My Dad opted for number 3, the second opinion. He was also advised to get a chest x-ray so that the doctors would have a baseline by which to go by. Although my Dad was not thrilled by this recommendation and is not a fan of radiology, he did nevertheless follow through and have it done. We have since contacted several cancer centers and even had an appointment with one in Philadelphia in October. We however did some more research and decided to go to a different cancer center in New Jersey. At first we had an appointment with a Surgical Oncologist, but my Dad decided he wanted to go to see the Radiology Oncologist first, so now we are waiting on that appointment to be set up. We should have it within the next 24 hours. My Dad has relayed to me that he wants to move very very slowly. I am just hanging in there with him and my Mom, trying to be the best support that I can.
That is where we stand to date.
Wow, it has to be tough not just on your father, but on you too. The waiting for appointments has got to be frustrating. Thank you again for sharing your story with us.
waiting and going slow is so hard, you want the cancer out and gone as quick as possible, at least I did. But sometimes waiting can help. You calm down from initial shock and can see options more clearly. A Second Opinion seems very important here and if possible go to one of the biggest Cancer Centers. I go to Dana Farber. I know that is far from yiou but maybe Sloan Kettering in NY? They may have more experience with this rare disease. Just a thought if possible. Hang in There!
Sometimes going slow is the best course. Rushing into treatment can do more harm than good. I’ve seen it first hand. Hang in there Lovey!
Good luck with the Radiology Oncologist consultation…
The appointment you told me about was the one with surgical oncologist? I hope you get the appointment soon.
Your family is in our prayers every day, and in the twice-weekly prayer chain of our Church as well. I think of you often, and pray that your father may heal, his doctors may be wise and steady, and that all of you may have the strength to endure with good spirits and a positive, happy heart.
xo
Getting a second opinion is always a good idea. I am praying like crazy for all of you! (hugs)
[...] the bumps however are hard to take. As I had stated briefly before the other day in my post “choices” , my Father did a complete 360 over the weekend and decided to go see a Radiology Oncologist [...]